CFIG Lawsuits?

At an SSA FIRC I believe it was said by a presenter that no lawsuit
had every arisen against a CFI-G from an accident. Doesn't mean that
it will not but only that it never has. You might verify the above
statement with the SSF.

At the FIRC proper documentation of training was emphsized. The AOPA
articles that the original poster mentioned were very interesting as
they seemed to support strongly the value of having persons sign a
liability wavior and avoid the unlikely possibility of being
classified as a "common carrier". Make sure your club's corporate
status is maintained with your state and minimal assets are retained
in it. The real open issue is the cost of defense against frivilous
lawsuits, while it is possible your homeowners policy might step in so
far as providing defense, I would not count on it. So really it is a
"layered defense", beginning with good documentation of training (drop
any CFIG that refuses), 100% coverage with liability waviors, some
liability insurance on the aircraft, and an in force corporate charter
containing minimal assets.

I am not a lawyer, the above is not legal advice but merely a layman's
exploration of the issues. And with the above noted, I'm still
working to get my CFIG.

HU

Lawsuits against CFIs, clubs and FBOs do indeed happen.

Insurance can only cover you to some degree, but to get coverage for
the amounts awarded, the cost would be prohibitive.

I am neither a lawyer or insurance salesman, but I believe our only
defense, and probably the absolute best defense, is to ensure we
fulfill all of the specific and implied rules and regulations
specified by the FARs, PTS, advisory circulars, as well as the common
standards established by industry.

As it turns out, it is not difficult. The references are reasonably
clear.

Our school / gliderport has been in business for 38 years and as we
near retirement, our assetts have grown so we become more of a target
should we do it wrong.

We have developed widely acclaimed text books, instructor manuals and
a thorough glider pilot logbook and other training materials that
absolutly fulfill all the flight training requirements. We use lesson
plans that are complete, and document flight training using a series
of written tests that prove each student has the knowledge and skills
implied by the regulations. To do otherwise would be foolish.

There are materials out there that simply fail to meet the necessary
standards.

It is clear not all instructors make an effort to teach to the
accepted standards. Organizations and individuals have developed their
own flight training techniques and methods. Some of the non-standard,
uncommon methods can subject the instructors, schools and clubs to a
higher risk should something happen.

Tom Knauff

Tom,
you say that CFIG lawsuits 'do indeed happen'. Can you point us in a
direction or contact for a specific individual who would have details
of such a lawsuit?

BTW, admire you attitude and efforts.

How do you set up ownership of the assets of the club and not have those
assets tied to the club in some way?

Fred
"HoUdino" wrote in message
...
At an SSA FIRC I believe it was said by a presenter that no lawsuit
had every arisen against a CFI-G from an accident. Doesn't mean that
it will not but only that it never has. You might verify the above
statement with the SSF.

At the FIRC proper documentation of training was emphsized. The AOPA
articles that the original poster mentioned were very interesting as
they seemed to support strongly the value of having persons sign a
liability wavior and avoid the unlikely possibility of being
classified as a "common carrier". Make sure your club's corporate
status is maintained with your state and minimal assets are retained
in it. The real open issue is the cost of defense against frivilous
lawsuits, while it is possible your homeowners policy might step in so
far as providing defense, I would not count on it. So really it is a
"layered defense", beginning with good documentation of training (drop
any CFIG that refuses), 100% coverage with liability waviors, some
liability insurance on the aircraft, and an in force corporate charter
containing minimal assets.

I am not a lawyer, the above is not legal advice but merely a layman's
exploration of the issues. And with the above noted, I'm still
working to get my CFIG.

HU