I have a friend doing some multi commercial time building who wants me to ride with him as an MEI and give him any pointers. My question is what do I need to be cautious of with insurance? I have only instructed at a flight school where personal insurance was not a problem. He is checked out to rent this multi at the FBO, but I am not affiliated at all. If he is checked out and covered with them am I okay to ride with him and provide "instruction." I really don't know who to ask about this, so any help here would be appreciated. Thanks

Better be real careful... twins are expensive and easy to dent in training ops.

Most instructors do not have adequate (or any) insurance. Their primary liaibility protection comes from being young and penniless...if you sue them all you're getting is a 1988 civic, and old color TV, and an xbox.

At a school where you work: Better read the policy carefully and maybe have your lawyer look at it. You can bet your booty that the SCHOOL is well covered. It is also safe to assume that the insurance company will provide you with a legal defense...they want you on THEIR side, not ticked off and willing to air their dirty laundry about Mx and operational shortcuts. However, a legal defense is NOT liaibility coverage... if you lose the case, there is probably no large liaibility payout on your behalf. Also if the school/insurance company thinks they can place ALL of the blame on you, they will cut you lose and cross-sue YOU to recover any damages they suffer! Bottom line: If you have assets you need your own insurance...the school will only protect you where it serves their best interests.

At an FBO: I will almost guarantee that any FBO/Club insurance policy will NOT cover you unless you are:

- A current member (dues paid)
- Checked out in the aircraft
- FAR current plus whatever extra the club requires (I have to do a BFR each year)
- Checked out to instruct and have the minimum experience required by the club...usually 50-100 ME plus 20 in type.

Even then, the insurance limit may not be high enough if you have assets. You will want to read the policy and make sure it covers YOU as thoroughly as it covers the club/FBO. Make sure it provides liaibility, hull loss, as well as legal defense.

The AOPA insurance that costs $50 is legal defense only...if you lose a liaibility case, you will have to pay out.