Airshow displays and flying comps – are you covered?
I’m covered for flying comps and airshow displays………. aren’t I?
Well, have a read of your policy and you will find that you are probably not.
All aircraft policies include a range of defined uses, shown on your policy as “standard uses”. These are usually:
- Business,
- Commercial,
- Private Pleasure,
- Rental,
- Instruction and
- Ab-Initio Instruction
and their meaning will be carefully explained in the definitions section of your policy.
The Definition of Private Pleasure
The definition of “Private Pleasure” is the use for private purposes. However it is NOT use for any business or profession, nor for hire or reward. In most cases flying comps are not for hire or reward regardless of how big the winners trophy is. So perhaps they could be considered included under Private Pleasure?
Maybe, but there will also be a statement about certain uses being excluded unless shown on your policy schedule as follows:
“The uses defined above constitute Standard Uses and do not include:
- Aerobatics,
- Hunting,
- Mustering,
- Patrol,
- Fire-fighting,
- The intentional dropping, spraying or release of anything,
- Any form of experimental or competitive flying,
- Air racing and any other use involving abnormal hazard, but when cover is provided details of such use(s) are to be stated in the Schedule”.
- The Aerobatics Exclusion herein is deleted insofar as permitted under your Aircraft’s Certificate of Airworthiness or Permit to Fly. However aerobatic competitions and displays are excluded unless specified under Uses.
Competitive Flying – Check your Policy
Given the above paragraph, its clear that any form of competitive flying is excluded. It should also declared to your insurer for agreement. In most cases you will find the standard aero club flying comps like spot landings, flour bombing and the like will be accepted for nil penalty to your policy. However, some higher risk activities such as STOL comps and airshow display activities may incur an extra charge or increased deductible or may not be acceptable to your insurer.
Michael Dalton – Agile Aircraft Insurance