Aviation Insurance Podcast

Hosted by Tim Bonnell Jr.

Business Education

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Providing you the foundations of aviation insurance as well as updates on what is happening in the aviation insurance marketplace.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 12, 2026Episode 12624 min

The Insurance Gaps Aviation Businesses Keep Missing – Part 1

AI is transforming aviation—but in a high-stakes industry, using artificial intelligence without the right data, safeguards, and grounding can create serious risks. In Aviation Insurance Podcast Episode 128, host Tim Bonnell Jr. shares Part 1 of a TriVector Labs webinar exploring how AI is being integrated into aviation workflows and why aviation professionals need to understand the difference between general-purpose AI and technology grounded in verified aviation data. Together with Danny Maco and Art Jimenez of TriVector Labs, Tim discusses why aviation requires a different approach to AI. From regulatory requirements and flight planning to data security and risk management, the information behind an AI-generated answer matters. The team also puts this into practice by comparing a standard ChatGPT-generated IFR flight plan with Avia Pilot, an aviation-specific AI solution grounded in sources such as FAA and NOAA data. The comparison demonstrates how seemingly convincing AI answers can contain incorrect altitudes, nonexistent navigation points, and other inaccuracies when the underlying system isn't properly grounded. For pilots, aviation businesses, insurance professionals, and anyone exploring AI in aviation, this episode provides an important framework for adopting AI without losing sight of safety, accuracy, security, and human expertise.

July 29, 2026Episode 12740 min

Aircraft Transactions & Building the Right Aviation Team

Buying an aircraft is one of the biggest investments many pilots and aviation businesses will ever make—but too many buyers approach aviation insurance like auto insurance, creating costly mistakes before the transaction even closes. In Episode 127 of the Aviation Insurance Podcast, Tim Bonnell Jr. sits down with Paula Williams of the Aircraft Acquisition & Ownership Alliance (AAOA) to discuss what aircraft buyers, owners, and aviation professionals need to know about building the right team for a successful aircraft transaction. From selecting the right aviation insurance broker to coordinating with attorneys, lenders, tax advisors, and other aviation specialists, this conversation highlights why collaboration and clear communication are essential. Tim also shares the philosophy behind his bestselling book Quit Jacking Around, how those principles have shaped Aeris Insurance, Aereach Strategic Partners, and TriVector Labs, and why alignment is the key to long-term success. Whether you're purchasing your first aircraft, growing an aviation business, or simply want to better understand the aviation insurance process, this episode is packed with practical insights you can put to work immediately.

July 20, 2026Episode 12640 min

Aircraft Ownership, Aviation Insurance & Building the Right Team

Thinking about buying an aircraft? Success isn't just about finding the right airplane—it's about building the right team. In Episode 126 of the Aviation Insurance Podcast, Tim Bonnell Jr. joins Paula Williams of the Aircraft Owners Alliance (AAOA) to discuss what aircraft owners, pilots, and aviation professionals should know before purchasing an aircraft. From aviation insurance and aircraft transactions to building trusted relationships with brokers, attorneys, lenders, and maintenance professionals, this conversation explores the importance of collaboration throughout the ownership journey. The discussion also covers Tim's entrepreneurial journey, the story behind Quit Jacking Around, the growth of Aeris Insurance, Aereach Strategic Partners, and TriVector Labs, and how building the right team has shaped each business. Whether you're purchasing your first aircraft, managing a fleet, or looking to strengthen your aviation business, this episode offers practical insights from decades of aviation experience.

June 29, 2026Episode 1259 min

Part 3: Understanding Contractual Liability in Aviation

Many aviation businesses focus on aircraft insurance and general liability—but one of the biggest coverage gaps often begins the moment you sign a contract. In Part 3, Tim Bonnell Jr. explains why *Contractual Liability* is one of the most misunderstood areas of aviation insurance. From hangar agreements and fueling contracts to aircraft leases and maintenance agreements, many aviation businesses unknowingly assume liability that may not be covered by their insurance policy. If you operate an FBO, MRO, airport, flight school, charter operation, or any aviation business that signs contracts, this episode is essential viewing.

June 7, 2026Episode 1258 min

Part 2: The 3 Overlooked Coverages for FBOs, MROs, Airports and Aviation Businesses

Many aviation businesses focus on aircraft insurance and general liability, but some of the most significant exposures aren't covered under standard aviation policies. In this episode, Tim Bonnell Jr. discusses four often-overlooked liability coverages that FBOs, MROs, airports, flight schools, charter operators, corporate flight departments, and aviation businesses should review with their insurance team. From cyber attacks and employee-related lawsuits to professional liability and non-owned auto exposures, these risks can create costly gaps in your aviation insurance program if left unaddressed.

May 27, 2026Episode 12412 min

Part 1: The 3 Overlooked Coverages for FBOs, MROs, Airports and Aviation Businesses

In this first part of a 3-part series, Tim Bonnell Jr. breaks down some of the most overlooked coverages impacting FBOs, MROs, airports, flight schools, and aviation businesses today. From parts inventory and fuel inventory to business income, environmental pollution liability, and property in transit, these are the hidden exposures that can create massive uninsured losses if ignored. ✈️ Whether you operate an airport business, maintain aircraft, or manage aviation operations, understanding these overlooked risks is critical for protecting your operation through proper aviation insurance and aircraft insurance planning.

April 29, 2026Episode 1226 min

Aviation Insurance Alert: War Risk, Fuel Costs, and the Iran Conflict

In this short episode of the Aviation Insurance Podcast, Tim Bonnell breaks down how the ongoing Iran conflict is impacting aviation insurance, including rising fuel costs, war risk coverage, and potential supply chain disruptions. From changes in fuel inventory values to evolving war risk premiums, this episode highlights key considerations for aviation operators, aircraft owners, and industry professionals navigating an uncertain and rapidly changing environment.

April 20, 2026Episode 12131 min

The Future of Aviation Insurance: AI, Risk Selection, and Market Challenges

In Episode 123 of the Aviation Insurance Podcast, Tim Bonnell sits down with Sean Kelly, Chief Underwriting Officer at Aerospace Insurance Managers, to explore the realities of aviation insurance underwriting, risk selection, and the future of the aviation insurance market. From non-standard risks and pilot transitions to AI, data-driven underwriting, and market challenges, this episode provides a real-world look at how aviation and aircraft insurance decisions are made—and why relationships still matter in a technology-driven world. Whether you're a pilot, aircraft owner, broker, or aviation professional, this conversation offers valuable insight into how underwriting shapes the aviation insurance industry today and into the future.

March 24, 2026Episode 12046 min

Aviation Insurance Podcast 122 - How New Aircraft Technology Is Changing Risk

In this episode of the Aviation Insurance Podcast, host Tim Bonnell Jr. sits down with Mike Duke, Founder of DBT Aero, to explore emerging aviation technologies and what they mean for the future of Aviation Insurance and Aircraft Insurance risk management. As aircraft innovation accelerates — from new propulsion systems to novel aircraft designs — insurers and aviation professionals must rethink how risk is evaluated and managed. Mike shares his journey into aviation innovation, the mission behind DBT Aero, and how new aircraft technologies could reshape aviation safety, aircraft design, and ultimately aviation insurance underwriting. This discussion dives into the intersection of engineering innovation, aviation safety, and how the aviation insurance industry must adapt to support new aircraft technologies while maintaining responsible risk management. If you're an aircraft owner, pilot, aviation professional, or insurance expert, understanding how innovation affects Aircraft Insurance and Aviation Insurance markets is essential.

February 25, 2026Episode 12129 min

Aviation Insurance Market 2026: Leadership Insights from Old Republic Aerospace

In Episode 121 of the Aviation Insurance Podcast, Tim Bonnell sits down with Gary Churchill, President & COO of Old Republic Aerospace, to discuss the state of the aviation insurance market in 2026. From Mosaic regulations and fleet modernization to underwriting discipline, severity-driven losses, AI, and advanced air mobility, this episode explores how aviation and aircraft insurance companies are navigating market stability, competition, and long-term sustainability. If you're involved in aviation insurance, aircraft insurance, or aviation risk management, this episode provides executive-level insight into where the market stands — and where it may be headed.