Owners / operators of aircraft must have in force sufficient insurance to meet the minimum legal cover requirements for their potential liability that may arise from the operation of the aircraft. For light aircraft such potential liabilities generally relate to third parties or passengers.
That said, even though the owner has this responsibility, it is imperative for pilots to check the correct cover is in force before flying an aircraft belonging to someone else. This is not just for their own protection but also to protect the interests of such third partoes and passenegers. The key things to check are:
- That a policy is in force in respect of the aircraft. The mandatory insurance certificate should provide this proof, stipulating the aircraft details and the cover effective dates.
- That you are covered as a pilot, either by being specifically named in the policy or by the policy having an ‘Open Pilot Warranty’ which means any pilot can fly it that meets certain criteria (e.g. licence type, hours, hours on type etc).
- That the purpose for which you will be using the aircraft is permitted by the policy.
- If you are carrying passengers, that the liability cover is arranged on a combined single limit basis, otherwise the level of cover for the passengers may be too low to provide realistic protection for them or you in the event of damage or injury.
- That the overall level of liability cover is sufficient. Remember the law only stipulates a minimum requirement which may not be enough cover given the damage awards now be made by the courts.
I can bore for England (or Wales to be more precise) on this subject to please feel free to drop me a PM / email or post on this thread if anyone has any queries.
Cheers
Bob