Understanding how training currency affects your non-owned aircraft insurance and rental eligibility
When Life Gets in the Way of Flying
Four months since your last flight. Work got busy, weather didn't cooperate, and now you're planning a Christmas flight to visit family. What do you need to get back in the air?
FAA Currency Requirements
To carry passengers, you need three takeoffs and three landings within 90 days in the same category and class. Night currency requires full-stop landings between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise.
These are legal minimums. They don't address whether you're actually proficient after time away.
FBO Requirements
Most rental operations require more than FAA minimums:
- Flight within 30-60 days to rent solo
- Checkout flight after 90 days of inactivity
- Flight review if BFR is expiring
Call ahead before booking to understand specific requirements.
How SkyWatch Insurance Works
Here's where we're different.
SkyWatch's non-owned aircraft insurance covers you regardless of recent flight time. We don't ask about hours flown in the last 12 months. Whether you flew 50 hours or 5 hours last year, your coverage is identical.
We cover checkout flights and recurrent training, no matter how long you've been away. Life happens. We structure coverage to support safe return to currency.
Planning Your Return
Expect a checkout flight when returning after time away. Budget for it like fuel and rental time.
Checkout flights typically cover aircraft systems, takeoffs and landings, emergency procedures, and local airspace operations. Your SkyWatch insurance covers you throughout the process.
Maintaining Currency
Best practice: fly monthly, even for pattern work. Practice proficiency regularly, not just cross-countries.
If you haven't flown in six months, schedule multiple training flights with an instructor before going solo. Rebuild confidence gradually.
SkyWatch's Approach
Our non-owned aircraft insurance is designed for renter pilot reality:
- No recent flight time requirements
- Coverage during all checkout flights
- No penalties for gaps in flying
- Protection whether current or rebuilding currency
The Bottom Line
Currency is about maintaining skills and judgment, not just meeting minimums. If life kept you grounded, approach your return thoughtfully with proper training.
With SkyWatch, you're covered regardless of how long you've been away.
