Warbirds are privately owned airplanes that were previously used by the armed forces of different countries. The history of these former military aircraft is preserved by people around the world. Pilots can face challenges with insuring these vintage aircraft. Continue reading to find out what you need to know about warbird aircraft insurance and other factors related to owning and flying warplanes.
Where To Buy Warbird Aircraft
Airplane aficionados can attest that warbirds are popular at airshows, and collectors consider the planes highly prized possessions. Fortunately, people interested in purchasing warplanes no longer have to be extremely wealthy or well connected to the aviation industry. There are many internet sites, such as Controller, that sell military aircraft at a wide range of prices. These sites are also a good resource for warbird sellers.
Owning a Warbird
Approximately 6,000 warbird aircraft are listed on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) registry, but not all of them are in good flying condition. Purchasing a warbird aircraft is only the beginning of ownership. Other huge costs include maintaining the plane to military standards, keeping pilot training up to date, and managing operating costs.
Consider the extensive training that military warfighter pilots of World War II would have undergone, including continuous flight proficiency testing. Present day, commitment to warbird aircraft ownership consists of proper training and ensuring that the aircraft is insured with the best coverage with agents who are knowledgeable about warbird aircraft insurance policies.
Why Buy a Warbird?
After a government demilitarizes an aircraft, a private person can purchase it. People purchase warbird aircraft for different reasons. Some of the uses of warbirds are quite practical and include:
- Pilot training
- Experimental flights
- Air show acrobatic event formations
- Pleasure and hobby flights
After obtaining a pilot’s license, a civilian can fly a warbird without an instructor after they meet any insurance training requirements and build enough experience in the aircraft.
Requirements for Insuring Warbird Aircraft
Surprisingly, the FAA nor any other federal law, does not require aircraft owners to insure or carry any liability coverage on a plane. However, aviation experts highly recommend carrying warbird aircraft insurance. Here are some reasons why insuring a warbird is a good idea and when providing proof of aircraft insurance is necessary.
- Flying internationally
- Renting an aircraft hangar
- Flying at private airfields
- Abiding by state aircraft owner requirements
- Following lender financing requirements
Knowing and Understanding Your Risk
Flying a warbird can be appealing to aviation enthusiasts. World War II fighter planes and antique biplanes are popular among aircraft pilots. But, along with the excitement for flying warbirds comes certain risk. Warbird in-flight accidents do happen, and repairing these valuable aircraft and replacing parts can be expensive. Pilots can expect some mechanical failure due to the age of warbirds alone.
Pilots who are accustomed to flying long distances in commercial and civilian aircraft may be surprised at the narrow operating margins for warbird aircraft. As important as it is to have FAA approval and know FAA warbird aircraft flying requirements, pilots also should consult an aviation insurance broker like BWI, to ensure they have the right insurance policy to protect them before flying a warbird in the event of an accident or breakdown.
New Warbird Pilot Concerns
Beginner pilots may find it difficult to fly warbirds because these fast-flying, historic aircraft require technical precision, many hours of flying experience, and are heavy in weight and large in size. Sometimes, warplanes can even intimidate the more experienced warbird pilots. Owning a warbird comes with specialized insurance needs met by an insurance professional who understands warbird aviation insurance solutions. BWI can work with you and the insurance companies to find a comprehensive and competitive insurance policy to protect your most prized and exotic possession.
Warbird Aircraft Insurance Benefits
Individual pilots and warbird aircraft owners, collectors, and vintage aircraft museums need insurance protection and with an aviation specialist broker they can trust, like BWI. BWI provides warbird aircraft insurance coverage while planes are on the ground in hangars and while in the air in airshows for static displays and airshow performances.
Vintage aircraft and warbirds are valuable assets that require special protection. Experienced aviation insurance brokers like BWI, can insure almost any plane in the vintage fleet and in museums across the United States.
Warbird aircraft owners may even qualify for certain discounts for safe flying practices and completing pilot proficiency programs prior to policy renewal.
Know and Understand Your Policy
After purchasing a warbird insurance policy from BWI, , be sure to learn the details and important parts of your aircraft coverages. Here are a few:
Declarations – These pages usually appear after the cover pages of insurance policies and are basically a breakdown of the coverages in an aviation insurance policy. The declarations provide information such as the policy number, effective dates, and to whom the policy is issued. Declarations can also include:
- Policy liability limits
- Aircraft information
- Aircraft hull value (if physical damage was purchased)
- Applicable deductible information
Insuring Conditions – These paragraphs list the policyholder obligations, including requirements for required coverage and how to file and document claims.
Insuring Agreements – This section of a warbird aircraft insurance policy lists the insurance carrier’s obligations to the insured, including what the insurance policy will pay if a loss occurs, a summary of liability, physical damage, and medical expense protection. The insuring agreements section also reviews the defense provided to the policyholder in the event of liability for injury to a person or property.
Why choose BWI Aviation Insurance?
Over our 42 year history, BWI has built longstanding relationships with all of the above Aviation Insurance Companies. We work hand in hand with the above companies and leverage our experience to find the best market for your particular airplane insurance risk.
To ensure that you are getting the absolute lowest rate and best coverage with a rock solid A+ rated Aviation Insurance company, get a quote with BWI today. We specialize only in Airplane Insurance and our office is open 12 hours a day. Our agents are friendly and knowledgeable, and most importantly they are agents that you can trust to get you the best coverage for your needs. Aviation Insurance is all that we do and have done for 42 years.
Call 800.666.4359 today for a free Airplane Insurance Quote or Click Here to submit a quote request online.
BWI is the Nation’s Leader in Aviation Insurance, with offices based in Corona, CA and Anchorage, AK
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