1
Q
What is the primary focus of the chapter on aviation underwriting?
A
The primary focus is on general aviation, which underwriters encounter most often.
2
Q
What are the key aspects covered in the discussion of aviation risk underwriting?
A
- Insight into pilot qualifications, including medical and pilot certification.
- Review of different types of flying and their inherent hazards.
- Overview of accident causes and statistics.
- Sources of information available to the underwriter.
3
Q
What is required for an individual to act as a pilot-in-command of a civil aircraft in the U.S.?
A
They must possess a valid pilot certificate.
4
Q
What are the different types of pilot certificates?
A
- Student
- Recreational
- Sport
- Private
- Commercial
- Airline transport.
5
Q
What is a requirement for all pilot certificates?
A
The proposed insured must read, speak, and understand the English language.
6
Q
What are the prerequisites for obtaining pilot certificates (except student)?
A
Aeronautical experience, a knowledge test, and a practical test.
7
Q
Do pilot certificates have an expiration date?
A
No, all pilot certificates are issued without a specific expiration date.
8
Q
How can an individual keep their pilot certificate current?
A
By conducting a flight review every 24 calendar months.
9
Q
What is the approximate number of active pilot certificates in the United States?
A
Approximately 757,000 active pilot certificates.
10
Q
What is the average age of active pilots?
A
The average age of active pilots is 43.
11
Q
What is the minimum age to obtain a Student Pilot Certificate?
A
The minimum age is 16.
12
Q
What medical certificate is required for a Student Pilot Certificate?
A
A third-class medical certificate from an FAA-designated aviation medical examiner (AME).
13
Q
What restrictions apply to student pilots?
A
Student pilots can only fly solo or with an instructor and cannot fly with passengers.
14
Q
What is the minimum age to obtain a Recreational Pilot Certificate?
A
The minimum age is not specified in the text.
15
Q
What are the restrictions for a Recreational Pilot Certificate?
A
- All flights must be within fifty nautical miles of the airport of instruction.
- The pilot cannot carry more than one passenger.
- Stricter visual flight rules apply.
- The pilot may fly only in good, clear weather during daylight hours.
16
Q
What is the minimum age to obtain a Sport Pilot Certificate?
A
The minimum age is not specified in the text.
17
Q
What are the restrictions for a Sport Pilot Certificate?
A
- The pilot cannot fly at night.
- The pilot cannot fly when visibility is less than 3 miles.
- The pilot cannot carry more than one passenger.
18
Q
What is the minimum age to obtain a Private Pilot Certificate?
A
The minimum age is 17.
19
Q
What are the flight time requirements for a Private Pilot Certificate?
A
At least 40 hours of flight time, including a minimum of 20 hours of flight instruction and 10 or more hours of solo flight training.
20
Q
How long is a Private Pilot Certificate valid?
A
The private pilot certificate remains valid permanently without need for renewal.
21
Q
What medical certificate is required for a Private Pilot Certificate?
A
A third-class medical certificate from an FAA-designated aviation medical examiner (AME).
22
Q
What is the minimum age to obtain a Commercial Pilot Certificate?
A
The minimum age is 18.
23
Q
What are the flight time requirements for a Commercial Pilot Certificate?
A
A minimum of 250 hours of flying time, with 100 hours as pilot-in-command.
24
Q
What medical certificate is required for a Commercial Pilot Certificate?
A
A second-class medical certificate from an FAA-designated aviation medical examiner (AME), valid for 1 year.
25
What is the minimum age to obtain an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate?
The minimum age is 23.
26
What are the flight time requirements for an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate?
A minimum of 1,500 hours of total flight time as a pilot.
27
What medical certificate is required for an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate?
A first-class medical certificate from an FAA-designated aviation medical examiner (AME), valid for 6 months.
28
What types of pilot licenses can be obtained in Canada?
1. Student
2. Recreational
3. Private
29
What does the term 'rating' mean in aviation?
The term 'rating' refers to special conditions, privileges, or limitations that exist for pilot certificates, except for student pilots.
30
What are the categories of aircraft ratings available in the U.S.?
Aircraft category ratings include airplane, rotorcraft, and glider.
## Footnote
Airplane class ratings include single-engine land, multi-engine land, single-engine sea, and multi-engine sea.
31
What is the significance of the instrument flight rating (IFR)?
The IFR is significant as it allows pilots to take off, fly, and land using instruments when visual conditions are not possible.
32
What are the requirements to obtain an instrument flight rating?
To obtain an IFR, an individual must hold at least a private pilot certificate, pass aeronautical experience requirements, and pass practical and written exams.
33
What percentage of pilots are instrument rated?
Approximately 51% of the pilot population are instrument rated.
34
What is spatial disorientation in aviation?
Spatial disorientation is the inability to determine accurately the altitude or motion of the aircraft, often leading to fatal accidents.
35
What are the classes of medical certificates issued by the FAA?
The FAA issues first, second, and third class medical certificates.
36
What is the validity period for medical certificates?
Medical certificates are valid for periods ranging from 6 months for first class (age 40 and over) to 60 months for third class (under age 40).
37
What is the requirement for sport pilots regarding medical certification?
Sport pilots can fly with a valid driver's license instead of a medical certificate, unless they have been denied a medical certificate in the past.
38
What is required for a first-class medical certificate?
A first-class medical certificate requires a baseline electrocardiogram at age 35 and annually after age 40.
39
What is a special issuance of medical certificate?
A medical certificate issued on a discretionary basis for applicants unable to meet first, second, or third-class certification standards.
40
What are some disqualifying conditions for a first, second, or third-class medical certificate?
Conditions include coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus requiring medication, psychosis, substance dependence, and epilepsy.
41
What is a Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA)?
A SODA can be issued to individuals with static or non-progressive disqualifying conditions who can perform airman duties safely.
42
What happens if an individual has a history of coronary artery disease?
Their medical certificate is postponed or suspended for 6 months, requiring post-event evaluations for certification.
43
What must a pilot do if they develop a disqualifying medical condition?
They must report the condition to the FAA and must not fly until the issue is resolved.
44
What is the FAA's policy on alcohol-related motor vehicle convictions?
The FAA can deny applications or suspend certificates for individuals with two or more alcohol-related convictions within three years.
45
How many medical certificates does the FAA process in a typical year?
The FAA processes close to half a million medical certificates across three classes.
46
What is the likelihood of pilot incapacitation during a flight?
The odds of a pilot becoming incapacitated on any one flight are one in several million.
47
What are the four classes of medical certificates issued by Transport Canada?
The classes are category 1, category 2, category 3, and category 4, with category 1 being the highest level.
48
Who conducts the medical exam for Canadian aviation medical certification?
A Canadian aviation medical examiner (CAME) conducts the medical exam, but the assessment is made by the regional aviation medical officer.
49
What options do applicants have if found unfit for a Canadian medical certificate?
They can submit additional reports or lab results to have their assessment reconsidered.
50
What are the two types of United States civil aviation?
Commercial air carriers and general aviation.
51
What is included in commercial air carriers?
Certified route air carriers, major airlines, air taxi, commuter air carriers, and supplemental air carriers.
52
How is general aviation defined?
The portion of civil aviation that encompasses all aspects of aviation except air carriers.
53
What activities are included in general aviation?
Private pleasure, corporate and individual business travel, training, aerial application, law enforcement, and other work use.
54
How many active general aviation aircraft were there in the U.S. as of 2019?
Roughly 211,000 active general aviation aircraft.
55
What types of aviation does Canadian civil aviation include?
Commercial, private, and state (government-owned) aviation.
56
What is the accident record of certified route air carriers?
They have experienced very favorable accident records.
57
What defines an air taxi?
An aircraft operator who conducts operations for hire or compensation in accordance with FAR Part 135, with 30 or fewer passenger seats and a payload capacity of 7,500 pounds or less.
58
What defines a commuter air carrier?
An air carrier operating under FAR Part 135 that carries passengers on at least 5 round trips per week on at least one route according to published flight schedules.
59
What has been the trend for air taxis and commuter air carriers since the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978?
They have experienced tremendous growth and the fleet now consists of larger and presumably safer aircraft.
60
How did the fatal accident rate change for scheduled air taxi and commuter carriers after deregulation?
It has approached the level of nonscheduled certified air carriers.
61
What is the risk of an accident for nonscheduled operations compared to scheduled air carriers?
The risk of an accident is over 10 times that of scheduled air carriers.
62
What type of flying accounts for the largest percentage of general aviation?
Personal pleasure flying.
63
How does business flying compare to personal flying in terms of safety?
Business flying has a significantly better safety record than personal flying.
64
What percentage of accidents did business flights account for in 2021?
2% of accidents and 1.2% of fatal accidents.
65
What percentage of general aviation flight hours did business flights account for in 2021?
6% of all general aviation flight hours.
66
What percentage of general aviation activity is made up of flight instruction?
Flight instruction makes up approximately 25% of all general aviation activity.
67
How do flight instructors' accident rates compare to other pilots?
Flight instructors have much more exposure than other pilots and have a low fatal accident rate.
68
What happens to student pilots' fatal accident rates after obtaining their private pilot certificate?
The risk increases due to increased exposure and lack of experience with adverse weather conditions.
69
What is corporate/executive flying?
Corporate executive flying involves the use of aircraft owned or leased by a corporation for transportation.
70
What are the fatality rates for corporate/executive flying?
Corporate/executive flying has low fatality rates, likely due to superior equipment and high pilot skill levels.
71
How many accidents were reported in corporate/executive operations in 2021?
In 2021, there were a total of 3 accidents involving corporate/executive operations, with no reported fatalities.
72
What skills are required for agricultural pilots?
Agricultural pilots must fly at low levels while avoiding obstacles and adapting to changing conditions.
73
What accounted for most commercial fixed-wing accidents in 2021?
Aerial application accounted for most commercial fixed-wing accidents and fatal accidents in 2021.
74
What are bush pilots known for?
Bush pilots fly in remote areas and have higher fatal accident rates compared to pilots in less remote areas.
75
What challenges do bush pilots face?
Bush pilots encounter extreme weather conditions and treacherous terrain.
76
What is the significance of aviation in Alaska?
One out of every 58 Alaskans is a pilot, and planes are essential for transporting goods and people.
77
What program has improved aviation safety in Alaska?
The Capstone Program uses new technologies to inform pilots of terrain, weather, and air traffic.
78
What is the FAA 'Circle of Safety' program?
The FAA 'Circle of Safety' program targets bush pilots and passengers to enhance safety.
79
What is a glider?
A glider is a light, engineless aircraft designed to glide after being towed or launched.
80
What skill is essential for glider pilots?
Glider pilots must develop the skill to find rising air currents (lift) to increase flight time.
81
What are the regulations for glider flying?
The FAA regulates glider flying, but does not require medical certification for glider pilots.
82
What are some uses of helicopters in general aviation?
Helicopters are used for aerial application, observation, air medical, business, and pleasure.
83
What are the maintenance challenges of helicopters?
Helicopters are more difficult to maintain and subject to more frequent mechanical failure than fixed-wing aircraft.
84
What were the fatal accident statistics for non-commercial helicopter operations in 2021?
In 2021, there were 17 fatal accidents resulting in 32 fatalities in non-commercial helicopter operations.
85
What percentage of fatal accidents in 2021 were caused by pilot error in helicopter operations?
90% of fatal accidents in 2021 were caused by pilot error.
86
What are ultralights?
Ultralights are light, one-person flying machines that operate under a different set of federal regulations than other aircraft.
87
What federal regulations apply to ultralights?
The Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) that relate to ultralights are commonly called Part 103.
88
What are the usage restrictions for ultralights?
Ultralights must be used for recreation or sport purposes only.
89
Do ultralights require an airworthiness certificate?
Ultralights do not need to have any U.S. or foreign airworthiness certificate.
90
What are the underwriting considerations for ultralights?
Underwriting considerations include whether the ultralight is home-built, home-built from a kit, or factory assembled.
91
What is a ballistic recovery system in ultralights?
A ballistic recovery system includes a parachute that enables the entire aircraft to descend to the ground in the event of a structural failure.
92
Are aviation exclusion riders applicable to ultralight flying?
Aviation exclusion riders are not thought to be applicable to ultralight flying.
93
How many experimental, amateur-built aircraft are currently licensed by the FAA?
There are just over 21,000 experimental, amateur-built aircraft currently licensed by the FAA.
94
What percentage of total general aviation fleet hours do experimental aircraft account for?
Experimental aircraft account for an estimated 10% of total general aviation fleet hours.
95
What is the fatal accident rate for experimental, amateur-built aircraft?
Experimental, amateur-built aircraft account for 18% of fatal accidents.
96
What has been the trend in accident rates for experimental aircraft?
There has been a decade-long improvement in accident rates, with fatal accidents dropping by nearly 40%.
97
What is a common cause of fatal accidents in experimental, amateur-built aircraft?
The most common cause of fatal accidents is pilot error.
98
What percentage of amateur-built aircraft accidents occur in the first two flights?
Typically, 20% of all amateur-built aircraft accidents occur in the first two flights.
99
What are other causes of fatal accidents in experimental aircraft?
Other causes include unauthorized aerobatics, buzzing, improper loading, and taking off in non-airworthy aircraft.
100
What percentage of accidents in 2021 were due to mechanical or maintenance issues?
Mechanical or maintenance accidents accounted for 20% of all accidents in 2021.
101
What is required for all experimental, amateur-built aircraft?
All experimental, amateur-built aircraft must be registered with the FAA.
102
What does the FAA require for the building process of experimental aircraft?
The FAA requires a review of the building process by an FAA inspector, including scrutiny of records and supporting documents.
103
What is the purpose of flight testing for experimental aircraft?
Twenty-five to forty hours of flight testing in specified non-populated areas are required to ensure all components are operating properly.
104
What does the Experimental Aircraft Association recommend for flight testing?
The EAA recommends that the builder hire a pilot to complete the testing due to potential deterioration of flying skills.
105
What is granted at the end of a satisfactory test period for experimental aircraft?
A permanent airworthiness certificate is granted.
106
How often must experimental aircraft undergo major condition inspections?
These aircraft are subject to major condition inspections every 12 months.
107
What factors should be evaluated in underwriting assessments for experimental aircraft?
Factors include the specific type of operations and the pilot's experience level.
108
What does the Experimental Aircraft Association flight advisor program offer?
It offers information to help assess the skills and experience needed to fly a particular airplane.
109
What is a contributing factor in accidents for pilots transitioning to experimental aircraft?
Limited time in a specific type of aircraft is often shown as a contributing factor in accidents.
110
What is the role of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)?
The NTSB is responsible for determining the cause of an accident and providing safety recommendations.
111
How does the FAA investigate accidents?
The FAA investigates all accidents to determine if any regulation, policy, or standard needs to be changed.
112
What is the role of Transport Canada and the Transportation Safety Board (TSB)?
They operate and regulate the Canadian air transportation system, similar to the FAA and NTSB.
113
What advantage does the TSB have in its investigations?
The TSB's independence allows it to be completely objective in arriving at its conclusions.
114
What are the odds of a fatality occurring during a commercial flight?
The odds are in the millions, making airline flight one of the safest means of transportation in the world today.
115
What was the number of fatalities in Canadian commercial airplanes in 2022?
There were 10 fatalities from So accidents, with no fatal accidents involving airliners.
116
Why are general aviation accident rates higher than commercial airline accident rates?
General aviation operations involve risks not typically seen with airline operations, such as less regulation and fewer cockpit resources.
117
What percentage of general aviation activity is personal flying, and what percentage of fatal accidents does it account for?
Personal flying averages about 35% of general aviation activity and accounts for close to 70% of all fatal accidents.
118
What percentage of fatal accidents are attributed to pilot action or inaction?
Typically, 75% of fatal accidents are attributed to action (or inaction) of the pilot.
119
What are the three primary causes of fatal accidents across all classes of airplanes?
1. Weather
2. Maneuvering flight
3. Descent/approach
120
Why are weather-related accidents particularly dangerous?
Weather-related accidents are more likely to be fatal than accidents with any other cause; most involve fatalities.
121
What is a significant cause of fatal weather-related accidents?
Attempted VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) continues to be one of the most significant causes.
122
What is the deadliest combination in general aviation?
The combination of night flying and IMC substantially increases the risk of a fatal accident.
123
What percentage of maneuvering flight accidents involve fatalities?
Typically, more than one half of maneuvering flight accidents involve fatalities.
124
What types of operations are associated with maneuvering flight accidents?
Operations such as aerial application, banner towing, and law enforcement, which require low, slow flight and significant pilot attention.
125
What percentage of maneuvering accidents occurred during personal flights?
Close to 50% of maneuvering accidents occurred during flights described as personal, not work-related.
126
What is a significant factor in descent/approach accidents?
Close to 40% of all approach accidents resulted in fatalities in 2021.
127
What did studies by NASA and the FAA reveal about pilots during approach and landing?
These tasks are sometimes performed when the pilot's ability to accomplish them is significantly diminished.
128
What percentage of deceased pilots tested had the presence of drugs?
42% of deceased pilots tested have had the presence of illicit drugs, prescription, and/or over-the-counter medications.
129
How does alcohol affect aviation safety?
Even small amounts of alcohol can impair reaction time, reasoning, judgment, and memory, making it a deadly combination with flying.
130
What effect does smoking marijuana have on aviation performance?
Smoking marijuana can cause significant performance decrements, leading to major pilot errors in IF R approach and holding patterns.
131
What is a primary cause of fatal accidents in military aviation?
Pilot error is the primary cause of most fatal accidents in military aviation.
132
What factors increase mortality risk for military pilots?
1. Age: Younger military pilots have increased mortality risk due to lower experience levels.
2. Branch of service: Naval pilots face higher risks during takeoff and landing on aircraft carriers.
3. Duty assignment: Fighter and attack pilots are exposed to more perilous missions than cargo pilots.
133
What are some concerns regarding international aviation?
1. Lack of appropriate training and certification of pilots.
2. Substandard navigational equipment.
3. Lack of appropriate air traffic control.
4. Improper aircraft inspection and maintenance.
5. Unreliable weather forecasting.
6. Acts of terrorism.
7. Hazardous terrain not depicted on aeronautical charts.
134
What is the role of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)?
ICAO is the United Nations' technical agency for aviation, focusing on scheduled air transport service.
135
What does the International Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (IAOPA) do?
IAOPA represents pilots and aircraft owners in over 50 nations, advocating for general aviation interests.
136
What challenges exist in tracking general aviation accident rates internationally?
There is no international agency that tracks general aviation aircraft accident rates, and reporting varies widely by region.
137
What was the trend in commercial scheduled flight accidents from 2018 to 2022?
The number of accidents annually in commercial scheduled flights worldwide has decreased.
138
What are common causes of accidents in general aviation?
Pilot error due to insufficient training, poor judgment, lack of experience, or poor ground support.
139
What are some aviation safety concerns in Latin America?
1. Air traffic controllers who cannot speak English.
2. Radio malfunctions.
3. Poor weather reporting.
4. Inadequate radar coverage.
5. Non-functional rescue equipment.
140
How does Latin America's air accident rate compare to that of the United States and Canada?
Latin America's rate of air accidents has been more than 11 times that of the United States and Canada.
141
What should underwriters consider when evaluating individuals engaged in international aviation?
Underwriters should ask about the type of aviation (e.g., general vs. commercial) and the regions where the individual is flying.
142
What should be pursued during the underwriting process regarding an insured's aviation safety record?
Any history of past aviation accidents, violations, grounding, or license revocation should be thoroughly investigated.
143
What are examples of air safety violations?
1. Violation of air space regulation.
2. Landing without contacting the appropriate tower.
3. Using the wrong radio frequency.
4. Forgetting to put the landing gear down.
144
What is the risk associated with pilots who have a history of aviation violations or crashes?
Pilots with a history of aviation violations or prior crash history are at an increased risk of future crashes.
145
What are the sources of information for underwriting aviation risk?
The sources include: application, aviation questionnaire, exam, inspection report, attending physician's statement, and motor vehicle report.
146
Why is the aviation questionnaire important in underwriting?
It is the most valuable tool for evaluating risk and can eliminate the need for additional information requests.
147
What key information should an aviation questionnaire capture?
It should ask for: type of flying activity, total hours flown (including solo), annual flying hours, pilot certificate and ratings, IFR hours, experimental aircraft flown, and past aviation accidents or violations.
148
What additional reports play a role in underwriting aviation risk?
The exam, inspection report, attending physician's statement, and motor vehicle report.
149
What is the purpose of obtaining the FAA exam records?
To verify the proposed insured's medical history and ensure clearance for flight status.
150
What is an Aviation Exclusion Rider (AER)?
An AER is an alternative to full aviation coverage that excludes aviation risks under certain scenarios.
151
When can an AER be used?
It can be used if the policy is rated for non-aviation risks, the insured has a significant history of substance abuse, is elderly, has indefinite future aviation activity, or has terminated ratable aviation activity.
152
What should underwriters be familiar with regarding AERs?
They must know their company's wording on the rider and the insurance codes of each state.
153
What special consideration is needed for AERs on survivorship coverage?
Consultation with the underwriter's legal department is beneficial due to the complexity of these products.
154
What factors can underwriters control in aviation underwriting?
They can control the use of available information regarding the pilot's qualifications, experience, exposure to risk, and any significant medical or non-medical concerns.
ALU 101 12th Ed.
flashcards
Decks in class (15)
# Cards
-
Diagnostic Tests368
-
Build & Blood Pressure153
-
Diabetes126
-
Cancer153
-
Coronary Artery Disease122
-
Basic Lab Testing218
-
Motor Vehicle Risk88
-
Intro To Financial Underwriting106
-
Life Insurance Products, Marketing, And Distribution152
-
Contract Law And Legal Factors Affecting Underwriting143
-
Aviation154
-
Avocations, Professional Sports, And Occupations152
-
International Risk78
-
Insurance Regulation, Basic Compliance, And MIB113
-
Underwriting Alcohol And Substance Use Disorders172
