FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ's)

 

AIRCRAFT

What types of aircraft can be insured?

Most single motor aircraft under 1,150 pounds maximum takeoff weight with a stall speed under 45 mph, including experimental, home built, light sport, and Part 103 ultralights, including trikes, powered parachutes, powered paragliders and powered hang gliders.  We do not insure rotorcraft or lighter than air vehicles at this time. The aircraft specifications are usually what determines eligibility.

The FAA does not require my Part 103 to be registered. Why is it required for insurance?

The insurance company requires all insured aircraft to be registered somewhere for insurance identification purposes should there be an incident.

Where can I register my aircraft?

If your aircraft is over 253 pounds empty weight, then it must be registered with the FAA and have an "N" number. If it is a true Part 103 ultralight, which includes powered paragliders and powered hang gliders, it can be registered with an FAA approved ultralight association such as USUA or ASC. Both organizations have a vehicle registration program.

Does a powered paraglider (PPG) or powered hang glider (PHG) need to have a registration number?

Both PPG's and PHG's must be registered. Since the motor and sling are considered the "vehicle", the sling should be placard with the registration number.

I don't have my FAA vehicle registration yet. Can I apply for insurance?

Yes. Just send us a copy of the "N" number application you mailed to the FAA along with your insurance application.

My aircraft has floats. Can it be insured?

Yes if it qualifies for coverage. Floats are not included in the maximum takeoff weight of the aircraft.

Can I switch vehicles during the policy period?

Yes, just notify the insurance company in writing with the effective date. If you are adding a new aircraft, it must qualify for coverage. Submit the information about the new plane as required on the application. Advise the insurance company if the existing aircraft is still going to be insured or be deleted from coverage.

Can I get physical damage (hull) coverage while flying or while being transported? I transport my ultralight to and from the takeoff and landing location. Does this insurance cover liability for the aircraft while being transported?

Unfortunately we do not offer physical damage (hull) insurance at this time. Your standard automobile insurance should extend coverage to your trailer. Check with your automobile insurance carrier to verify your coverage.

PILOTS

FAA doesn't require me to be trained to fly my Part 103 ultralight. Why must I have training for insurance?

History shows that trained pilots are safe pilots. The minimum pilot training for Part 103 pilots is to become a "Registered Ultralight Pilot". You can get this certification by training with an FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and having the training records forwarded to an FAA approved ultralight association which has an ultralight pilot registration program.

I'm an EAA member. Is that association accepted?

Unfortunately not for the 3^rd party liability insurance coverage offered by First Flight Insurance Group. The insurance coverage is an association member benefit.

What if my association membership expires?

Insurance coverage will NOT be in effect if you let your ultralight association membership expire.

Do my additional pilots need to be USUA members too?

Yes . All pilots must be current USUA members throughout the policy period to be covered. They have to meet the same training requirements too.

I don't have my new association membership card yet. Can I still apply for coverage?

Yes. You can send us a copy of the receipt from your on-line payment.

I'm a private pilot which qualifies me to fly Light Sport Aircraft. Isn't that good enough for insurance?

The underwriters require that a private or commercial pilot have "type training". A minimum of five (5) hours logged flight time in the same type and class as the insured vehicle is all that is required. We want to make sure that a pilot who is used to flying a faster and heavier aircraft can handle a smaller and lighter aircraft with different controls.

I do a little instructing. Am I still covered?

The policy does offer liability coverage for an individual instructor while teaching if the instructor is the pilot in command. However, the policy is not designed for that purpose. It does not offer premises liability, third party liability for the student or participant liability. Commercial flight school coverage is strongly recommended. First Flight Insurance Group also offers commercial general liability coverage for flight school operations.

An LLC owns the aircraft I want to insure. Can they insure a qualified aircraft?

Yes. The LLC must be an association member in addition to the pilots.

What training do I need to have to insure my powered paraglider or powered hang glider?

Powered paraglider pilot must have a minimum PPG2 or PHG3 rating from USUA or USPPA.

OTHER QUESTIONS

When does the insurance become effective?

Coverage is bound once all the required documentation has been submitted and approved, and premium payment has been received. This process usually takes less than a week. You will receive a certificate of insurance and ID card showing your coverage.

Can I have the airport or city added to my coverage as an additional insured?

Yes. You may add them as an additional insured free of charge. Just provide their exact name and mailing address.