If you’re a student pilot learning to fly in a Robinson R22, there’s one thing most schools and instructors won’t tell you until something goes wrong:
You’re not automatically covered by the school’s insurance.
At BWI, we’ve worked with hundreds of student pilots across the country, and most of them come to us after realizing that they’ve been flying without personal protection.
In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting insured in an R22 as a student pilot, from what’s covered, to what it costs, to how to get approved quickly and safely.
Why the R22 Is the Top Choice for Student Pilots
The Robinson R22 is light, reliable, and affordable. That’s why it’s the aircraft of choice for most flight schools and first-time helicopter students.
But that also makes it one of the most high-risk aircraft to insure, not because the aircraft is flawed, but because of how and where it’s flown.
• It’s flown by low-time, in-training pilots
• Most flights include landings, autorotations, and emergency drills
• Aircraft are shared across multiple renters and instructors
• R22s are involved in more training incidents than other models
That’s why underwriters require clean documentation, structured instruction, and strong support from a specialized aviation insurance broker.
What Does a Student Pilot R22 Insurance Policy Cover?
If you’re flying a school’s helicopter, you’ll want to explore non-owned rotorwing insurance.
This covers you personally for:
• Liability (bodily injury and property damage you cause)
• Damage to the aircraft you’re flying (if you’re held responsible)
• Legal defense if you’re named in a claim
• Deductible reimbursement for the aircraft owner’s out-of-pocket costs
• Medical payments (optional)
If you’re purchasing your own R22, your policy would also include:
• Full hull coverage (based on the aircraft’s agreed value)
• Smooth liability options (if eligible)
• Named-pilot or open-pilot warranty options (for instructors)
The Flight School Insurance Myth
Here’s what many students hear:
“Don’t worry, the school has insurance.”
Yes, the school probably has insurance on the aircraft.
But here’s what they don’t say:
• You’re probably not named on the policy
• You may be liable for any damage under the rental agreement
• You may not be covered at all for legal liability or injury claims
• If the aircraft’s insurer pays a claim, they may come after you for reimbursement
This is why pilots of all levels, especially students, carry personal non-owned coverage.
What It Costs to Get Covered
If You Own the Aircraft:
Student Pilot | $125,000 Hull | 0–20 hours TT
Premium Range: $10,000–$11,000/year
(Prices reflect higher risk due to minimal time and higher claim frequency in training environments.)
If You’re Renting or Training in a School Aircraft:
Non-Owned Rotorwing Policy
• $250,000 liability / $25,000 per passenger: $289/year
• $50,000 aircraft damage liability: $1,467/year
• $5,000 deductible reimbursement: $124/year
• $10,000 medical coverage: $376/year
You can build a comprehensive non-owned policy for under $2,000/year, and sometimes less depending on your limits.
What You’ll Need to Get a Quote
For owned aircraft:
• Total flight time
• Time in make/model
• Training details (CFI name, program type)
• Storage location
• Intended use (training, time-building, personal, etc.)
For non-owned policies:
• Certificate level (student)
• Aircraft types flown
• Training school info
• Desired coverage limits
How to Get Approved as a Student Pilot
At BWI, we specialize in student pilot coverage for the R22. We help you:
• Present a structured training plan
• Include dual instruction time (even if not yet logged solo)
• Show you’re flying with a qualified CFI
• Document simulator or classroom work
• Secure the best available quote, usually within 24 hours
Can You Lower Your Premium?
Yes. Over time, here’s how you can reduce your rates:
• Log more make/model time with your CFI
• Complete structured sim training
• Store your aircraft in a locked hangar
• Choose a higher deductible
• Ask us to remarket your policy at renewal
What Happens at Renewal?
Once you move past your first year and start building hours:
• You may qualify for an Open Pilot Warranty
• You’ll likely see reduced premiums
• You can request smooth liability or add additional pilots
• We’ll review your policy for training credits or new discounts
Final Thoughts
The R22 is where many helicopter pilots begin their journey, but your coverage needs to grow with you.
Whether you’re flying your own helicopter or learning under a CFI in a school aircraft, you are responsible for what happens in that cockpit.
At BWI, we’ll help you quote smarter, get insured faster, and build a policy that protects you from your first hour to your final endorsement.
Call (800) 666-4359 or click below to request your student pilot insurance quote today.
[ GET R22 STUDENT PILOT INSURANCE ]
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