If you’re using a Robinson R66 for commercial missions, whether charter flights, patrol contracts, aerial photography, or external load operations, your insurance policy needs to be built differently.
At BWI, we’ve insured hundreds of commercial R66 operators, and we understand what underwriters look for when it comes to turbine-class, for-hire rotorcraft.
Whether you’re flying under Part 135, running patrol routes for a utility company, or offering contract aerial support, your coverage must be structured to reflect the risks and realities of commercial flight.
In this post, we’ll break down:
- What commercial R66 insurance includes
- How it differs from personal use policies
- Real-world premium examples
- What documentation is required
- And how to reduce your rate while flying for profit
What Is Considered Commercial Use?
Commercial use includes any flight activity where you’re:
- Paid to fly someone
- Carrying passengers or cargo for hire
- Conducting contract or charter work
- Instructing or providing dual for compensation
- Operating under Part 135 or similar ops specs
Examples of R66 commercial use:
- Executive charter
- Aerial patrol / utility line inspections
- Real estate or aerial photography
- External load ops
- Pipeline monitoring
- Time-building instruction
- Contract ferry flights
If you’re receiving compensation for any flight, you need a commercial endorsement on your insurance policy.
What Does a Commercial R66 Policy Include?
Here’s what a properly structured policy should include:
1. Physical Damage (Hull) Coverage
- Agreed-value protection
- $875,000–$1.4M typical declared hull value
- Based on aircraft specs, upgrades, and mission
2. Liability Coverage
- $1,000,000 per occurrence / $100,000 per passenger
- Smooth CSL limits ($1M–$5M+) available for high-end operators
3. Medical Payments
- $10,000–$25,000 recommended
4. Commercial Use Endorsement
- Required to operate for hire
- Must match your FAA ops specs or contract terms
5. Additional Insured Certificates
- For clients, utility companies, partners, lenders
6. Open Pilot Warranty (Optional)
- Allows flexibility for backup pilots or contractors
7. War & Terrorism Coverage
- Recommended for international, urban, or sensitive operations
💵 Real Commercial R66 Premium Examples
Utility Patrol Operator | $1,050,000 Hull | 1,500 hrs TT, 300 hrs turbine
Premium: $26,800/year
Part 135 Charter | $1,200,000 Hull | ATP | Smooth liability approved
Premium: $30,400/year
Photo/Survey Flights | $950,000 Hull | 1,000 hrs TT, dual pilot setup
Premium: $24,500/year
Instructor/Charter Combo | $1,100,000 Hull | Multiple pilots, declared instructional
Premium: $29,750/year
Rates depend heavily on mission type, hull value, pilot structure, and training records.
How to Qualify for Commercial R66 Insurance
You’ll need a solid submission that includes:
- Total time + turbine time + R66 make/model hours
- FAA certificate (Commercial or ATP strongly preferred)
- Sim or recurrent training logs
- Use declaration (survey, charter, instruction, etc.)
- List of pilots and their qualifications
- Aircraft specs and declared hull value
- Proof of storage and base location
- Any existing contracts or ops specs (if applicable)
We help you structure this file so underwriters return faster approvals and more competitive terms.
Common Mistakes That Raise Your Premium
- Declaring “business use” instead of commercial
If you’re being paid, it must be declared as commercial—even if it’s infrequent.
- Not naming backup pilots
If you’re not using an Open Pilot Warranty, each pilot must be named—or you’re flying uninsured.
- Failing to show recent training
No sim time or recurrent instruction? Expect a higher quote.
- Undervaluing the aircraft
Trying to “save on premium” with a low hull value will backfire if there’s a claim.
Tips to Lower Your Premium (Even in Commercial Ops)
- Hangar your aircraft
- Request smooth liability only if needed
- Complete structured sim training
- Choose higher deductibles if you’re financially prepared
- Log all training—factory, sim, dual instruction
- Work with a broker who quotes every turbine-capable underwriter (that’s us)
Final Thoughts
If you’re using an R66 for commercial flight, your insurance policy is a business tool, just like your rotor blades or headset.
At BWI, we’ll help you:
- Quote faster
- Submit smarter
- Bind with confidence
- And keep flying profitable, legal, and protected
Call (800) 666-4359 or click below to request your R66 commercial policy quote today.
[ GET R66 COMMERCIAL COVERAGE ]
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