Avemco Blog

Mike Adams, VP Underwriting

Sharing Good Fortune

June 2012
You're extremely fortunate–unlike almost everyone who has ever lived, you are a pilot. You get to see sights and experience something that for millennia has been the realm of dreamers and philosophers... You fly.

You are even more fortunate yet; you own your own airplane. Within the bounds of safety and regulation, you can fly when you want, where you want. You hold a freedom unmatched by almost everyone alive and everyone who has come before.

If you're like many aircraft owners, you enjoy sharing the experience of flight. If you're as generous as you are fortunate as an airplane owner, you may even let others fly your airplane now and then. That's great, because many pilots can't afford to own an airplane despite their enthusiasm for flying. However before you turn the keys over to someone else, you want to be sure the other pilot has the required skills to fly your plane and, if you are insured by Avemco, doesn't conflict with your insurance policy requirements

One of the key items to review is the information and policy forms that deal with approved pilots or the description of who, according to the terms of your policy, can fly your aircraft. Avemco addresses approved pilots on the policy data page or by endorsement. Included are descriptions of the basic pilot experience required in order for the coverage to be in effect. In general, the pilot is required to meet one of these criteria:

1. The pilot meets the Open Pilot Warranty (OPW) stated on the data page of your policy. The OPW is a list of minimum pilot experience necessary for the policy to be in force when that pilot acts as Pilot-in-Command. The specific requirements will depend on the type of airplane you own. For example a tailwheel airplane's policy will require a certain amount of tailwheel experiencer, while a retractable gear (RG) airplane will list a minimum amount of RG time. The OPW will also require a stated number of hours logged in the same make and model of airplane that is insured. If you're required to attend type-specific recurrent training because of the complexity of your aircraft or the level of coverage you carry, the OPW in most cases will require it as well. Basically, a pilot flying under the OPW will have enough experience that he or she will not need a checkout in type for the coverage to be in effect.
2. If the pilot doesn't meet the OPW minimum requirements, for coverage to apply he or she will have to be named as an Approved Pilot, either on the data page or by endorsement. Based on that pilot's flying experience there may be an increase in the cost of your policy–the Avemco policy is priced based on the least experienced pilot named to fly your airplane. You'll be asked to have the pilot complete a pilot history form before he or she may be added to the policy and your airplane covered when that person flies. It's possible the pilot may have to obtain a stated amount of flight instruction in the same make and model airplane before being covered when flying as Pilot-in-Command. It may be possible for the pilot to take this training in your airplane after being named to the policy.

If you wish to allow someone else to fly your airplane, one of many important priorities is to make sure your insurance policy is in effect by ensuring that pilot either meets the OPW or is named as an Approved Pilot on your Avemco policy. Also be sure the pilot has completed any checkout requirements the policy indicates.

If you have any questions about other pilots flying your airplane, call or email Avemco. We'd love to help you share your good fortune.

Not all coverages or products may be available in all jurisdictions. The description of coverage is for information purposes only. Actual coverages will vary based on local law requirements and the terms and conditions of the policy issued. The information described herein does not amend, or otherwise affect, the terms and conditions of any insurance policy issued by Avemco. In the event that a policy is inconsistent with the information described herein, the language of the policy will take precedence.