FAA Waivers – Are You Covered? 

by CJP Insurance Committee

Occasionally, aircraft fall out of the FAA standard airworthiness category simply because they are out of annual and no longer considered a standard airworthy aircraft. It’s possible this occurred while the aircraft was down for routine maintenance, or maybe it was involved in an accident resulting in damage and requiring repair. If so, the aircraft may have to be repositioned to another maintenance facility for additional work in order to be signed off as airworthy. In addition, a potential requirement of returning to airworthy status is a test flight.

This could pose the question – will insurance company cover such a flight?

The majority of insurance policies require the insured aircraft to carry a standard airworthiness certificate. But some companies only require that the aircraft be manufactured under a standard airworthiness certificate. But how will you know which option your aircraft falls under without reading your policy? The best advice is to err on the side of caution and make your underwriter aware before the test or repositioning flight occurs. In this case, it is better to ask for permission now versus forgiveness later.