Eurocopter Operator Program

As you know, helicopter insurance rates have fluctuated dramatically from one year to the next.

The major reasons for this instability have been:

  • Intense competition for new business among helicopter insurance, providers
  • The underpricing of coverages by many insurance providers
  • Large numbers of losses in certain years by helicopter operators
  • A high turnover rate in the number of helicopter insurance providers

These factors have combined to drive some major helicopter insurers out of the market and have forced others to dramatically change rates and coverage availability.

Consequently, many helicopter operators are finding it difficult, if not impossible, to obtain proper coverages or to develop a realistic budget for future insurance costs.

In response to the needs for rate stabilization and broader coverages – including adequate liability limits – from a financially secure, thoroughly experienced helicopter insurance providers have developed a special Flight Protection Program for Eurocopter operators who meet certain underwriting requirements.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

We believe there is an opportunity to improve safety on an extremely broad scale via concerted efforts in the areas of:

  • Utilization of proven equipment
  • In-depth pilot and mechanic training
  • Proven and reliable maintenance procedures and practices

What are the Underwriting Requirements?

EQUIPMENT

  • The operator must fly only Eurocopter equipment or, in the case of fleet operators, Eurocopter equipment must comprise more than 50% of the fleet.
  • Generally speaking, the operator must use only turbine equipment flown by professional pilots.
  • Each helicopter must be equipped with a shoulder harness at each seat location.

MAINTENANCE

  • All scheduled or unscheduled helicopter maintenance must be performed or supervised by employees of the operator who, within the last five years, have attended Eurocopter’s maintenance training course(s) on the model(s) being maintained.
  • If the operator does not have qualified maintenance personnel on staff, maintenance can be performed at an Eurocopter factory;authorized service center, by qualified technicians.
  • All overhauls of dynamic components must be performed by Eurocopter-trained and factory-authorized mechanics at facilities specifically approved to perform these overhaul functions.

PARTS

  • All flight-critical parts must be factory-genuine parts purchased from the factory or the factory-authorized American Eurocopter service center. Flight-critical parts include: flight control parts (from pilot’s hands or feet to the rotors); drive train (from main input drive shaft to both rotors); and the main and tail rotors.
  • Each pilot must hold an FAA Commercial or ATP certificate (or their foreign equivalents).
  • Each pilot must attend the aircraft manufacturer’s approved ground and flight school on at least an annual basis.

Please note: Your acceptance as a preferred policyholder will also be influenced by such criteria as your loss history, your type of operation, etc.

What Are The Major Coverages Provided By The Insurance Policy for American Eurocopter Operators?

The insurance policy for American Eurocopter operators who qualify as preferred policyholders contains significant coverage expansions. Here are some highlights …

  • A broad Aircraft Use clause.
  • A broad Approved Pilots clause.
  • Worldwide coverage.
  • The definition of aircraft is expanded to include parts of your aircraft that are temporarily removed, even if they are replaced by other parts.
  • The pilot clause is waived if the aircraft is operated by a Eurocopter service center in connection with maintenance or repair.
  • Airport premises liability coverage.
  • $100,000 of property damage coverage for damage you may cause to a hangar, or its contents, that you do not own.
  • $5,000 of property damage coverage for damage you may cause to a passenger’s luggage.
  • Products liability coverage if you sell your aircraft or air¬ craft parts.
  • Reimbursement of costs of emergency services, or search and rescue, up to $25,000.
  • $25,000 of extra expense coverage for using temporary replacement parts.
  • $250,000 Voluntary Settlement coverage for non-employee passengers.
  • Automatic Increase in Value coverage, up to 25% of the air¬ craft’s insured value, if the aircraft is modified or equipment is added.
  • If you are using an aircraft you do not own, your policy will provide liability coverage, medical coverage and lia¬ bility coverage for physical damage to the aircraft you are using, subject to the limit of liability, maximum insured value and deductibles contained in your policy.
  • Contractual Liability coverage, subject to certain restrictions. •. $100,000 of on board Cargo Liability coverage, subject to a $1,000 deductible.
  • $100,000 of Physical Damage coverage for spare parts, including in-transit exposures, subject to a $5,000 deductible.

The Flight Protection Program for Eurocopter operators is designed to stabilize rates by reducing the number of accidents and incidents caused by inadequate training of pilots and maintenance personnel, questionable maintenance practices, the use of non-factory-genuine parts, and unsafe operating practices.

Over time, we and underwriting anticipate a drop-off in the number of accidents/incidents among our preferred policyholders. Hopefully, that drop-off will lead to rate stabilization.

Please remember that each of our clients will be individually rated and will be accorded the best combination of coverages and rates underwriters can offer.

How Can I Obtain A Quotation?

If you feel your operation satisfies these underwriting criteria, please contact us and we will take care of the rest.