Long Wait Nearly Over

USUA tells us that after (conducting) negotiations with First Flight Insurance Group, 3rd party liability insurance will soon be available for USUA members. Even though the preparations are still in the final stages, USUA has confirmed that USUA registered ultralight pilots will soon be able to purchase insurance for their USUA registered vehicles. Coverage will be extended to single and two seat fixed wing, weight shift (trike) and powered parachute vehicles. This new USUA program is being administered by First Flight Insurance Group- a leading provider of sport aviation insurance- and underwritten by Lloyds of London - the most highly respected and revered underwriter of insurance.

It is important to note that this policy will offer 3rd party liability insurance coverage for non-commercial operations only. First Flight presently offers a more comprehensive coverage package to commercial operations (instructors and flight schools), and have done so done for several years.  They offer a variety of plans ranging from commercial 3rd Party Liability to full coverage, designed to fit each instructor's needs.

If you are a BFI, USUA encourages you to look into these commercial programs. This new program is designed to allow non-commercial ultralight pilots the benefits insurance coverage can offer. It has been offered to USUA pilots as a result of the industry recognized high standards, safety record and integrity of the USUA ultralight pilot training program.

"USUA headquarters received reports from all over the country from members who had been denied access to or had been forced off airports because of the unavailability of simple 3rd party liability insurance. In response to this dilemma, USUA staff embarked on a mission to obtain a source of insurance for our members. It has finally paid off. This program will fill the void and it will provide USUA members with the peace of mind that comes from having insurance coverage. USUA is proud to have secured this much-needed commodity for our members. As you might remember, insurance of this type was available in the past. But due to the lack of interest and participation within the ultralight community, these programs were discontinued. To ensure that this excellent opportunity remains available for years to come, I encourage ALL ultralight pilots to take advantage of this offer," reports USUA Executive Vice President Dale Hooper (pictured right).

Once the program is in place, (sometime after January 2004) the application process will begin with USUA members contacting First Flight Insurance Group directly. First Flight will then verify membership and registration status with USUA. Once the verification process is complete, the insurance company will determine the final issuance of insurance.

Over the past seven years First Flight Insurance Group has insured operations such as; parasailing, hang gliding, paragliding, ultralight instruction, underwater instructors, kite boarding, water ski instruction and many other such activities.  They also provide a liability market for recreational rental businesses, like jet ski, kayak, canoe, sail and pontoon boat rentals.

First Flight presently insures the United States Ultralight Association, the United States Hang Gliding Association, the National Association of Underwater Instructors, and provides coverage for members of the Professional Air Sports Association.

FMI: www.usua.org/Insurance/Insurance.html