Checkride day is stressful enough. You have the oral, the flight and an examiner in the right seat. The last thing you want is a question about insurance. Most students assume the school's policy covers everything in the school's airplane. That assumption is worth checking before the day, not after.
Start with what the school's policy actually protects
A flight school's policy is written for the school as the aircraft owner. Whether it also protects you as the pilot depends on its terms. Some policies name students or renters, some do not, and some include limits that surprise people later. Ask the school for the certificate of insurance and a plain answer to one question: what does this cover for me, and what does it leave to me?
If the insurer pays for damage to the airplane, it may also look to the pilot to recover that cost. We cover that risk in our subrogation guide.
Check how the flight is classified
Policies describe the use of the aircraft. Pleasure, business and instruction are often treated differently. A checkride is a flight with an examiner aboard, so read the wording and ask whether that flight fits the use your coverage describes. Do not assume it does.
Check who is named
Some policies only cover named pilots, or pilots who meet certain ratings and hours. A student about to earn a certificate may sit right on that line. Ask whether the policy responds to a student on a checkride, and whether the examiner aboard changes anything.
Sort the paperwork before the day
- Get the certificate of insurance and read the dates, the named pilots and the stated use.
- Ask the school what its rental agreement says about damage and deductibles.
- Carry a copy of your own coverage, and send the school a copy too.
- Confirm coverage dates include your practice flights and the checkride date.
If you want protection that follows you instead of the airplane, aircraft renters insurance is built for pilots who fly aircraft they do not own. Short plans can suit a training window, and our student pilot guide walks through the basics. What any policy covers depends on its terms, limits and exclusions.
FAQ
Does the school's insurance cover me on my checkride?
It depends on the policy terms. Many school policies protect the school as the owner, so ask for the certificate and the wording.
Do I need my own insurance to take a checkride in a rented plane?
Requirements vary by school. Some require renters insurance and some do not, but your own policy can fill gaps the school's policy leaves open.
Does the examiner on board change coverage?
It can. Some policies address who may fly and who may be aboard, so ask the school and read the wording.
Can I buy coverage just for the training period?
Plans can run for a day, week, month or year, so you can match the dates to your training and checkride.
What should I bring on checkride day?
Bring a copy of your own coverage and the school's certificate of insurance, so any question is settled before you start the oral.
