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USUA is pleased to make 3rd Party Liability Insurance available to USUA members who fly Ultralight, Experimental and Light Sport Aircraft. This USUA program is administered by First Flight Insurance Group, Inc. which is located in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina and who has been a leading provider of commercial recreational sport insurance for over a decade. Coverage is underwritten through the Syndicates at Lloyds of London.

Since 1996, First Flight has made its mark by insuring operations that focus on the vacation and leisure community. While working hand-in-hand with many recreational sports associations, and consulting with legal experts in that same discipline, First Flight Insurance Group, Inc. has developed programs that serve the insurance needs of safety conscious recreational businesses. Presently, First Flight insures the United States Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association (USHPA), the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI), Professional Association of Parasail Operators (PAPO) and provides coverage for members of the Professional Air Sports Association (PASA), and the United States Ultralight Association (USUA).

First Flight also offers a more extensive coverage package for commercial flight school operations, and has done so for many years. The program includes commercial general liability for the school's premises plus 3rd party and participant liability. If you are a CFI, USUA encourages you to look into the commercial program.

Third Party Liability Insurance:

This program offers 3rd Party Liability insurance coverage for non-commercial operations only. Pilot and passenger injuries and aircraft physical damage are not covered. This member benefit program is designed to allow non-commercial pilots the benefits that insurance coverage can offer.

What Is Third Party Liability Insurance?

While pilot and passenger injuries and damage to the aircraft itself are not covered under a Third Party program, financial responsibilities bodily injury or property damage caused by the aircraft for which the pilot is found to be legally liable to pay to others is covered. Additional insured parties such as landowners, municipalities and airports, can also be covered under this type of policy. Because the possession of Third Party coverage provides landowners with a Certificate of Insurance showing that coverage is in place, access to more flying sites are accessible for the operation of your aircraft.

Members can learn more about how they can participate in the policy by downloading the application or by contacting USUA directly for an application. Please remember, USUA is not involved with providing Certificates of Insurance or responding to future claims.

Why is Third Party Liability Insurance Important?

When one engages in recreational activities requiring the use of a vehicle - whether it be land, water, or air sports related - there are inherent factors that could result in liability issues. No one wants to enjoy an activity and then have the pleasure of it clouded with possible situations that would result in liability claims against their hard earned savings. This Third Party liability insurance for USUA members can help relieve the worry of possible claims against the pilot should this type of situation occur. Additionally, access to airports, flight parks, and flying events often require liability coverage. Many states require insurance of this nature just to operate an airplane of any description. Third party liability coverage is also less expensive than full coverage, and therefore allows USUA members the opportunity to enjoy the thrill of aviation without the worry of liability concerns or the expense of high-priced insurance.

How Does It Work?

In order to keep the cost of the program affordable, the policy that USUA has with First Flight Insurance Group, Inc., is written as a master policy to USUA. It enables USUA members, who are not engaged in commercial operations, to enjoy the benefits of Third Party Liability insurance coverage by being added as an additional insured on the USUA policy, should they so choose. Because of this, all insured pilots must be current members of USUA. To apply for coverage, simply fill out the insurance application found on this website and send it to First Flight Insurance Group, Inc.

Who Is Eligible For USUA 3rd Party Insurance?

Current USUA members who are a registered, certificated or licensed pilot are eligible. Sport Pilot Students who are endorsed to solo are also eligible. Pilot registration can be with any FAA recognized organization (USUA, EAA, ASC or FAA). If you are not an FAA certificated or licensed pilot, you may qualify for the insurance by becoming a registered ultralight pilot if you are flying a Part 103 ultralight. Please visit our Airman Registration Program web page for program details and requirements. FAA licensed pilots, flying "N" numbered Light Sport Aircraft or Experimentals (that meet the aircraft criteria described below) and pilots flying foot launchable Powered Paragliders (PPG's) and Powered Hang Gliders (PHG's) are also eligible under this program. Pilots of powered hang gliders must hold at least an H-3 rating with the USHPA and powered paraglider pilots must hold at least a PPG-2 rating from USPPA.

What Aircraft Are Eligible?

This policy covers single or two-place engine powered vehicles and aircraft, including fixed wing, weightshift, powered parachutes, powered paragliders and powered hanggliders. These vehicles/aircraft must be registered with an FAA recognized registration program. The aircraft's maximum gross weight cannot exceed 1,150 U.S. pounds (522 kilograms). Power-off stall speed cannot exceed 46 mph (40 knots) calibrated airspeed at maximum gross weight.

If your ultralight is not yet registered, please visit our Airman Registration Program web page for information on registering your ultralight with USUA. If you are flying a Light Sport Aircraft, it must be registered with the FAA.

Coverage Limits:

  • Bodily Injury - $100,000 per Person per Occurrence
  • Property Damage - $250,000 per Occurrence
  • Bodily Injury & Property Damage Combined - $1,000,000 per Occurrence
  • Bodily Injury & Property Damage Aggregate - $1,000,000
  • Medical Expense Limit - $1,000 per Person

How Do I Apply For This Insurance?

Step 1: Be a current USUA Member in good standing. You must be a registered (trained) ultralight pilot OR FAA certificated pilot with a minimum of five hours logged experience in the same type and class of the insured aircraft. Your aircraft must be properly registered (either as an FAA N-Numbered aircraft, or with one of the ultralight organizations). If you need to register as an ultralight pilot, or if you need to register your ultralight, visit our Airman Registration Program web page and follow the instructions.

Step 2: Download and complete this Insurance Application. (in PDF format. Adobe Reader required to view this document). If you have problems printing the form, please contact USUA for an application.

Step 3: Mail the completed insurance application, a copy of your current USUA Membership card plus a copy of your pilot and airplane registrations, along with the premium payment (or credit card information) to First Flight Insurance Group, Inc. If you have any questions about the application or the USUA program, please contact USUA.

Current USUA membership is required for the entire term of the policy. If your membership lapses, so will your insurance!

How Much Does The Insurance Cost?

Class 1: Powered Paragliders and Powered Hang Gliders. Premium: $297.67

Class 2: 992 Lbs. or less maximum takeoff weight. Premium: $386.25

Class 3: 993-1,150 lbs. maximum takeoff weight. Premium: $439.81

Class 4: LSA aircraft used primarily for aerotowing: $499.55 (subject to approval)

12 Month Annual Premium per airplane with up to 2 pilots. Additional Pilots can be added to the policy for an additional $77.25 per pilot. Additional Tug Pilots will be $51.50 each. Multiple aircraft discounts are not available.

Commercial Flight School Insurance

First Flight also offers a more extensive Commercial General Liability coverage package for commercial flight school operations, and has done so for many years. This program includes liability coverage for the school's premises, plus 3rd party and participant liability.

Who Qualifies for This Program?

Current FAA Certified Flight Instructors (CFI's). Instructors must be owners or employees to be covered under the policy. All airplanes used for training must be registered and have valid written proof that an operational Emergency Parachute Recovery System which is not past its reinspection date, is installed on the plane. All operations are subject to FAA exemptions and requirements.

Each application is underwritten individually based on business and training experience, safety record, size and type of operation and optional coverage required.

Coverage:

  • General and Premises Liability for the business location(s) (excludes products and completed operations)
  • 3rd Party Liability for Bodily Injury and Property Damage possibly caused by instructor or student
  • Participant Liability if student is injured (must have a signed waiver and be an active student under instructor supervision)
  • Medical Expense of $1,000 for minor injuries
  • Training aircraft can belong to others as long as it meets policy criteria

How Do I Apply for Commercial Insurance Coverage?

Step 1: Be an FAA Certified Flight Instructor. Make sure all training aircraft are registered with the FAA and have an operational Emergency Parachute Recovery System which is not past its reinspection date installed on the plane.

Step 2: Visit the First Flight Insurance Group, Inc.'s website, and select a broker in your state. Ask the broker to send an application to you. If no broker is listed for your state, please contact Dawne Fay at (252) 261-1903 Extension 243 for assistance.


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