NYT/Damian Fowler Says GA Pilots Should Carry Insurance

[tomokc]

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/17/opinion/The-Dangers-of-Private-Planes.html?ref=opinion&_r=0

In an editorial in today's NY Times by Damian Fowler (author of "Falling Through Clouds: A Story of Survival, Love and Liability") he suggests that "...the FAA should require all general aviation pilots to carry liability insurance, which would force pilots to have the superior training the insurance companies would require."

This guy isn't talking about weekend warriors - he includes corporate, charter, most helicopter operators and other pilots who operate under GA.

Does he think that we fly without insurance?

 

[Murdoughnut]

Well since I've never been ramp checked for my insurance info, I would think that there are pilots out there without it.

 

[drunkenbeagle]

It can be expensive enough that it isn't worth having anyway. If the premiums will bankrupt you in a few years, the policy is no longer protection you from financial loss...

 

[surreal1221]

Well since I've never been ramp checked for my insurance info, I would think that there are pilots out there without it.

Exactly.

For someone to think cheap GA pilots are not insured is darn near lunacy.

Same folks will cry about price of fuel but couldn't trouble themselves to pay a monthly insurance premium.

 

[tomokc]

I understand that there are renters who fly without insurance, but many FBOs and flight schools require it. Every owner flies with insurance, and unless there are a few exceptions, so does any pilot flying for hire. All of these are flying GA aircraft.

Crap, I bought one-half of a Baron with 72 total flight time and got insured, but that was 30 years ago. Try doing THAT today! The saying still holds true - the FAA will give a license to anybody, but the insurance companies will tell you whether or not you can fly.

 

[dbrault17]

It can be expensive enough that it isn't worth having anyway. If the premiums will bankrupt you in a few years, the policy is no longer protection you from financial loss...

Kinda like health insurance these days.