It always seems to be a sticky point between the insurer and the insured when it comes to "required" additional training. That training may be the result of transitioning into a different aircraft, annual flight review requirements, annual instrument proficiency check requirements or an annual or bi-annual formal school requirement specific to your particular make and model of aircraft. No matter which form, many insured’s view it as a sticky subject as it takes time and money to comply with.

With most general aviation aircraft there is no additional training requirement from most aviation insurance companies. They simply just ask that you comply with what the FAA requires. These aircraft are mostly non-pressurized single and light multi engine aircraft. Pressurized aircraft, turbines, and larger twins will always generate additional training requirements from your aviation insurance carrier. Einstein’s theory of additional training requirements is P (pressurized) = S (annual school). When looking at sophisticated singles, twins and pressurized aircraft, just expect that there will be some additional training requirement from your aviation insurance carrier.

As I have discussed in a previous article, this is not all bad. Yes, it takes time and money to complete this additional training, but it is in your best interest. Insurance companies are motivated by profit and fewer accidents equals more profit and results in lower rates to you. Looking out for their bottom line translates into looking out for your safety.

Now just because you have an aircraft and insurance carrier that does not require some form of formal training does not mean that you should not do it anyway? Many aviation insurance carriers provide additional discounts for all aircraft and pilots that go above and beyond when it comes to safety and training. Many offer discounts for Wings programs and many other forms of additional training. Make sure your agent is aware of any additional training that you complete and is forwarding that information to your aviation insurance carrier. If you are not communicating this information to your agent, you could be missing out on some pretty good discounts.

Now just because your aviation insurance company is requiring that you complete formal training every year does not mean that you have to pack your bags, get a hotel, rental car and head off to Wichita or Orlando for a week. You may be pleasantly surprised on how flexible your insurance company might just be when it comes to local training in your spare time at your airport. There are many formal training courses that come to you. Many insurance companies are also open to a local experienced CFI with good experience in your make and model of aircraft giving you the required training. Your insurance company will usually like to see a formal syllabus from your instructor specific to your make and model of aircraft along with a resume of your CFI’s qualifications to include his or her experience in your specific make and model aircraft. You need to relay this information to your aviation insurance agent and specifically ask them to approach your insurance provider with this information and ask for their approval; it usually only takes a day or so for them to review the syllabus and make a decision.

So don’t let an additional training requirement get you down and if you are not required to do it, do it anyway. It may not only save you money on your insurance premiums, it could save your life. There are many fun ways to get additional training. It could be through one of the many aircraft clubs, aviation safety seminars, mountain flying courses and Wings programs. This is a chance to get together with like minded people in the aviation community, have fun, learn something new and become a safer more experienced pilot. And don’t forget to relay this information to your aviation insurance agent so you are given every discount you deserve.

Rick Ross
Leading Edge Insurance Agency