Avemco Insurance Company, the only direct writer of aviation insurance in the US, has announced that it is now able to insure Sport Pilots flying in Standard Certificated and Experimental Amateur Built Aircraft that meet the definition of Light Sport Aircraft.

"Aviators flying under Sport Pilot privileges can enjoy the same level of service experienced by all Avemco customers. Avemco anticipates it will also insure both the Special LSA and Experimental LSA airplanes as they become available to Sport Pilots," said Jim Lauerman, Executive Vice President and Chief Underwriting Officer.

In addition, Avemco’s popular non-owner policies will be available to Sport Pilots. “We will have an endorsement to permit non-owner coverage for the Special and Experimental Light Sport Aircraft as well,” Lauerman added.

Although Sport Pilots can fly with reduced medical examination requirements and fewer hours of instruction than Recreational or Private Pilots, Avemco notes that Sport Pilots also have restrictions regarding aircraft weight, speed, seating capacity, and certain operating limits that other pilots do not face.

“Our experience indicates that these factors should balance out.” said Lauerman.

He is optimistic that the small differences he anticipates in the early years of LSA coverage will diminish as data are collected, so that eventually there will be little difference for the pilot who obtains LSA insurance. Right now, he stressed, Avemco is prepared to insure pilots who will be joining today’s pilot ranks as a result of the new Sport Pilot movement. Avemco Insurance Company, the leading pleasure and business general aviation insurer in the United States, has been insuring planes and pilots since 1961.

FMI: www.avemco.com, http://www.faa.gov/AVR/afs/sportpilot/faq.doc