Who is allowed to fly your aircraft?

by Herb Cunningham
COPA Insurance Committee Chairman

Most aviation insurance policies are written to protect a specific aircraft. The policy will protect the owner of the aircraft and the person flying it, if it is not the owner, as long as the pilot is named on the insurance policy. If the insurance company trusts the owner’s judgment it may allow the owner to authorize other pilots to fly the aircraft but this is by no means automatic. Make sure this matter is clearly addressed when you arrange your insurance coverage. Remember that if a person is not named on the policy and is flying your aircraft with your permission then not only is that person not protected by your policy, you will not be protected either.

COPA group aviation liability insurance is different. It’s on the pilot. Called "Silver Wings Program," the COPA liability plan provides the policy holder with coverage arising out of ownership and/or operation of an aircraft. It covers pilots flying aircraft not exceeding 8,000 lb and eight seats used for private business or pleasure. Family members living in the same residence are covered under one policy providing they have a COPA Family Membership but it does not cover non-family co-owners or other pilots flying the same aircraft. Under COPA aviation liability insurance, each pilot must have their own coverage. Each must apply to the plan separately.

COPA’s Silver Wings provides economical group rates for aviation liability insurance regardless of a pilot’s experience.

There may be good reasons to allow a qualified pilot to use your aircraft but prearrange it with your insurance company before something happens. It is usually too late afterwards.