In Alaska, aircraft aren’t hobbies, they’re lifelines.
We were reminded of that again last week when we had the opportunity to insure one of the most iconic bush planes still flying today: a 1950s Piper Super Cub, based in Anchorage, equipped with skis and wheels, and built for serious backcountry work.
This aircraft wasn’t headed to an airshow or parked in a museum. It was built for the wild, and it’s now flying under Part 135 operations, transporting passengers, hauling cargo, and supporting hunting and guiding expeditions across some of the most remote terrain in North America.
At BWI, we don’t just insure aircraft. We insure missions. This is how we do it—and why we love serving the Alaska aviation community.
A Bush Plane Built for the Backcountry
If you’ve ever flown in Alaska, you know the landscape defines the mission. There are no straight, flat highways to cruise down. Instead, there are mountain passes, frozen rivers, tundra strips, and sudden storms that demand experience, adaptability, and reliable equipment.
The aircraft in this case: a 1958 Piper PA-18A Super Cub. Lightweight, dependable, and one of the most respected bush planes in the world. The configuration included:
- Ski and wheel landing gear
- 1-passenger seating (plus pilot)
- Commercial use, excluding rental or instruction
- Registered to an FAA-certified air taxi operation based in Anchorage
Their operations? Everything from ferrying hunters and guides into the wilderness to transporting supplies, tools, and personnel for remote logistics.
In other words: the exact kind of work that defines Alaskan aviation.
Tailored Coverage for a Complex Mission
When the policy request came in, we knew right away this wasn’t going to be a standard light aircraft quote. Bush flying in Alaska introduces unique risk variables, and the commercial use added additional underwriting requirements.
Here’s the final package we secured:
- Liability coverage: $1,000,000 per occurrence (limited to $150,000 per passenger)
Includes $100,000 in cargo coverage and $10,000 per passenger baggage - Medical expense coverage: $10,000 per person, excluding crew
- Hull value: $115,000, with a $5,000 deductible
- Geographic coverage: Valid in all 48 contiguous states, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, and the Bahamas
- Approved pilot: A highly experienced commercial and IFR-rated Alaskan bush pilot with over 2,500 tailwheel hours
The policy was built to cover not just the aircraft, but the real-world operational risks that come with guiding hunters, flying into frozen lakes, and ferrying clients where there are no roads.
Why Speed Still Matters, Even in the Bush
This quote didn’t take days or weeks to process. It was fast, efficient, and fully aligned with the operator’s mission because that’s the BWI way.
We’ve invested in the systems and expertise to turn complex commercial quotes quickly, even when they involve specialized aircraft, unique use cases, or demanding locations like Alaska. In fact, we’ve built out an entire infrastructure to support this market, both remotely and on the ground.
A Commitment to Alaska That Goes Beyond Paperwork
This isn’t a one-off story. In 2017, we attended our first Great Alaska Aviation Gathering. Two years later, we opened our permanent Alaska office at Lake Hood.
Today, we continue to show up every year, every season, to support the pilots and businesses who keep Alaska flying.
That support isn’t just about insurance. It’s about relationships, shared values, and making life a little easier for those navigating some of the harshest conditions in general aviation.
That’s why we partnered with the Alaska Airmen Association to purchase and maintain a free courtesy car, available for any BWI customer or Airmen member flying into Anchorage.
It’s parked right at Lake Hood, and is there for one simple reason: so you can land, grab your gear, and get where you need to go, without waiting on taxis, rentals, or rides. Just coordinate with the Airmen’s office in advance and it’s yours.
If You’re Flying in Alaska, Here’s What We Recommend
Whether you’re operating commercially, flying your own Cub for recreation, or maintaining a seasonal flight operation, there are a few things we always recommend to aircraft owners in Alaska:
1. Work with a broker who understands Alaskan flying.
From terrain to weather to regulatory exceptions, Alaska is different. You need someone who’s done this before and has the relationships to get it done fast.
2. Be clear about your use case.
Whether you are carrying paying passengers or just ferrying gear to a hunting camp, make sure your use type is disclosed correctly. It can mean the difference between a covered claim and a costly denial.
3. Review your policy before the summer rush.
May through September is peak flying season. If your operations are seasonal, this is the time to make sure everything is dialed in, from liability limits to pilot endorsements to coverage territory.
We’re Proud to Serve the Last Frontier
At BWI, Alaska is more than a niche market, it’s a passion.
We’re proud to support the pilots, outfitters, guides, and aviation professionals who rely on aircraft not just for adventure, but for survival. Whether you’re flying a Super Cub, a Beaver, or a Caravan, we’re here to make sure you’re protected.
If you’d like to review your current coverage or just talk through what’s possible, our Alaska team is ready.
Flying into Anchorage soon?
Make sure to ask about our courtesy car at Lake Hood.
It’s free, it’s convenient, and it’s one more way we’re making life easier for our fellow aviators.
Ready for a quote?
Request a custom review or call 800-666-4359 and ask for our Alaska team.
REQUEST A QUOTE
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