The holiday season is a busy time for private aviation. Many aircraft owners fly more frequently and for different reasons than they do the rest of the year. Those changes introduce new risk factors that aviation underwriters pay close attention to.
Ingram Aviation Insurance specializes in helping pilots and aircraft owners avoid oversights that can lead to coverage gaps or denied claims. Before you take to the skies this holiday season, learn what underwriters look for – and ways to protect your aircraft, your passengers, and your policy.
1. Changes in Purpose of Use
The holidays often mean a shift from routine business trips to personal or family travel. Flying for personal reasons may affect your coverage if your original policy had a business-use designation.
What to do:
- Review your declared purpose with your insurer before flying.
- Make sure your policy allows personal and business use – or update it accordingly.
2. Pilot Currency and Recent Flight Time
Underwriters are particularly sensitive to pilot proficiency during the winter. If you flew less this fall, you may not be current on night operations or takeoff and landing procedures.
Risk indicators:
- Extended downtime before holiday flying
- Limited experience with instrument meteorological conditions
- Infrequent night flying or cross-country trips
What to do:
- Consider a refresher flight or simulator session before flying passengers.
- Review your insurance policy and currency requirements under FAR Part 61.
3. Seasonal Weather Exposure
Winter flying introduces elevated risks from icing, strong winds, poor visibility, and shorter daylight hours. These conditions can challenge even experienced pilots and lead to increased scrutiny from insurers.
What to do:
- Check if your policy excludes known icing conditions.
- Verify that de-icing and anti-icing systems are operational and well-maintained.
- Plan flights around daylight hours and ensure alternate airports are available.
4. Airport and Route Unfamiliarity
Holiday travel often involves flying into new or less familiar airports, including rural airstrips or mountain destinations. Unfamiliar terrain, airspace, and procedures increase accident potential.
What to do:
- Study approach paths, NOTAMs, and airport diagrams before departure.
- Use flight planning software to evaluate terrain and weather risks.
- If possible, speak to local pilots or FBO staff for ground-level insights.
5. Passenger Profile Changes
Unlike routine business flights, holiday trips frequently include family members or non-employee guests. These variables change your liability exposure and may require additional considerations in your insurance policy.
What to do:
- Ensure your policy covers non-commercial passenger flights with guests.
- Thoroughly brief your passengers on safety procedures and expectations.
- Confirm you have adequate liability limits to protect yourself in case of an incident involving non-employee passengers.
6. Aircraft Inactivity Followed by Sudden Use
Some aircraft sit idle for long periods before holiday travel. This inactivity can increase the risk of mechanical issues or overlooked maintenance.
What to do:
- Schedule a thorough pre-flight or annual inspection if your aircraft is due.
- Check for stale fuel, low tire pressure, and battery condition.
- Review engine logs and service bulletins to ensure continued airworthiness.
7. Storage and Hangar Conditions
Cold weather, snow accumulation, and shared hangar space can introduce new risks. If you store your aircraft in a temporary facility or have moved it recently, your risk profile may have changed.
What to do:
- Confirm hangar coverage in your policy (especially for shared or temporary storage).
- Inspect doors, lighting, fire suppression systems, and roof integrity.
- Check for rodent damage, moisture intrusion, or ice-related hazards.
Fly Confidently This Holiday With Ingram Aviation Insurance
Holiday flying brings joy and flexibility – but also higher scrutiny from aviation underwriters. The best way to ensure your policy remains valid and effective is by reviewing it proactively with a trusted advisor.
Ingram Aviation Insurance offers:
- Customized aviation policies based on your aircraft, usage, and pilot experience
- Fast, informed underwriting support – especially during the busy season
- Expert guidance on liability, hangar storage, and passenger coverage
- More than a decade of aviation-only experience with nationwide reach
Before you take off for your next seasonal trip, take a few minutes to review your insurance coverage. A brief consultation today can prevent a costly oversight tomorrow. Contact us to update your policy or get a personalized holiday flying risk assessment.