Not Everyone in Aviation Flies

By Victoria Neuville

When discussing an aviation career, the first thought in many people’s minds is a pilot, flying passengers or cargo from point A to point B. However, aviation is a vast industry, full of diverse employment opportunities. There is one career in aviation many people don’t immediately consider, or know exists. Quietly behind the scenes is the comfort of a 9-5 weekday-only office job, but mixed with the excitement of working with pilots daily, attending airshows, and being current on the latest news in aviation. This field is a required call if you operate aircraft or run an aviation business – aviation insurance!

If you rent or own an aircraft, it should be insured. Insurance policies are bought on an annual basis and provide the insured a defense for third party liability for property damage or bodily injury. It can also cover physical damage to the aircraft. Policy premium is based on the pilot or operator experience, compared to the liability limits they require, and the value of the aircraft. For example, a pleasure use Cessna 172 will likely cost less than one used for instruction at a flight school. This is because the flight school has a larger exposure; more pilots are flying the aircraft on a regular basis so there are more opportunities for aircraft damage than with one or two pilots flying the privately owned aircraft. The insurance on the flight school 172 will be cheaper than insurance on a Citation Jet, though, because the jet has a much higher value to replace or fix if there were an accident. In addition, an ATP owning an aircraft will be charged less than a new student purchasing an aircraft.

Companies such as flight schools and corporate aircraft fleets may also require general liability insurance (often known as slip and fall or premises coverage) and workers’ compensation for employees that may be hurt on the job. Aircraft maintenance facilities and FBO general liability policies often extend to include hangarkeepers’ coverage (for damage done to aircraft in their care) or products liability (for fuel services or maintenance services claims) coverage.

Auto insurance, homeowners insurance, and aircraft insurance policies all have a similar structure and require a property and casualty (P&C) insurance license. Education for the license is provided in a multitude of ways including in person classes, live webinars, and self-study courses. A test with a passing grade is required upon completion and to keep the license active, continuing education credits must be completed every two years. You must obtain a license in each state in which you sell insurance, and each has their own licensing requirements. However, aviation insurance stands out from the rest. The questions and training for the P&C license do not specifically address the nuances of aviation insurance and much of that learning is done on the job. Aviation insurance is a good career for someone with a background or passion for aircraft.

Aviation insurance agents are paid commissions from insurance carriers for whom they are appointed and sell policies. It can be a satisfying career for those who have ambition and like a good challenge. A typical day in the office involves handling email and phone calls consisting of quoting new business and managing renewal business. Sales leads can come from cold calling, but the fun connections are made in person when visiting airports and participating in aviation events. There is a unique spectrum of pilots and companies in aviation and the relationships made over time make aircraft insurance a surprisingly rewarding career.

Not everyone with aviation careers flies. It takes many people to make the aviation industry run: from mechanics and lineman to air traffic controllers and safety inspectors. Behind the scenes are aircraft insurance agents, people who get excited to talk about aircraft and assist to provide solutions for aircraft owners and operators.