Spring brings the beauty of rebirth and renewal, but for pilots and aircraft owners, it also heralds a season of unpredictable and often severe weather. In Middle Tennessee, we are familiar with sudden rainstorms, tornadoes, and high winds, each posing a significant threat to your aircraft’s safety and integrity. Most pilots have heard tales of storms that capriciously spared one hangar while decimating another or tossed several small planes into the air. This fickleness makes creating an effective severe weather plan crucial and challenging.
Crafting a Severe Weather Plan
While the chances of your aircraft experiencing severe weather damage may seem minimal, the risk invariably influences insurance considerations. For example, your physical damage insurance cost may be higher if you primarily keep your plane outside and exposed to the elements. Regularly review your insurance policy and talk to your provider to ensure you have adequate protection against these unforeseen events.
Creating a severe weather plan for your aircraft can reduce your insurance expenses while providing priceless peace of mind.
1. Regularly Monitor Weather Forecasts
Stay ahead of the weather by regularly checking forecasts during the volatile spring months. Early warnings can provide the precious time you need to enact your severe weather plan.
2. Understand Your Insurance Policy
Be confident you know what your insurance covers and what it doesn’t. Carefully reading your policy can help you take necessary precautions and avoid unpleasant surprises after a storm has passed.
3. Secure Your Aircraft
Take steps to secure your aircraft when a storm is imminent. Move it into a hangar if you can. If that’s not an option, use tie-downs designed to withstand severe weather conditions.
4. Identify Safe Havens
Know the locations of the nearest hangars or other protective structures where you can relocate your aircraft if severe weather threatens. Planning your route and knowing what to do can make all the difference when time is of the essence.
5. Create an Emergency Contact List
Save a list of contacts, including your insurance provider, the local airport authority, and any services you might need in the aftermath of a storm. Quick access to these contacts can expedite your response and recovery efforts.
6. Conduct Inspections
Inspect your aircraft for damage after any severe weather event. Early detection of issues can prevent them from worsening and ensure your plane is safe for its next flight.
The Bottom Line
Middle Tennessee’s severe spring weather requires vigilance and preparedness from aircraft owners and pilots. You can mitigate the risks of unpredictable weather patterns by creating a comprehensive severe weather plan and staying informed about the specifics of your insurance coverage.
At Ingram Aviation Insurance, our team is always ready to discuss your coverage needs and help you get comprehensive private aircraft insurance, no matter the weather.
Weathering the storm starts with preparation. Contact us today and let us help you create a severe weather plan that keeps your plane safe and your mind at ease.