Who can fly my airplane?
One of the most common reasons aircraft insurance claims are denied is because the pilot operating the aircraft did not meet the requirements outlined in the insurance policy.
As an aircraft owner, it's important to know exactly who is flying your airplane and to ensure those pilots are properly covered under your policy. The last thing any owner wants to hear after an accident or incident is that coverage may be limited or denied because an unapproved pilot was at the controls.
Gallagher Aerospace, AOPA's strategic partner for aviation insurance, recommends that all pilots who regularly fly your aircraft be disclosed to your insurance broker and listed on your insurance policy whenever required.
FAA requirements and insurance requirements can differ
A pilot may be fully qualified to fly under FAA regulations, but that does not automatically mean they meet the requirements of your insurance policy.
Insurance companies often have additional standards that may include:
- Minimum total flight time.
- Time in make and model.
- Recent flight experience.
- Recurrent training requirements.
- Ratings and endorsements.
These requirements are typically spelled out in the policy and can vary significantly from one aircraft or insurer to another. Before allowing someone to fly your aircraft, it's important to confirm they meet all applicable policy requirements.
Understanding named pilots and open pilot warranties
Some aircraft insurance policies are written on a named pilots only (NPO) basis. In these cases, coverage applies only when the aircraft is being operated by pilots specifically listed on the policy.
Other policies include an open pilot warranty (OPW). An OPW allows pilots who meet certain minimum qualifications to fly the aircraft occasionally without being individually named on the policy.
The OPW provides valuable flexibility when an aircraft owner needs a qualified pilot to relocate the aircraft or conduct an occasional flight when they are unable to do so themselves.
When an open pilot warranty shouldn't be used
An open pilot warranty is not intended to replace naming pilots who regularly fly the aircraft.
If a pilot has routine access to your aircraft, they should be disclosed to your broker and reviewed by the insurance company. Similarly, an OPW should never be viewed as a way to avoid discussing a pilot's experience level or other underwriting considerations.
The best approach is always transparency. Keeping your broker informed about who is flying your aircraft helps ensure there are no surprises in the event of a claim and that your policy provides the protection you expect.
Review your policy before you need it
Pilot qualification requirements may change when policies renew, aircraft change, or insurers revise underwriting guidelines. Taking a few minutes to review your pilot warranty and discuss any questions with your broker can help prevent coverage issues down the road.
If you're unsure whether a pilot qualifies under your policy or have questions about open pilot warranties, the aviation insurance specialists at Gallagher Aerospace can help.
Call (800) 622-2672 to speak with an aviation insurance expert or visit the website to learn more about protecting your aircraft and your aviation assets.
