Aerobatic & Airshow Insurance

Aerobatic and airshow operations involve precision flying, specialized aircraft, and heightened exposure to both pilots and spectators. These flights may include competition aerobatics, practice sessions, formation flying, and public airshow performances. Proper aerobatic insurance ensures pilots and operators are protected in these high-risk environments.

Insuring an aerobatic or airshow aircraft requires a detailed understanding of how the aircraft is flown. Underwriters evaluate pilot experience, aerobatic qualifications, aircraft configuration, performance limitations, show profiles, and safety planning. Coverage must reflect the intensity and visibility of aerobatic operations.

With Aero Insurance, you can compare all available quotes from every major aviation underwriter using one streamlined application. This approach helps eliminate coverage gaps and ensures your policy is built around your performance—not a generic template.

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Who Aerobatic & Airshow Insurance Is For

This coverage is designed for aerobatic pilots, competition flyers, airshow performers, formation teams, flight demonstration operators, and organizations conducting public or private aerobatic events. Policies can be structured for individual pilots or sponsored teams.

Typical Aerobatic & Airshow Operations

Aerobatic aircraft are commonly insured for practice and training flights, competition aerobatics, formation flying, airshow demonstrations, and approved aerobatic instruction. Common operations include:

• Aerobatic practice and proficiency flying
• Competition and demonstration aerobatics
• Airshow and fly-in performances
• Formation and display team flying
• Approved aerobatic instruction

Key Factors That Affect Aerobatic Insurance Rates

Aviation underwriters evaluate several core factors when determining eligibility and pricing for aerobatic and airshow insurance:

• Pilot experience: total flight time, aerobatic hours, competition or show experience, and recent activity.
• Aircraft characteristics: hull value, aerobatic certification, performance envelope, and modifications.
• Operation type: practice, competition, instruction, or public airshow performance.
• Airshow exposure: spectator proximity, show approval, and event safety planning.
• Operating environment: venues, altitude limits, and geographic locations.
• Claims history: prior aerobatic or aviation-related losses.

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Common Coverages for Aerobatic & Airshow Operations

Most aerobatic insurance policies are built using a combination of the following coverage components:

• Aircraft liability insurance: bodily injury and property damage, including spectator liability.
• Hull insurance: physical damage coverage for aerobatic-approved aircraft.
• Airshow liability: coverage specific to public performances and events.
• Medical payments: coverage for pilot and occupant medical expenses.
• Non-owned aircraft insurance: protection for leased or borrowed aerobatic aircraft.
• Equipment coverage: protection for smoke systems, parachutes, and performance equipment.

Pilot Qualifications and Training Considerations

Aerobatic training, currency, and documented experience play a major role in underwriting decisions. Insurers typically favor pilots who maintain recent aerobatic activity, participate in recognized training programs, and comply with airshow safety and waiver requirements.

Managing Costs and Improving Eligibility

Aerobatic pilots and performers can often improve eligibility and manage premiums by:

• Maintaining current aerobatic training and recent flight experience
• Documenting competition results or airshow participation
• Operating approved aircraft configurations and safety equipment
• Selecting liability limits aligned with spectator exposure

Aerobatic Aircraft Types

Insurance considerations vary based on aircraft type and performance capability. Purpose-built aerobatic aircraft, warbirds, and modified aircraft each present unique underwriting considerations.

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Airshows, Events, and Public Performances

Public airshows, fly-ins, and demonstration events should always be disclosed during the insurance process. Insurers may require event approvals, safety plans, waivers, and pilot credentials to ensure coverage aligns with performance exposure.

Information to Have Ready

Having the following information available helps streamline the quoting process:

• Pilot aerobatic experience, training records, and performance history
• Aircraft details, certification, and performance modifications
• Types of aerobatic maneuvers and performance profiles
• Airshow schedules, venues, and safety documentation
• Prior loss history, if applicable

Get Coverage Built Around Your Performance

Aero Insurance provides one application, access to every major aviation underwriter, fast renewals, and expert claims advocacy. Whether you perform solo aerobatics or participate in major airshows, we help keep the insurance process clear and aligned with your flying.

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