Scott "Sky" Smith, Author at Cessna Owner Organization

Do Runways Matter?

Posted by Scott "Sky" Smith | Aviation Insurance & Financing

Remember when you were training for your private pilot’s license and the instructor pulled the power back and declared an “emergency”?

Cessna Aircraft Insurance Risks: What it really boils down to is if you are going to an air show, fly-in, or other event and you want to participate in static display, flyby, formation flying, aerobatics, etc., make sure you have the correct aircraft to meet the FAA require¬ments, the correct ratings and certificates, and the correct insur¬ance. And if you’re getting paid (fuel, rental car, rooms) know what the rules are from the FAA and the underwriters.

Musical Chairs: What the FAA and Insurance Companies Say About the Left and Right Seat

Posted by Scott "Sky" Smith | Aviation Insurance & Financing

If you’re acting as the Pilot in Command (PIC) on a flight, and you let a nonpilot do some of the flying from the right seat, is that legal?

Tips and Traps in Warranties

Posted by Scott "Sky" Smith | Aviation Insurance & Financing

So, I got to thinking. What about all these warranties on aircraft and their components? I know that if you have an accident and you have insurance, the damage should be covered. But of course, repairs to worn-out parts aren’t covered. And what about the engine? If the crank is cracked or the compression is low, is that a warranty item or an insurance item? Or is that just a part of ownership?

What is Cessna Aircraft Liability Insurance?

Posted by Scott "Sky" Smith | Aviation Insurance & Financing

Limits, What’s Covered, and Choosing Cessna Aircraft Liability Coverage You may have heard that as...

Prop Strike Damage

Posted by Scott "Sky" Smith | Aviation Insurance & Financing

Should you submit an insurance claim for a prop strike? Well, it depends. There are a number of variables that can affect the claims department’s decision.

Flying at Home

Posted by Scott "Sky" Smith | Columns and Opinions

Simulators Are Not Only Fun, They’re Also a Practical Way to Practice.

Sometimes work and the family schedule don’t allow me (and many other pilots) to fly every day. Some days, it might be the weather that keeps me grounded, and sometimes it’s the budget that clips my wings.

Where to Land in an Emergency

Posted by Scott "Sky" Smith | Become a Better Pilot, What To Know Before You Go

Recently there was a news story about a pilot in the Southeast who had engine trouble. That pilot opted for an emergency landing on a busy bridge instead of in the water, resulting in a casualty of an automobile driver, which brought up conversations about land, water, roads … where should you make an emergency landing?

Crazy Airplane Prices: Why You Need to Care

Posted by Scott "Sky" Smith | Aviation Insurance & Financing

Over the years, I have owned quite a few aircraft. I have bought experimental biplanes, Cessnas,...

Do Safety Devices Save Money?

Posted by Scott "Sky" Smith | Aviation Insurance & Financing

Do we really need more safety equipment? Just get a safe airplane and you don’t need more safety devices, right?

Sun ‘N Fun Review: Sky Smith Talks About His Spring Break

Posted by Scott "Sky" Smith | New Products & Services, News, Newsletter

In April pilots flock to Lakeland Florida just like a flock of geese heading south. Lakeland and the Lakeland Linder airport are the home of Sun’N fun, the annual spring break for pilots.