AIR-Pros Tips for Transitioning to an Advanced Aircraft

Have you graduated from your trainer piston single aircraft and are ready to transport you and your family to farther horizons? As you scroll through aircraft listings for a new aircraft that best fit your needs, insurance should be a consideration as well. What should you expect when transitioning into a more advanced aircraft?

1. Talk to your aircraft insurance professional prior to your purchase.  Specialists like those at Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) are knowledgeable in what the aviation insurance underwriters are looking for in a transition pilot. Our pilots and agents can advise you as to what is best to do before you commit to a new purchase.
2. Anything is insurable for a price. However, for an easier transition for your flight training and your pocketbook, aircraft insurance underwriters prefer to see the following:
   1. Instrument rating
   2. Retractable gear experience
   3. Multi-engine time (as applicable to the aircraft being purchased)
   4. Turbine time (as applicable to the aircraft being purchased)
3. Most aircraft insurance policies for cabin class twin or turbine aircraft require initial and recurrent training from a formal school. Developing your own plan for training and discussing with your aviation insurance specialist can help you secure the best terms for your transition and insurance pricing.  AIR connects with  a wide range of insurance companies for your individual situation  and the transition plan can vary from company to company.

Since AIR represents all of the major markets in the aircraft insurance industry, it is a bit easier to approve a transition pilot than it has been in the past due to a more competitive industry. If you are exploring moving from your piston single to one of the following examples the tips above will be beneficial to you:

Beech Bonanza
Cessna 210
Pilatus
TBM 850 / TBM 900
Piper Meridian
Piper Malibu
Cessna Caravan
Quest Kodiak
Beech Baron
King Air
Piper Seneca
Piper Navajo
Piper Comanche
Cessna 310
Cessna 402
Cessna 421
Cessna Citation
Phenom 100
Beechjet