AVIATION Insurance News
Avemco Insurance Company recently lowered its rates and broadened its coverage on many models in the technically advanced aircraft and homebuilt categories. The company also widened its coverage for pilots transitioning into newer high performance aircraft across all make and model categories. In addition, higher liability limits of up to $1 million combined single are being made available to qualified customers, and higher property damage limits will also be available to many homebuilt aircraft owners.
Avemco is also involved in a study known as the Airmanship Education Research Initiative, which is designed to bring significant improvement in the pilot-induced accident rate by introducing a new, empirically grounded approach to teaching airmanship based on precepts from professional education in other fields. The study will detail by make and model the thought processes associated with pilot-induced accidents and compare them to those demonstrated by expert airmen who have avoided accidents over time.
The research goals are twofold: to more accurately assess risk and to improve aviation safety. “Determining characteristics and practices that are associated with accidents will help us in underwriting and pricing risks,” said Jim Lauerman, executive vice president of Avemco. “We intend to take what we learn to develop educational tools to help all pilots improve the safety of their flight operations. Avemco will certainly benefit from this effort, but if successful, so will all of general aviation.”
For more information, contact Avemco at 888/241-7891 or visit the web at www.avemco.com. A direct link can be found at http://www.kitplanes.com/.
SIGMA-TEK Al
Sigma-Tek has recently introduced its electric 5000EG attitude indicator, which is certified as a primary or standby gyro, and is approved to replace turn coordinators. Available in 14- and 28-volt models, the 5000EG comes standard with a warning flag and caging. It can be adapted for compatibility with any instrument panel, the company says.
The retail price of the 5000EG is $2850. For more information, call 316/775-6373 or visit www.sigmatek.com. A direct link can be found at www.kitplanes.com.
LOCK YOUR PROP
Sportys Pilot Shop introduces the Indestructible Prop Lock, a hexagon-shaped, triple heat-treated chain that can withstand 11 tons of cutting force, the company says. The Prop Lock fits securely around the propeller of a single-engine aircraft as well as the props of light twins and is simple to install or remove. A nylon cover over the chain helps to protect aircraft finishes.
The Prop Lock measures 5 feet in length and weighs 12 pounds. The price is $59.95. For more information, call 1-800-SPORTYS or visit www.sportys.com. A direct link can be found at http://www.kitplanes.com/.
EUROPA UPDATE
Europa Aircraft 2004 Ltd. announced a new U.S. dealer. Alan “Bud” Yerly is the proprietor of Custom Flight Creations in Valrico, Florida. Yerly has extensive experience building and flying Europas, and offers a full builder-assistance program at his facility.
The company is also in the process of gaining acceptance in the U.K. for motorglider wings and expects that to be achieved soon. The ability to fly the airplane with either long or short wings has been an attractive option for U.S. homebuilders, the company says.
Since the death of the company’s Managing Director, Jim Tucker, considerable reorganization of the company has taken place, and there are plans to move to a purpose-built facility by years end. This means that the manufacture of all fiberglass components will be brought back in-house, resulting in better quality control and a significant kit price reduction, the company says.
For more information on Custom Flight Creations, call 813/653-4989 or visit www.customflightcreations.com. For more on Europa Aircraft, visit www.europa-aircraft.co.uk. Direct links can be found at http://www.kitplanes.com/.
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