Private airport insurance?

On Tue, 28 Aug 2007 13:34:07 -0600, Newps wrote
in :

Yes, it was Senate Bill 318. Here's a blurb from the Montana Pilots
Assoc website. The Governor signed the bill inot law on April 30th.

It appears that it was the Recreational Aviation Foundation that
conceived the idea:

http://www.recreationalaviationfoundation.org/
MONTANA PRIVATE AIRPORTS GET PROTECTION FROM NEW STATE LAW !

In April of 2007 Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer signed into law
Senate Bill 318. This new law provides a measure of protection for
private airstrip owners who don't charge the public to use their
airstrips for recreational purposes. They are now protected by a
limited liability law, created by Senate Bill 318. The law adds
landowners of airstrips for "private, noncommercial flying" to the
protections under the state's recreational use statute.

This bill was the brainchild of RAF Director Chuck Jarecki who
orchestrated a major effort with primary support from the Montana
Pilots Association to get the bill sponsored and introduced into
the legislature and then to rally the troops to campaign for its
approval. A big “Thank You” goes to Chuck and all the members of
the MPA who participated in pushing this bill through the Montana
legislature. A job well done!


I wonder if AOPA could get something similar implemented nationwide.

On Aug 27, 5:59 pm, "Ken Finney" wrote:
Anyone know home much it would cost to insure a private airport? I know
some people with private fields on the sectional "No landings without prior
permission of owner" and they will tell you that it's open to all their
friends, but they don't have any insurance. I'm thinking that they are
really leaving themselves open to lawsuits if someone gets hurt due to a
rough landing (or worse). I also notice that more than a few private fields
are for sale, and I'm wondering if this is one of the reasons why.

I know of at least one state that has put a law on the books that
basically limits the owners liability if they open the airport to the
public. As I understand it this has really helped with insurance
premiums for public airports. Perhaps other states have simlar rules

Brian.

"Ken Finney" wrote in message
...
I'm thinking that they are really leaving themselves open to lawsuits if
someone gets hurt due to a rough landing (or worse).

Someone I know owns a bar. She told me she doesn't carry liability
insurance.

They formed a corporation and lease the space and liquor license to the
corp, but the corp operates the bar. When someone decides to sue, they form
a new corp ready to take over as soon as the 'victim' acquires the assets of
the corp (which is nothing). The old corp goes bankrupt, and the owners
lease the bar to the new corp.

Notice: IANAL, and have only written my understanding of the process. I'm
sure there are many who will tell me I am wrong, and that it must be done
differently.

If you're thinking of opening an airfield, ask your lawyer if something like
this may work.

On Aug 28, 5:24 am, "El Maximo" wrote:
"Ken Finney" wrote in message

...

I'm thinking that they are really leaving themselves open to lawsuits if
someone gets hurt due to a rough landing (or worse).

Someone I know owns a bar. She told me she doesn't carry liability
insurance.

They formed a corporation and lease the space and liquor license to the
corp, but the corp operates the bar. When someone decides to sue, they form
a new corp ready to take over as soon as the 'victim' acquires the assets of
the corp (which is nothing). The old corp goes bankrupt, and the owners
lease the bar to the new corp.

At least in California this does not work. This topic was brought up
in torts class. Someone tried the same thing with his explosives
company and the courts pierced the corporation and the person lost
their personal assets. Basically a corporation cannot be a shell. The
main test is that if a corporation does not have enough insurance and
or assets to cover expected liabilities, it will likely not be
honored.

-Robert

Ken Finney wrote:
Anyone know home much it would cost to insure a private airport? I know
some people with private fields on the sectional "No landings without prior
permission of owner" and they will tell you that it's open to all their
friends, but they don't have any insurance. I'm thinking that they are
really leaving themselves open to lawsuits if someone gets hurt due to a
rough landing (or worse). I also notice that more than a few private fields
are for sale, and I'm wondering if this is one of the reasons why.



We have an airport community. The HOA gets liability insurance for the
runway. I don't know how much it costs.