Author: Stuart Hope
Single-pilot jets, such as the Citation CJ series or Phenom series, are designed to be flown by a single qualified pilot. However, many operators choose to fly with a second pilot for added safety, comfort or operational efficiency.
In the world of aviation insurance, flexibility is key, especially when insuring unique operational setups. One such scenario involves a single-pilot certified jet being flown with a two-pilot crew.
While this setup can enhance safety and workload management, it can also introduce a nuanced challenge: how to structure the insurance policy so the co-pilot (SIC) isn't required to complete annual recurrent training if the owner only wants a safety pilot for an emergency — such as the pilot in command (PIC) having a physical event — and doesn't want the added cost to hire and annually train a co-pilot for the aircraft.
The jet insurance dilemma
If the policy is to be written on a required two-pilot basis, most aviation insurance policies will require all crew members to meet specific training and currency requirements annually. After all, they're providing a substantial premium reduction for the jet being flown by a fully qualified two-pilot crew, which is considered the safest pilot scenario.
However, this requirement can be burdensome for owners who simply want to use co-pilots who aren't going to be acting as PIC and may only be sitting in the right seat, helping with radios, in-flight routing changes, etc., rather than actually physically handling the flight controls. Requiring them to complete annual simulator training or recurrent checks can be costly. If the owner is using contract co-pilots, it may be hard to find one on short notice who has completed the initial or recurrent training annually for the aircraft.
A practical solution
To address this dilemma, it's probably best to write coverage for single pilot use and pay the extra premium. Then you can use any co-pilot you like since a co-pilot isn't mandatory. However, the co-pilot isn't approved to operate the aircraft; the co-pilot can sit up front and act as a safety pilot.
This approach eliminates the training expense for a co-pilot. It also aligns with the operational reality of many owner-flown jets that use a second pilot for support rather than necessity.
Final thoughts
Insurance should support safe and efficient operations, not create barriers. By working closely with underwriters and clearly defining roles, operators can secure coverage that reflects their actual use case while maintaining the highest safety standards. Consult your aerospace and aviation broker, who can assist you in creating an insurance program that works for you.
