passengers during hour building
 

Hi.
I am planning to do some hour building in Florida. I have already contacted a flight school because before the hour building I will need my night rating.
I am now in process to do the paperwork for the visa and license validation by FAA (I hold an ICAO PPL).
My better half will join me for the trip and I was planning to take her along in some of my hour building flights.

Apparently that is not possible, the guys from the flying school told me that due to some insurance issues that will not be possible. The insurance covers only the enrolled students and they cannot allow passengers during hour building.

Did you have this kind of problems during your hour building?
Is there any way around it?
Additional insurance?
Do different schools have different policies related to passengers during hour building?

Insurance arrangements when flying overseas can be a bit of a nightmare and it pays to do some research before travelling.

In the USA for example, what is called 'US Renter Insurance' normally only covers foreign nationals receiving flying instruction, i.e. not solo flying. I did the bulk of my hour-building in California in 2007, but arranged aircraft hire through a flying club (a cooperative arrangement, but not a training school) and I was covered. Another way to do it is to hire an aircraft direct from the owner, and get him/her to arrange temporary insurance cover on your behalf - this should cover the aircraft and all occupants. Also ensure your own personal travel insurance specifically covers you for flying aircraft overseas; most everyday travel insurance policies won't allow for this and you may need to get a tailored policy.

Whatever you decide to do, get confirmation of insurance cover IN WRITING - do not rely on any form of verbal agreement.

Hope this helps.

HW