Archive for August, 2014

Standard vs Experimental Aircraft: The Insurance Facts

Thursday, August 28th, 2014

Since the dawn of aviation in the early 1900’s, many new and innovative aircraft have taken to the skies. With goals of safety, speed and endurance on the minds of designers and engineers, regulations were soon developed tostandard vs exp control the quality and safety behind each aircraft. Aircraft soon became structured under two categories: standard or special.

A standard certified aircraft and its parts are factory built and go through many procedures to ensure the design adheres to FAA standards. Standard certified aircraft include the following categories:

  • Normal
  • Utility
  • Acrobatic
  • Commuter
  • Transport
  • Manned free balloons
  • Special classes

The popular fixed wing training aircraft fall into the normal and utility standard category such as the Cessna 150, Cessna 182 or the Piper Cherokee get preferred rates from insurance carriers. These are rates that the insurance underwriter will offer at lower premium amounts than other aircraft due to ease of parts availability and a long and stable safety record.

Aircraft can also be certified under a Special Airworthiness certificate. These categories include:

  • Primary
  • Restricted
  • Multiple
  • Limited
  • Light Sport
  • Experimental
  • Special Flight Permit
  • Provisional

Although still regulated by the FAA, experimental (amateur built or kit-built aircraft) are very popular because they offer owners & builders more flexibility in the technology and parts that can be utilized in their airplanes and helicopters. However, since these aircraft are not factory built, many models are more unique and not standardized; therefore the cost of repair for these experimental aircraft can be more expensive than a standard aircraft.

No matter the category your aircraft may be registered in, agents at Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) are ready to shop all the major insurance markets that are most competitive for your type of aircraft insurance risk.

To find out more about obtaining the best rate for your aircraft insurance, 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, Pinterest, and Google+.

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Aircraft Insurance FAQ: Can my friend fly my airplane?

Wednesday, August 20th, 2014

nose-prop shotMany airplane owners are generous enough to want to share their aircraft with their pilot friends. A frequent question received at Aviation Insurance Resources is “can my friend fly my plane?”

There are several ways to answer this question, starting with the Open Pilot Warranty. Many policies have an open pilot warranty or an open pilot clause stating what pilots are automatically approved to fly the aircraft without having to seek approval from the policy underwriter. The warranty will state the minimum rating and hours required for a pilot to fly the aircraft without underwriter approval.

If a pilot does not meet the open pilot warranty or if the policy is written for named pilots only, it is best to prepare your friend’s pilot history to submit for approval to be a named as an approved pilot on the policy.

Aviation Insurance Resources is happy to provide a form for the pilot to complete or take the information over the phone. Sometimes there can be an additional premium for adding another pilot. This can be due to pilot qualifications or an additional pilot surcharge and would be pro-rated if added mid-term.

To find out more about adding a pilot to your policy or to obtain a free aircraft Insurance, please contact Aviation Insurance Resources by calling 877-247-7767 or visit AIR-PROS.com today!nose-prop shot

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AIR to Z: Zenith Aircraft Insurance

Wednesday, August 13th, 2014

zenithWith a resume that includes work on the Concorde jetliner and the Dash 7 commuter, aircraft designer Chris Heintz spent his time outside of work developing original kit aircraft of his own in his garage. These designs soon broke through into the aviation world as the Zenith Aircraft Company, offering diverse experimental and light sport (LSA) aircraft. To date, over 2,000 Zenith Aircraft kits have been sold and delivered.

Zenith Aircraft Models

STOL CH750 – Light Sport Utility

A side by side tri-gear aircraft featuring wrap around visibility and bush aircraft capabilities

Zenith CH750 Cruzer

The all metal “on airport” version of the STOL CH750 and an economical choice for cross country flights.

STOL CH701

A light sport short take-off and landing (STOL) machine! Rotating speed can begin and 25mph and depart in only 90 feet.

Zenith 601 and Zenith CH650

A low wing in LSA in the Zodiac line of Zenith Aircraft, the CH601s and CH650s appeals to sport pilots looking for an affordable and sleek aircraft.

Zenith CH801-HD

A four seat “heavy duty” utility model of Zenith Aircraft featuring and 180 horsepower engine. The CH801-HD has been nicknamed the “Sky Jeep”.

The Zenith Aircraft Factory

Zenith kits have been known to be completed within only 400 hours. Builders looking to learn all about constructing their own Zenith can stop by the factory in Mexico, Missouri to learn all about building the STOL CH750, CH750 Cruzer, CH701 and CH650 aircraft. The factory also opens its doors for the annual Open Hangar Day and Zenith/Zodiac fly-in.

For more about the Zenith Aircraft Company visit their website at Zenithair.com.

Zenith Aircraft Insurance

Light sport aircraft are relatively new to the aviation industry. When it came time to insuring these aircraft, Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) was at the forefront and one of the first in the industry to offer insurance on many LSA makes and models, from Czech Sportcruiser to Cubcrafters Carbon Cub to Flight Design CT, Evektor, Tecnam, Bristell, Cessna Skycatcher 162, BushCat, and of course, Zenith Aircraft. We offer several different insurance policies to help protect you and your aircraft.

Each year, AIR agent and pilot Gregg Ellsworth enjoys talking with sport pilots and Zenith airplane owners at the Midwest LSA expo in Mt. Vernon, IL and the U.S Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, FL.

“While I insure most aviation risks, I like working with Zenith Aircraft builders and owners as well as other experimental kit aircraft makes and models.   I enjoy working with each builder/owner because every risk is unique and I take the time to ensure I understand their individual coverage needs from the start of construction, to first flight and beyond.  I work hard to provide the best premium and best coverage terms available.   I always l ask what engine they have installed in their bird along with if they have had any major modifications completed, such as the wing mod.”

Builders Risk Insurance

AIR also offers a builders and restorers insurance program, designed to protect the aircraft during the building or restoring stage regardless of pilot experience and qualifications. Customized with your needs in mind, this new insurance plan offers flexible liability and hull coverage options.

“As a friend of many aircraft builders and as a homebuilt owner myself, I cannot imagine the devastation of losing an aircraft mid-build,” said Jon Harden, president and founder of AIR. “Our affordable program is worth it just for the peace of mind.”

To discover more about insuring your Zenith Aircraft, please contact Aviation Insurance Resources by calling 877-247-7767 or visit AIR-PROS.com today to receive an aircraft insurance quote! You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+

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AIR Announces: SFRA Course Update

Wednesday, August 6th, 2014

SFRAAmong 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.

The D.C. Special Flight Rules Area was developed in response to the attacks on September 11th and envelops the area surrounding Washington DC and extends outward and includes major airports such as Baltimore and Washington Dulles. In order to fly within this region, special training of SFRA procedures is required first.

Recently, our friend and customer over at Art’s Aviation Website discovered the FAA made some changes to the SFRA required course and the majority of the pilot population has yet to discover this update.

When arriving at the old FAA Safety course location online the following notice is posted:

NOTICE: Effective June 15, 2014, this course no longer fulfills the regulatory requirement for special awareness training on the Washington DC Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) for pilots flying under VFR within 60 nm of the DCA VOR/DME. The current on-line course that meets the special awareness training requirements on the Washing DC Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) is ALC-405: DC Special Flight Rules Area Revised 06-05-2014

There is now a new course published that contains NOTAM’d (notice to airman) changes to include the Leesburg Maneuvering area updates. The updated course can be completed here: http://www.faasafety.gov/gslac/ALC/CourseLanding.aspx?cID=405.

All graphics and a helpful kneeboard checklist included in this updated course can be downloaded on Art’s Aviation Website in his SFRA section.

No worries, if you have completed the FAA Safety SFRA course previously, you do not need to re-take it. However, it is always beneficial to brush up on the regulations of a very stringent area.

As noted on the updated course website:

“Most of what you already know about operating in the DC ADIZ and DC FRZ applies to the DC SFRA.  If you completed an earlier version of this course, you do not need to take it again.  Even so, it is a good idea to review this material periodically to refresh your understanding.  In addition, always check Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) before every flight for possible changes.”

The agents at Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) are also pilots that fly often in and in the vicinity of the Washington DC airspace. We believe it is our duty to notify our customers and pilot friends about important changes to the airspace in our area to reduce their chances of an unintentional infraction.

To contact Aviation Insurance Resources to receive an aircraft insurance quote at the best rate and broadest coverage available call 877-247-7767. You can also visit AIR-PROS.com today to fill out an online application. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.

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