AIG Aviation And Others Offer Better Terms

The AOPA Insurance Agency announced last week that AIG Aviation is making it easier for older pilots to get new insurance or to renew existing policies. Global Aerospace had announced significant improvements in its terms for older pilots one week earlier. AOPA is pursuing a study to determine how aging affects pilots.

"This study is extraordinarily important to pilots, because the answers could very well affect general aviation safety and the cost of flying for everyone - something that members constantly tell us is a primary concern," said AOPA President Phil Boyer in a release to ANN.

AOPA will collect current information about flying and older pilots. It is trying to find whether the records of older pilots lead to the difficulties that are often faced when trying to purchase insurance. It will study the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's accident data, and try to find the cause of accidents facing older pilots. Also, AOPA plans to hire an independent group to evaluate the cognitive and neuro-muscular skills of aging pilots.

Pilots flying a single engine fixed-gear airplane can get coverage from AIG if they meet several standards, regardless of their age. Pilots must maintain a current flight review and medical, and have not had any violations or losses in the prior three years. They also must have maintained currency in the make and model of aircraft for the last 12 months.

Policy liability limits are up to $1 million total and $100,000 per passenger. Hull limits for aircraft max out at $300,000. Pilots under age 80 will avoid many age related surcharges that are common with some other companies. And of course, The five percent discount for AOPA members still applies.

AIG already insures more than 7,000 pilots over the age of 70 who own aircraft. AIG is also the carrier for the AOPA Non-Owned Aircraft Liability Program

"We're going to find the truth about how aging affects pilot safety," said Boyer.

"And when we do, we'll report it - regardless of the outcome. This affects all of us. And we're all getting older."

FMI: www.aopa.org