COPA Launches New Aviators Canada Insurance Program (ACIP)

Insurance is one of the most important and often frustrating parts of being a pilot. For many Canadian aviators, securing the right insurance can be a barrier to flying. Whether it’s the challenge of finding qualifiable coverage, the high cost of premiums, or limited flexibility in policy options, these hurdles can keep pilots grounded. 

The Canadian Owners and Pilots Association understands these challenges. For decades, COPA has worked to ensure pilots of all ages and experience levels - from young flyers to veteran aviators across the country - have the freedom to pursue their passion for aviation. 

A significant pillar of that freedom is the insurance that allows pilots to fly. Pilots in Canada have faced numerous issues related to eligibility, aircraft type, age, and costs, all of which have impeded their ability to take to the skies. COPA aims to remove these obstacles with its new insurance program that will make flying more accessible for everyone. Launching this spring, the Aviators Canada Insurance Program (ACIP) is uniquely tailored to the needs of Canadian pilots and aircraft owners. 

The program reflects evolving industry needs and extensive feedback from COPA members, prioritizing access to coverage, optionality of coverage types, and quality service for all aviators, from low-time pilots to veteran and senior aviators. By collaborating with Covalen and Global Aerospace, the largest aviation insurer in Canada, COPA’s ACIP will provide its members with more tailored coverage to serve the diverse needs of Canada’s General Aviation community.  

How Insurance Impacts General Aviation 

Insurance isn’t just a contractual obligation; it’s a critical component of the aviation ecosystem. Without proper coverage, pilots can’t fly, and the freedom to take to the skies - something Canadians have long enjoyed - becomes jeopardized. It also provides the safety net pilots need to face unforeseen events with confidence. Insurance offers peace of mind and financial protection in General Aviation for aircraft that range from float and amphibious, to non-certified “amateur-built”, to rotary wing, advanced ultralights, and more. It also fosters a culture of safety and responsibility within the aviation community. 

COPA has seen how insurance challenges - rising premiums, limited coverage options, and stringent eligibility requirements - have created barriers for many Canadian aviators. COPA’s ACIP aims to address these challenges with a highly customizable and pilot-centered program designed to meet the diverse needs of aviators nationwide. 

“This plan opens insurance options to a much wider variety of Canadian aviators across the country who have otherwise had more challenges with securing insurance coverage,” says Ashlynne Dale, Eastern Vice-Chair, Southern Ontario Regional Representative on the COPA board of directors, and a member of the insurance task force.  

Removing Barriers   

ACIP is built to remove insurance as a barrier to flying. It provides broader options for pilots regardless of what they’re flying or their age. “We want to welcome everyone to the program. Aviation isn’t just for one age group. It’s for young people just getting started and older seasoned aviators. We want to make it easier for aviators across the country, regardless of what they’re flying or their ages,” Dale explains. “By making insurance more accessible, we aim to take it off the table as an impediment to flying.” 

This initiative goes beyond addressing insurance gaps; it plays a vital role in COPA’s advocacy efforts to preserve the unique freedoms Canadian aviators enjoy. As accessible insurance strengthens the aviation community, COPA becomes a more powerful voice in protecting and advancing General Aviation rights. This helps ensure aviation remains a viable pursuit for all Canadians. 

How Member Feedback Shaped ACIP 

The development of ACIP was a collaborative effort driven by member input. Over the years, COPA received invaluable insights from pilots across Canada, highlighting gaps in existing insurance options. Members expressed a need for more flexible coverage options, better pricing transparency, and a program that accommodates the diversity of Canada’s aviation community. 

To address these concerns, COPA established a dedicated insurance task force led by Ashlynne Dale and Doug Ronan, Chair of the Board and Southern Ontario Regional Representative for COPA. Their mission was to overhaul COPA’s insurance program to make it more inclusive, accessible, and responsive to members’ needs. Ronan brings 40 years of aviation experience to this role, including expertise in salvaging, repairing aircraft, and navigating insurance claims and policies.  

The task force focused on creating a policy that balances affordability, comprehensive coverage, and a high level of service. The goal was to ensure that every pilot, from beginners to those with hundreds of hours under their belt, could find a policy that suits their experience level, flying habits, aircraft type, and budget. With variable liability limits and deductibles, every aspect of the program is designed with the pilot in mind. 

A Program Rooted in Aviation  

One of the defining features of ACIP is its foundation in aviation expertise. Both the underwriter, Global Aerospace, and the broker, Covalen, were chosen for their decades of Canadian aviation-specific experience. Global Aerospace, with over 100 years in the industry, is renowned for its robust claims handling and comprehensive coverage options. Their team includes aviation professionals who understand the unique risks and requirements of flying. Global Aerospace’s commitment to diversity and openness to cover many types of aircraft is a key pillar of the new program, ensuring a wide variety of pilots have access to coverage.  

Global Aerospace offers coverage options that are designed for the modern aviator. This partnership doesn’t just offer more options - it also ensures COPA’s insurance program is backed by one of the most trusted names in aviation insurance in Canada. 

Covalen, the broker partner, complements this expertise with a deep understanding of the Canadian aviation landscape. With over 30 years of experience, Covalen’s team includes licensed pilots who bring firsthand knowledge to each policy.  

Increasing Opportunities for All Pilots with a Wide Range of Customizable Options  

To accommodate as many pilots as possible, ACIP offers a high degree of flexibility, allowing pilots to customize their coverage to suit their individual needs. Members can choose from six types of insurance, ranging from all-risk flight and ground coverage to static liability-only policies. This flexibility is a direct response to the diverse needs of pilots, who will now be able to select policies that match their aviation requirements and budgets.  

“By giving people more options, they have the ability to customize their insurance policy to their own specific needs. And in that way, we will make flying much more accessible to all Canadian aviators and those aspiring to be Canadian aviators,” Dale says. “We want to encourage people who want to get their pilot’s license or buy their first aircraft. We want to encourage people to do that and take those momentous steps that can be really the gateway to some of the most magical moments in their lives taking to the skies.” 

The task force ensured that aviators could have customized coverage that reflects their actual flying habits, helping to avoid overpaying for unnecessary coverage. Likewise, pilots operating more specialized, unique or high-value aircraft (such as vintage planes, rotary wings, or seaplanes) can now access coverage to protect those types of aircraft. The program also offers higher liability limits, exceeding the $2 million industry standard, and customizable deductibles. These options empower pilots to create policies that align with their specific needs and financial realities. 

The options for lower deductibles make insurance claims more manageable, higher deductibles make premiums more accessible, and adjustable coverage limits allow aviators to secure the protection they need without over or under-committing financially. 

Key Features of ACIP 

• Inclusive of all pilots: ACIP welcomes pilots of all ages and experience levels. Importantly, the program also addresses the needs of both lower-time pilots and mature aviators, many of whom may otherwise face challenges finding affordable and comprehensive insurance. COPA’s ACIP welcomes pilots who are dedicated to safety, training and the conscientious care of the aircraft they fly to ensure that those aviators aren’t left behind in the coverage process.  
   

• Expansive coverage for all types of aircraft: The program also extends coverage to a wide variety of aircraft, including fixed-wing, rotary wing, float and amphibious planes, ski planes, non-certified “amateur-built” aircraft, advanced ultralights, owner-maintenance aircraft and gyrocopters. ACIP is the only program to offer hull coverage for higher-value aircraft greater than $2M. 
   

• Customizable to suit aviators’ unique needs: ACIP offers a range of insurance types, along with variable deductible and liability coverage options exceeding the $2M industry standard, to create a solution that aligns with individual pilot budgets and flying goals.  “The biggest thing we’re trying to do is get as many of our members insured as possible, with valuable coverage from all aspects,” says Ronan. “We’ve created a broad insurance program to cover as many people as possible.” 
   

• Top-flight service: Member service and experience is an overarching priority for COPA. ACIP brings knowledgeable specialists with deep experience in aviation insurance and prompt, responsive service, in person, by phone and online.  
   

• Recognition of experience: ACIP rewards pilots for their dedication to safety and training. Discounts are available for check rides, recurrency training, claims-free history, flight hours, recency, having multiple aircraft and even for keeping your aircraft hangared. This recognition fosters a culture of responsible aviation while providing tangible financial benefits to members. 
   

• Bilingual services: COPA is committed to serving its members across Canada, ensuring bilingual services are provided for the benefit of its Francophone members. COPA’s new insurance offerings are fully bilingual, with all services and documentation available in both French and English. 

Preserving and Promoting General Aviation in Canada with ACIP 

ACIP reflects COPA’s broader mission to preserve, promote and inspire General Aviation in Canada. Insurance enables aviation activities, ensuring pilots can pursue their passion. By providing affordable, comprehensive, and customizable coverage, ACIP makes flying more accessible to Canadians from coast to coast. 

This revamped insurance program is an essential part of COPA’s ongoing efforts to protect and promote General Aviation in Canada. By ensuring affordable, flexible, and reliable insurance options for pilots, ACIP helps preserve the freedom to fly for aviators across the country. 

Get Started Today 

COPA encourages all Canadian aviators to take advantage of the new program. The transition to ACIP has been designed for ease, ensuring aviators currently insured with any broker can smoothly move over with just a simple change of broker form. For those interested, Covalen is ready to assist with no-obligation quotes and guidance throughout the enrollment process. 

To learn more or get started, reach out today to the COPA team at Covalen at 833-546-COPA (2672) or via email at COPA@covalen.ca.