Open Wallet Before Flight...

The aviation world never seems to be able to catch its breath before something else pops up to increase its cost. A new dilemma for flyers in the Hollister, CA, area is being discussed whereby the Airport may mandate additional forms of liability insurance before pilots may be allowed to use the facility.

According to city staffers, the matter will come under discussion over the next few months by both city as well as airport officials.

Why?

The answer comes from City Manager Dale Shaddox, “Anything that occurs, any injury or damage that occurs on city property, subjects the city to getting sued.”

Mind you, the city already has a number of insurance requirements in place. Those with hangar leases are required to carry some manner of liability insurance, though enforcement of this rule is allegedly spotty. That situation may soon end with a recent effort to review lease agreements and check for insurance coverage.  

The latest requirements, though, may soon extend to anyone who operates out of the aircraft, whether they lease a hangar or not. Initially; the insurance may be required for any pilot who is based at the airport, but may be extended to anyone who operates there, despite their base of operations.

Insurance Demands... From An Insurance Broker?

Councilman Tony Bruscia, who is, intriguingly enough, a full-time insurance broker, lashed out at so-called uninsured pilots, “Pilots who are uninsured, that’s incredibly irresponsible... If something happens, and they crash into a house and kill people or injure them, who’s going to pay for that?”

Bruscia also countered questions about the cost of these requirements with a statement that proclaimed, "If it’s a big deal (the cost of such insurance), then give up the plane because it’s a privilege - it’s not a right.”

Local media reports allow that there has never been a serious accident at the airport, and that local pilots are (surprise!) apparently unhappy with the additional restrictions that they may be facing.

FMI: http://hollister.ca.gov/site/index.asp