Archive for September, 2014

AIR to Attend Aviation Homecoming

Monday, September 29th, 2014

New for this year, the Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association (AOPA) is hosting aviation fly-ins around the country to meet its members and to join pilots and aviation enthusiasts together. On Saturday, October 4th AOPA will have a homecoming celebration, bringing the fly-in back to Frederick Municipal Airport (KFDK) for the first time in five years.

The event takes off at 8:30am with a pancake breakfast (register here) and continues with a day of aircraft exhibits and free seminars. At 2:30pm AOPA president, Mark Baker, will conduct a Pilot Town Hall meeting. Other activities include flights in the EAA’s B-17 Flying Fortress (sign up here) and an aerobatic performance by Red Bull Air Race Champion pilot Michael Goulian. The event closes at 4pm.

Fun with Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR)

The aircraft insurance specialists at Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) will have a booth and a cookout at the AOPA homecoming. Aviation plays an important role in the lives of the agents and pilots at AIR and those in the Frederick Home Office spend many a day flying (and hangar flying) out at KFDK.

All agents from the Frederick Home Office will be in attendance as well as Melissa McKinley, who manages the Bradford, Pennsylvania location. You can greet the agents at Booth #21 in the exhibitor tent next to AOPA headquarters from 9am to 4pm. AIR is also hosting a free cookout for new and prospective clients and friends at Hangar E7 from 11am to 2:30pm!

Make a weekend out of it

AIR and AOPA are based in the beautiful city of Frederick, MD. Historic downtown Frederick offers fantastic shopping, restaurants offering various culinary experiences and a strolls along a scenic creek and park. Frederick is also just under a 50 mile drive from Baltimore and Washington D.C. as well as only 20 miles from Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.

Flying in – Washington DC Special Flight Rules Area

Among the clouds there are many invisible boundaries that pilots must adhere to. Established for security concerns, special events, or even defining the rules of flight for airspace surrounding an airport, these boundaries are important to know about before each flight. One of the most widely known types of airspace is the Special Flight Rules Area, or SFRA, around the nation’s capital of Washington D.C. which plays a role when flying in the vicinity of FDK. You can learn more about the Washington D.C. SFRA here.

About AOPA

AOPA is the largest general aviation association in the world dedicated to protecting its members’ freedom to fly. AOPA member services include legal services, advice, educational events and advocacy work with the U.S. government. You may learn more about AOPA at www.AOPA.org.

About Aviation Insurance Resources

Aviation Insurance Resources provides a full range of aircraft insurance and aviation insurance products to clients of all sizes. AIR represents all of the major insurance markets and offers the broadest package of protection and the best available rates. To learn more about the Aviation Insurance Resources, please call 877-247-7767 or visit AIR-PROS.com today and receive an Aircraft insurance quote! You can also follow AIR on FacebookTwitterLinkedIn, and Google+.

 

Aircraft Insurance: Medical Payments Explained

Wednesday, September 24th, 2014

While insurance needs can vary depending on the aircraft use and pilot experience, the structure of the insurance quote and policy is usually divided up into three sections: Liability, Physical Damage and Medical Payments. A common question the insurance specialists at Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) receive is “What are medical payments? Isn’t bodily injury included in my liability coverage?”

Medical payment coverage in an aircraft insurance policy is the limit that can be paid out when someone is injured in your aircraft, regardless of fault. This medical coverage is usually included in your policy ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 each occupant, including the pilot, but a higher limit can be purchased for an additional premium.  The intent is payment to take care of the smaller expenses without going through the process of determining who is legally liable to pay.   If there is legal liability, then the limit for Bodily Injury and Property Damage shown in your Policy applies.

Check your auto insurance policy and you will find exactly the same type of coverage, listed as Medical Payments.

An example is a passenger stepping out of your Piper Cherokee and slips on the wing requiring a few stiches at the local clinic.  Who knows who was actually at fault here but your Medical coverage will take care of your passenger regardless.

The aircraft liability portion of insurance policy specifies the limits paid should you be found liable for bodily injury. Liability can be purchased excluding or including passengers. The majority of insurance companies today write their policies on a “per passenger” policy form versus the “per person” form which is not as broad.  Be sure to check if your policy is up to industry standards by seeing if it is written on a per person or per passenger basis.

Aviation Insurance Resources is an industry leading aviation insurance agency that has access to all the major aviation insurance markets.  All of our agents are pilots so we understand the aviation industry’s needs. We strive to provide the best policy at the best premium in every situation.

To learn more about the medical payments on your policy, please contact Aviation Insurance Resources by calling 877-247-7767 or visit AIR-PROS.com today and receive a free Aircraft insurance quote! You can also follow us on FacebookTwitterLinkedIn, and Google+.

 

 

 

Insuring a Corporate Flight Department: Turbo Props & Jets

Wednesday, September 17th, 2014

Many businesses depend on general aviation to get their owners and employees from point A to point B. An integral part of their business is based on an efficiently and safely run corporate flight department. That safety can have a positive effect on the insurance rates for their corporate aircraft, a key factor to consider when starting a flight department.

Safety First

Whether owner flown or professionally flown, one criterion for a corporate flight department is developing an initial and recurrent training program in house, or obtaining one from a formal school.  Discussing your plan for training with your aviation insurance specialist can help you secure the best terms for your department. Often your insurance agent can visit your department and introduce you to those underwriting your policy, providing them with an in person evaluation. In addition, an International Business Aviation Council (IS-BAO) certification is recommended.  According to the IS-BAO website, it “is designed to promote use of high quality operating practices for international business aircraft operations. It provides baseline requirements for structuring flight departments and planning and conducting their operations”.

Corporate Flight Operations

Common aircraft flown in corporate flight departments include the Cessna Citation, Embrear Phenom, the Bombardier Global, Learjet and Challenger series, the Dassault Falcon and Gulfstream 550 and Gulfstream 650.  When consulting your aircraft insurance specialist, they will ask a few questions about each aircraft’s flight operations.

  • How many hours will the aircraft fly annually?
  • What is the average passenger load?
  • Where does the aircraft usually fly? Does it fly internationally?
  • Where is the aircraft maintenance done and who will perform it?

Workers Compensation

Other insurance concerns besides just aircraft coverage should be considered in protecting an aviation business. An employee injury on the job can lead to costly in medical expenses and loss of work. Aviation businesses such as flight schools, FBO’s and corporate flight departments depend on aviation workers compensation insurance to properly safeguard the aviation related exposures of their business.

About AIR

Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) is licensed in all 50 states and provides a wide range of insurance options for flight departments of all sizes, covering business jets to helicopters.  AIR represents all of the major aviation insurance markets, therefore offering you the broadest package of protection at the best available rates.

To insure your corporate flight department, please contact Aviation Insurance Resources by calling 877-247-7767 or visit AIR-PROS.com today! You can also follow us on FacebookTwitterLinkedIn, and Google+.

AIR-Pros Tips for Transitioning to an Advanced Aircraft

Wednesday, September 10th, 2014

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:

Mooney M20 Series

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

 

To find out more about obtaining the best rate when transitioning into a more advanced aircraft, please contact Aviation Insurance Resources by calling 877-247-7767 or visit AIR-PROS.com today to receive your free aircraft insurance quote!

You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.

Aviation Insurance Resources to Attend Midwest LSA Expo

Wednesday, September 3rd, 2014

For three days each year, Mt. Vernon Outland Airport (MVN) in Mt. Vernon, IL becomes the mecca for light sport aircraft (LSA). September 4th through 6th marks the dates for the 6th annual Plane & Pilot Midwest LSA Expo inviting sport pilots, LSA manufacturers and aviation enthusiasts alike to enjoy informative workshops, light sport related exhibitors and enjoyable airport nightlife! Most of all, the entire event is FREE to attend and parking for cars and aircraft are free as well!

Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) is delighted to attend this small but mighty expo again. You can meet AIR agent and pilot Gregg Ellsworth inside the expo exhibitor area.

“I enjoy exhibiting at the Midwest LSA Expo in Mt Vernon, IL.  I was the first exhibitor to register for this event and I have attended every year. The Airport Manager, Staff, Volunteers, and community are GREAT!   If you haven’t attended this show, I encourage you to attend. You won’t find a better place or opportunity to spend quality time with the aircraft dealers and exhibitors. If you’re thinking of buying a light sport aircraft or just curious….this is the event to attend.”

For more information on attending the Plane & Pilot Midwest LSA Expo, please visit their website at: MidwestLSAShow.com.

Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) Insurance from Aviation Insurance Resources

From the inception of light sport certification, AIR has been providing sport and more advanced rated pilots with light sport aircraft insurance policies with broad terms and at competitive premiums. AIR covers the insured every step of the way, offering builders risk policies during the constructions process regardless of pilot experience.

To see how AIR can help you with your LSA insurance needs, please call 877-247-7767 or visit AIR-PROS.com today and receive your aircraft insurance quote! You can also follow us on FacebookTwitterLinkedIn, and Google+.