As the 2024 ag season comes to a close, many operators across the country found continued prosperity, while others were hampered by Mother Nature and commodity prices. The lowest ebbs of any season are the injuries and fatalities that occur. In the tight-knit community of ag aviation, when a pilot is severely impacted by injury or loses their life, the entire industry hurts for them. This article contains just a few helpful reminders that are intended to serve as guidance to operators who may eventually deal with the insurance consequences when the worst happens.
- DOCUMENTION. In the event of any covered hull claim, the first items of interest to the claims adjuster are pilot records that include the last signed pilot history form, the pilot’s log books, certificate, and copies of their last FAA medical and biennial flight review. A good practice for an operator to put in place is to ensure all of this information is readily available, either in electronic or paper form, at the start of the season, updating it as necessary as the season progresses. If a low-time pilot is involved in an accident, the operator should also be prepared to make available documented completions of any applicable training requirements previously set forth by the insurance company.
- WORKERS’ COMPENSATION. If an operator’s employee is seriously or fatally injured while on the job and the operator has a workers’ compensation policy with the appropriate coverages/exposures, a claim can also be filed on that policy. While state regulations on workers’ compensation vary widely from state to state, it is important for an operator to be informed of what benefits are available in the event of a covered injury or fatality.
- LIFE AND HEALTH. If a pilot or ground crew is not covered for workers’ compensation by their employer, or if they don’t have their own workers’ compensation policy including themselves in coverage, the only benefits they or their dependents can rely on is their own existing life and health policies that do not contain aviation exclusions.
