USAIG Expands Performance Vector Program to Ag Ops

Aviation insurer USAIG has added Kansas-based Turbine Training Center (TTC) to the options in its Performance Vector Program. TTC provides simulator-based training for agricultural aerial applicator pilots. When a policyholder selects TTC as its annual safety benefit from the program, USAIG will issue a certificate confirming it will pay up to $2,500 of the training fees for airplane pilots.

Under the Performance Vector Program, eligible USAIG policyholders can select one program annually to improve upon loss of control and other safety issues. Eligible parties include those with a USAIG turbine-powered aircraft policy or with multiple policies.

“Aerial applicators are vital to modern agriculture and represent an important business segment for USAIG,” said Ken Nielsen, underwriting v-p and agricultural aviation business line manager for the insurer. But aerial applications require a high level of proficiency from pilots, given the need to operate close to the ground in high-performance turboprop aircraft, USAIG noted. It pointed to other risk factors such as long hours in austere and changing locations, as well as seasonal surges in workload.

“Aerial applicators have unique needs and many options in our safety program that are geared more toward corporate jet operations just aren’t as relevant to their specialized operations, Nielsen explained, adding that is why it decided to add an agricultural training specialist to Performance Vector.