Helicopter pilot insurance
Even before your first discovery flight or training hour you need valid pilot liability insurance. We explain what it should contain, which limits the school requires and why it pays to add financial loss cover.
What pilot insurance covers
It is liability insurance for the pilot, student and flight instructor against damage to an aircraft that is not yours but which you use for training or another authorised purpose. It therefore covers damage caused by operating the helicopter, for which the pilot may be held liable.
Minimum limit and territorial validity
Our school requires a minimum insured limit of CZK 300,000. Territorial cover must apply at least across the European Union. The vast majority of available policies cover this scope as standard, but always check the exact wording of the terms before you sign.
We recommend adding loss-of-profit cover
Beyond the physical damage to the aircraft, the pilot is often also on the hook for consequential financial losses — for example loss of income from renting the helicopter out while it is being repaired, or the cost of transporting the damaged aircraft to a workshop. Financial loss / loss-of-profit cover is therefore not a formality but practical protection against a large secondary claim.
Valid from the first training flight
You need pilot liability insurance already as a student — not just once you hold a licence. The first solo and the first hour with an instructor are flights on which damage can occur, so the insurance must be active before you step into the cockpit.
What we require before training starts
- Pilot liability insurance with a minimum limit of CZK 300,000
- Territorial cover at least across the EU
- Recommended loss-of-profit / financial loss add-on
- Valid throughout training and independent flying
Frequently asked questions
Why does the school require pilot insurance?
Our helicopter has hull insurance in place, but with a CZK 300,000 deductible. If damage were caused by the pilot, we recover exactly that deductible from them. Pilot liability insurance is there so that this amount does not catch you off guard. It also protects you against loss-of-profit claims and transport costs to the workshop.
Where can I take out the policy?
Pilot insurance is offered by specialised aviation insurers and brokers. In the Czech Republic it is available online for example from SV Pojišťovna. We require you to provide a valid policy before your first flight.
What if I already have a policy from another school?
The policy is tied to a specific insured person, not to a school. If you have valid pilot liability insurance with a sufficient limit and cover, it is enough to prove its validity. Always check that it also applies to training at another ATO.
How much does pilot insurance cost?
Price depends on the limit, territorial cover, licence type and chosen add-ons. Basic liability insurance is available from a few thousand crowns per year. The loss-of-profit add-on increases the price slightly, but in the event of a claim it pays back many times over.
Is your insurance in order?
If you are not sure whether your policy meets our requirements, send it to us for review. We will gladly tell you whether it is enough or whether cover needs to be extended.
Contact the school