Why are Professional Pilots a Preferred Risk?
Underwriters define “professional pilots” as those pilots whose full-time occupation is the safe operation of an aircraft. If you are a professional pilot between the ages of 25 and 60 (to 65), and your skill level and training are acceptable, you are usually thought to be a preferred risk. You will receive lower rates and better policy forms than the owner pilot or non-professional. “But, I am a commercially rated pilot and have an ATP. I have strong credentials. Why am I not considered a professional just because I run the company?” That’s just the way it is. The underwriters say non-professional pilots have too many things on their minds. They say you can’t keep your mind on the flying if you are preoccupied with business problems. Well, I can personally give you a lot of examples of superior cockpit management and capability from the non-professional pilot. But which ones keep their minds on flying and don’t drift away during those long uneventful stretches? Again, non-professional
