A commercial glider operation I am familiar with, but don't fly out of, is suspending operations for 2019 because;

"... due to commercial operation insurance increase. There were some fatalities last year and they increased premiums 400% or so. They said they might form a club but nothing this year."

There have been no glider fatalities, or even incidents, at this gliderport for as long as I have known it so I assume that the fatality reference is about the overall fatality rate at all gliderports, commercial or otherwise..

Anyone else seen this insurance increase happening? Has there been an increase in fatalities at commercial gliderports as compared to non-commercial?

It would not be welcome news if there is a trend towards fewer gliderports due to insurance.

- John OHM Ω

PS - This gliderport is looking into starting a new glider club at that airport so that a less expensive insurance through the SSA can be purchased.