Hello, my name is Victoria Neuville and I am an aviation addict; so much so, that I turned it into a career. In my almost decade long career as an aviation insurance agent, my views of the aviation industry have formed differently compared to that of a career pilot. My profession, in addition to 15 years of flying behind me and recently becoming a flight instructor have introduced me to many great aircraft. One that has always stood out to me was the Sonex line of airplanes.

At first introduction at EAA AirVenture/Oshkosh years ago, the Sonex almost appeared like a toy to me. It was smaller than what I was used to flying then and its boxy build had me curious who was flying these things. I noted, however, that the low build cost could not be beat! It was not until I started speaking regularly with those that have built and flown a Sonex aircraft that I became convinced this experimental aircraft was something special. When Robbie Culver, president of the Sonex builders Foundation asked me to contribute to their newsletter, I knew I had to give Sonex pilots and owners honest feedback on the status of the Sonex aircraft through the insurance industry’s eyes.

As you may have heard, the ever-cyclical insurance market has entered a period of rising premiums with increasing restrictions and training requirements. This is the result of an insurance market saturated with aviation underwriters fighting over your business with one sole bargaining tool: price. The market would not have remained viable without increased rates and a focus on increasing safety. These increases have hit homebuilt, tailwheel, retractable gear aircraft and rotorcraft the most. Increases are averaging 10-30% and sometimes more.

Zeroing in on the Sonex specifically, despite over 600 kits completed, it can be difficult to locate a CFI with Sonex experience to provide the required insurance checkout. Often, a CFI’s Sonex time is minimal. In addition, dual instruction is not possible in the single seat Onex or SubSonex. As single experimental aircraft generally are not available, it is nearly impossible to build time in a non-owned Sonex prior to the completion of a build. Quality of training and pilot experience play a large factor in the underwriting of this aircraft. Hence, you will see new-to-Sonex pilots paying a heftier rate compared to that of a seasoned Sonex flyer. As the aircraft popularity grows, hopefully these hurdles will become a thing of the past.

The good news is that aviation is always evolving, and with that, pilots. If we as a group place an emphasis on training and increased safety perhaps the rates will eventually reflect the incredible value of these homebuilt aircraft.

If you are looking to build or purchase a Sonex aircraft, Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) shops all the major aviation insurance markets to obtain the best available rates on your aviation risk. Call 301-682-6200 or apply only today to obtain a competitive quote from a knowledgeable agent and pilot!

The post Sonex Aircraft – A Look Through an Aviation Insurance Agent’s Eyes appeared first on Aviation Insurance Resources.

Gyroplanes, or also called, gyrocopters offer the epitome of flight. Combining the benefits of rotorcraft and fixed wing airplanes, they are agile, allow the wind in your hair, and have been historically inexpensive to operate. However, with insurance rates on the rise many gyro owners would have to disagree on the latter.

The hardening aviation insurance market

Historically, aircraft insurance rates were very cyclical with a 3 to 5 year hard market featuring higher rates and rigid requirements followed by a 3 to 5 year soft market where pilots would experience low rates and flexibility. The insurance industry is now emerging from an almost decade long soft market. The cost of claims has increased and with the low premiums insurance underwriters have found themselves losing money. In order to preserve the vitality of the aviation insurance market, underwriters are increasing rates a minimum of 10-30% and tightening underwriting requirements. Recently, another aviation insurance underwriter who previously was the most competitive for gyroplane insurance decided to exit the gyro market citing the poor loss ratio on this class of aircraft.

Not your father’s gyro

A popular argument from gyro pilots is that the underwriters view gyroplanes as they were in the past, a light aircraft quickly built in a garage with an untrustworthy two-stroke engine. Today’s gyros look futuristic compared to popular gyros such as the Benson decades earlier. They are sturdier, with reliable four-stroke engines, have higher horsepower, and some, like the AutoGyro Calidus and Cavalon, are type-certified by the FAA! With a more complex and certified gyroplane, however, comes a higher purchase price and therefore insurance premium. These factors create the additional responsibility of proper training to insure people and property both inside and outside the aircraft are kept safe.

Safety first

“Proper training in any aircraft is key to safety.” Starr Aviation underwriter Jeffrey Tippins recently stated during a discussion on gyrocopter insurance. Starr has been a supporter of gyroplane insurance from the beginning but stresses that increasing gyroplane safety is the only way to see a reduction of rates in the years to come.

One such operation dedicated to increasing gyro safety is Gyropedia.com, an online resource center for gyro training. Pilots can watch training videos online, CFIs can record pilot experience, and insurance underwriters can view pilot progress to best rate the insurance policy. But it’s a team effort. ALL gyronauts must work together towards the common goal through standardized and regular gyro training.

Pilots Protecting Pilots

Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) was at the forefront of the Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) movement being the first to get underwriters to write this class of aircraft. It was no different with gyroplane or gyrocopter insurance due to the lasting and respectful relationships built with underwriters over the years. This has not changed with the hardening market and they continue to provide the gyro community with customer service with integrity and the best available rates. To obtain your gyro insurance quote call 301-682-6200 or request a gyroplane insurance quote online today!

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Victoria after her CFI check ride on October 25th

Countless hours were spent on lesson plans, months of studying the ins and outs of every aviation subject, and many flights getting used to commercial maneuvers from the right seat in the aircraft. All the time and energy spent culminated with a day-long check ride and I was branded a certified flight instructor (CFI). I had accomplished a huge milestone for any pilot, and I thought the hard part was over. It wasn’t. I then realized the large responsibility I now bore to properly mentor safe pilots and maintain my proficiency going forward.

One of the most nerve-wrecking moments for a CFI is sending their student out on their first solo around the pattern or a solo cross country. I know I will be holding my breath until they are safely back on the ground! By endorsing a student’s logbook for solo, the CFI is stating that the student has been properly trained and prepared for such a task. Unfortunately, accidents can happen and that can come back on the flight instructor for negligent instruction.

I have been selling CFI non-owned insurance for over 9 years, and the true importance of this coverage suddenly hit me as I could now personally be affected. This is your defense if you were to become liable for negligent instruction, like in the example above, or for damages incurred to a non-owned aircraft while providing dual instruction. Often, a CFI policy costs less than an hour of a lawyer’s time!

When I began training to become a flight instructor, I immediately became a member of the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE). SAFE provides members-only important flight instructor resources, mentoring, and educational programs. Most importantly, they offer the exclusive SAFE CFI Non-Owned Aircraft Liability program in partnership with Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR). I’m excited to announce that I now lead this program at AIR!

The SAFE CFI policy has limits up to $1,000,000 liability and $200,000 for physical damage to the non-owned aircraft. Unlike the competition, the policy also includes coverage for experimental, restricted category aircraft, light sport aircraft, single engine seaplanes, and multi engine land aircraft. As a SAFE member you’ll receive an instant 5% discount. If you have had no claims, you can reduce your premium by an additional 5%. Master instructors can receive a 10% discount and if you have achieved a level of FAA Wings within the past year another 5% can be taken off. That’s a potential of 20% in savings!

My first plan of action as a newly-minted CFI is to remain flying from the right seat and treat every flight (with friends, pilots or otherwise) as a learning experience. Before I take on my first official CFI role, my first plan of action is to hop on to the simple SAFE CFI policy portal and start my own policy. If you have any questions regarding the SAFE CFI program, call 301-682-6200 to speak with me or any of our knowledgeable pilots and agents!

The post CFI Insurance: The Perspective of a New Instructor appeared first on Aviation Insurance Resources.

Photo from https://www.vansaircraft.com

Founded in 1973, Van’s Aircraft, Inc. is arguably the most successful kit airplane in the market. Reporting their 10,000^th homebuilt aircraft flown in 2017 the RV series aircraft can be found at countless airports throughout the country. Flown with a light touch and available in variants from aerobatic to light sport, let’s look at the current Van’s RV aircraft available:

Van’s RV3 – Single seat, tailwheel configuration

Van’s RV4 – Two seat tandem aircraft with conventional gear

Van’s RV7/RV7A – Two seat side by side aircraft available in tailwheel or tricycle configuration

Van’s RV8/RV8A – Going back to tandem style the RV8 can be built as a tailwheel or tri gear

Van’s RV9 – Side by side two seat RV that is non-aerobatic and available in tailwheel or tri gear

Van’s RV10 – The only four seat model designed by Van’s RV

Van’s RV12 – Van’s entered the light sport market with the side by side RV12

Van’s RV14 – The latest Van’s has to offer with a two seat, side by side, aerobatic aircraft

Insurance carriers also trust in the Van’s RV series. So much so that carriers that historically would not insure experimental aircraft will write Van’s aircraft. Aircraft insurance on the Van’s RVs have some of the best rates available for experienced pilots.

If you are a current or prospective Van’s RV owner, the agents and pilots at Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) can easily guide you through the process of insuring your experimental aircraft. We can even provide affordable builders‘ risk insurance while under construction. AIR shops all the major aviation insurance markets to obtain the best available rates and coverage. Call 301-682-6200 or request an aircraft insurance quote online today!

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“To remain a proficient pilot, you should always keep learning,” Harden explained. “Getting my rotor add-on was the perfect way to do that!”

Harden has looked at several models of helicopter to purchase including the Safari Helicopter, a Robinson R22 like he learned in, an R44, a Bell, or an Enstrom. He has even looked into purchasing a gyrocopter, specifically the MTO Sport.

“I could stay on the phone for hours with my clients talking about their helicopters and gyros,” he laughed. “It’s time to get my own!

Harden’s private helicopter add on rating required a minimum of 20 hours dual instruction, 10 hours solo, a written exam, and a practical test. Since he was already a pilot with aviation experience, his focus was mostly geared towards the fundamentals of helicopter flight as well as how helicopter differ from airplane operations. When he pursues the purchase of a gyrocopter, he’ll require some additional transition training for his gyro endorsement.

Purchasing insurance will be the easiest task when Harden brings home a new aircraft, for he’s been in the aircraft insurance business for over 38 years! When Harden formed AIR, he made sure he worked with all the major aviation insurance markets. By shopping each of these markets, he obtains the best rate and the broadest coverage for the aircraft at hand. Countless helicopter owners and renters continue to trust Harden and his team for their helicopter insurance every year.

Harden is not the only pilot at AIR. In fact, he only hires pilots! Therefore, every agent you talk to at Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) has the insurance and aviation industry knowledge to fully protect your aircraft risk. To get started on your helicopter insurance quote, call 301-682-6200 or complete a aviation insurance quote request online today!

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Patrick A. Smith, the project manager of the Lighter Than Air division at AIR is a commercial multi engine rated pilot, certified flight instructor, and LTA pilot. He has logged over 3,000 hours since 2004 and has been flying balloons since 2009. Since 2011 he has been operating his family-owned hot air balloon ride operation, and is currently flying a Kubicek 130 and providing promotions in a custom built Padelt 36 cloud hopper.

Patrick and the AIR team promise superior customer service that AIR has built its reputation on. And Balloon owners and Pilots can expect a new and simple policy application process. In celebration of this new partnership, AIR will be raffling off a free Digitool for pilots who sign up for the AIR newsletter or request a quote! Visit www.AIR-PROS.com/LTA to sign up and to obtain your free insurance quote today!

About T.H.E.

T.H.E. has been a leader in the lighter than air insurance industry for the past 9 years, with a dedicated claims and underwriting staff. With this new partnership they continue to be one of the leading hot air balloon insurance providers in the United States. For more information on T.H.E. visit theinsco.com.

About Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR)

Since 1999, AIR has remained closely connected to the industry they serve, many of their customers are friends and some are even family. This is because all the agents at AIR are pilots and understand the needs and challenges in owning or renting an aircraft and aviation related businesses. No matter your involvement in aviation, AIR can provide a comprehensive yet economical solution for your needs. For an aircraft insurance quote call 301-898-2120 or fill out a quote request online today.

The post T.H.E. Continues to write Hot Air Balloon Insurance through New Partnership appeared first on Aviation Insurance Resources.

Gliders can be launched in several ways; by winch, bungee, gravity and one of the most popular, by a tow plane. Common tow aircraft are Citabria, Super Cubs and Piper Pawnees. While a tailwheel aircraft has been preferred among glider pilots, many clubs have utilized a Cessna 172 or 182 as well.

Some gliders are installed with engines and can self-launch. These are known as motor gliders. Even though they seem like a powered aircraft, only a glider rating is required to fly a motor glider. Pilots enjoy the added flexibility of a motor glider. Since you can self-launch, no tow plane or other launch assistance is required. In addition, during days with less lift, simply turn on the engine and you have a fuel-efficient powered aircraft.

Are you looking into learning to fly glider aircraft? Or perhaps you already tow for a glider club, provide glider instruction? The agents and pilots at Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) have the glider insurance solution for you. We shop all the major aviation insurance markets to provide you with the best rate and the broadest coverage available. Call 301-682-6200 or submit a quote request online to get your glider insurance today!

The post Glider Aircraft Insurance appeared first on Aviation Insurance Resources.

Any entity with a board of directors should have a D&O policy. Setting one up is quick and easy and usually runs small operations under $1,000 in premium annually. Larger companies can have the option to add crime, employment practices, and general liability coverage to their policy as well.

Who in aviation may need a D&O policy?

• Flying clubs
• Private airports
• Association airports
• Aviation organizations
• Aviation groups that involves a membership

Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) provides a full range of aviation insurance products to clients of all sizes throughout the United States. Whether you rent or own an aircraft, or run an aviation business, AIR has the risk solution for you. All the knowledgeable insurance agents at AIR are pilots, so they have first-hand experience in the industry they serve. To see how AIR can assist your business or organization, call 301-682-6200 or visit us online today!

The post Does your Aviation Organization Need Directors & Officers Insurance? appeared first on Aviation Insurance Resources.

The Bald Eagle Flying Club calls Portland International Jetport (KPWM) in Portland, ME their home. With rates under $100 an hour wet, member pilots find themselves flying more often than before. Safety is a top priority for the club and two of the club board members also perform duties as maintenance officers.

To join the club all a pilot needs to do is complete an application in addition to one of the following four items:

• Have a current member you know sponsor you – you may indicate the name of your sponsor in the application below.
• Attend a meeting and introduce yourself. Meetings are held every third Monday at 7:00 PM in the Communications Center Conference Room at the Portland International Jetport, KPWM.
• Arrange for an interview with a board member. Board member contact information may be found here.
• Download and complete the Portland Jetport SIDA badge application – needed for ramp access. Application may be found here.

While several carriers will easily insure a club with multiple Cessna 172s, Bald Eagle Flying club discovered a predicament when they decided to purchase the Van’s RV12. They currently had their aircraft insurance placed with direct writer, Avemco, who would not add the Van’s RV12 to their insured fleet. It was time to find a new aircraft insurance route. That’s when the club approached aircraft insurance agent and pilot, Chris Wolbert of Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR).

Unlike direct writer, Avemco, AIR is a broker that represents all the major aviation insurance markets. When Chris shopped the markets, he was able to provide Bald Eagle Flying Club the broadest package of protection at the best available rate-including the Van’s RV12!

AIR insures all things aviation: from flying clubs (no matter the size) to corporate fleets and even balloonos! Most importantly, all the agents at AIR are pilots themselves. To obtain your aircraft insurance quote complete a quote request online or call 301-682-6200 today!

The post Flying Club Spotlight – Bald Eagle Flying Club appeared first on Aviation Insurance Resources.

The term “rotary-wing aircraft” refers to vehicles that use lift produced by narrow wings revolving around a mast to become airborne. These aircraft are also known as rotorcraft or more commonly as helicopters. Other aircraft like autogyros and gyrodynes fall into this category as well. In many ways more costly to purchase, operate, and maintain than fixed wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft require proper insurance backed by a reliable provider to protect owners and operators from risk.

Categorizing Rotary-Wing Aircraft: Piston vs. Turbine Power Systems in Helicopters

There are many ways to categorize rotary-wing aircraft when it comes to providing aviation insurance. One of the primary differentiators is the type of power system used: piston engines (or reciprocating engines) and turbine engines (typically gas turbine engines).

Piston engines tend to be used in smaller helicopters as they provide a lower lift capacity. For example, most training helicopters have piston engines. Because these engines are relatively simple and inexpensive to operate, they generally cost less to insure.

Turbine engines are more powerful and provide a higher lift capacity. They are typically the choice for helicopters that perform any type of work function, from transporting personnel to lifting and carrying supplies. In some cases, a contract may even mandate that twin turbine engine helicopters be used. Turbine engines are more expensive to operate and consequently cost more to insure due to lower hull values but they often attract higher hull rates.

Who and What is Covered by Helicopter Insurance?

Rotary-wing aircraft insurance can be obtained by people and organizations in a variety of classes. This includes individual owner operators (sometimes referred to as the “private business and pleasure” class or PB&P), large companies or organizations with commercial fleets where some aspect of “hire and reward” is present, industrial aid uses where professional, full-time pilots operate the helicopter, and agricultural uses.

Some examples include:

• Municipalities
• Commercial operations
• Corporate flight departments
• Energy companies and utilities
• Farming and ranching operations
• Forestry and logging
• Air ambulance services

The helicopter insurance policies these individuals or entities take out cover physical damage to the asset itself. This hull coverage is subject to certain deductibles. The policies also cover liability, which can be broken down into the government-mandated public liability and the per passenger limits.

There are a number of ways to arrange these coverages. For example, a helicopter might only require ground coverage (or “not in motion” coverage), and the minimum mandated public liability insurance would suffice. Or, it could be that in-flight coverage is required with passenger and associated sublimits. Or, finally, you could combine the two types of liability into what is called a combined single limit policy that is typically well above the required minimum coverages.

Rotary-wing aircraft insurance can also have what are known as ancillary coverages or extensions, which vary based on whether the helicopter will be used privately or commercially. With private use, there are ancillary coverages for risks like premises liability (“slip and fall” incidents at the airport, for example) and others.

With commercial use, there is a long list of ancillary coverage options that can be added depending on the type of operation. These include:

• Additional insurance for contract holders
• Coverage for the inventory of spare parts (rotors, engine parts, etc.) that helicopter operators typically maintain
• Knowledge and consent coverage
• Product liability coverage
• Hangar keepers exposure

There are also many of what are called “endorsements” that can be added to a policy. These amendments are used to change the terms or scope of a base helicopter insurance policy.

How Does Rotary-Wing Aircraft Insurance Differ From Fixed-Wing Aircraft Insurance?

The process of underwriting helicopter insurance is different from that of underwriting airplane policies in a number of ways. First and foremost, if a system failure occurs with a rotary-wing aircraft while it is aloft and a crash results, the loss on these expensive assets is typically substantial.

There are also factors related to the operation and maintenance of helicopters that must be considered. For example, helicopters are complicated machines that require extensive training and a specialized set of motor skills to fly. The mechanics who perform repairs and maintenance on rotary-wing aircraft also must have special training.

How Does a Rotary-Wing Insurance Underwriter Determine Insurability and Cost?

When assessing the risk associated with a rotary-wing insurance policy, underwriters use different rating matrices that include a large number of variables, along with sets of modifiers. In addition to whether the helicopter will be used for business or pleasure, the tables address a wide range of questions such as:

• In what country or countries will the helicopter be used? Will flights be limited to Canada, the U.S., and Mexico (which tend to be included in policies written by Global Aerospace), or will there be “out of territory” use?
• In what type of terrain will the helicopter be used? Mountainous? Offshore? Agricultural?
• Is the asset owned or leased?
• Where will the aircraft be stored when not in use? Will it be protected from weather events?
• Will there be a humanitarian relief element to its use?

These and many other factors are used by underwriters to develop a quote. It is common practice for an underwriter to visit a commercial rotary wing operation in order to gain first-hand knowledge of the risk and to be able to properly assess the complex and multiple exposures that such operations present.

Helicopter Insurance in Canada and Beyond: Why it is Important to Work With the Experts

With highly valuable assets being protected in a wide range of environments and uses, rotary-wing aircraft insurance is a very specialized field. Consequently, it is critical to work with a provider who understands the industry and the risks. You should look for a company with solid financial backing, one that participates in key industry events, and one that has a large number of underwriters with extensive experience and expertise in helicopter insurance.

Nowhere is the need to work with the experts more true than in Canada, where helicopters are used for a wide variety of purposes from coast to coast. Global Aerospace is one of the largest providers of helicopter insurance in the world, and has offered rotary-wing aircraft coverage for as long as there has been a helicopter industry—more than half a century. Our large presence in Canada allows us to fully understand all the challenges faced by Canadian owners and operators, and to provide attentive service to meet their needs.

If you have questions about our rotary-wing aircraft coverage—for helicopters in Canada or anywhere in the world—please contact us at your convenience.

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