Aircraft Insurance: Where you train matters

We’ve all heard the phrase “a good pilot is always learning”. While you may be legal to fly an aircraft according to the FAA, many pressurized, turbine or jet powered aircraft have insurance mandated initial and recurrent training. These requirements are put in place in hopes of maintaining proficient and safe pilots on their policy investment. Before you hop over to your favorite flight school or hire a CFI, know that where and how you train matters.

Before accepting an insurance quote, be sure that your school of choice is approved by that insurance carrier or request a list of them to choose from. Each insurance company maintains their own unique approved schools lists for each make and model aircraft based on their criteria for the school’s syllabus and flight simulators. Most carriers accept the big-name schools such as Flight Safety and CAE with full motion simulators. In fact, many insurance companies only accept full motion simulations versus in-aircraft training due to a variety of emergency scenarios that can be practiced within a safe environment.

Your training requirements should be listed on your aircraft insurance quote or on the pilot endorsement section of your policy. On a case-by-case basis, an underwriter may approve training not on their list when supplied with a detailed syllabus and school details.

For dual crew aircraft it is now commonplace for both the pilot in command and second in command to complete annual approved training. Since the insurance market hardening in 2020, a special emphasis has been placed on yearly training in response to rising claims costs due to pilot error. After completion of your training each year, supply a copy of the training certificate to your aircraft insurance broker to create a more seamless renewal process.

Whether you own an aircraft that requires annual training or not, Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) is your one stop shop for the most competitive aircraft insurance policies. To get started on your aircraft insurance policy give one of our pilots and agents a call at 301-682-6200 or request a quote online today!