THE DIRECT ANSWER

Describe the actual activity to the insurer. An FAA operating category and a policy's permitted-use definition are not interchangeable, and private-use cover should not be assumed to include paid operations.

Describe a normal month of flying

Rather than choosing a broad label and stopping there, write down who flies, who travels, where the aircraft goes and whether money changes hands. A useful description could distinguish personal travel, employee transport, instruction, rental, demonstrations and paid passenger service. Ask the provider which activities it is willing to consider.

Do not treat an FAA rule as a policy promise

Travers cautions that a policy's use definition may differ from FAA terminology. Merely identifying an operation as Part 91 does not settle what an insurance contract permits. Aviation brokers such as AssuredPartners publish separate services for owners and commercial operations.

Changes deserve another conversation

Our planning checklist: contact the provider before changing the activity, adding a pilot, carrying a new class of passenger, moving the operating base or leasing the aircraft to someone else. Ask whether an endorsement, different policy or further review is needed. Record the effective date of any agreed change.

A future matching service will need this distinction

We plan to distinguish personal and business inquiries before any referral. That service is not open yet. A newsletter signup expresses interest in updates, not an application for insurance and not permission to send your information to brokers.

Read how the future marketplace is being designed →

Sources & context

Checked September 23, 2026. Provider descriptions establish published services, not eligibility, pricing or an endorsement. Confirm current terms directly.