In this episode, host Tim Bonnell Jr. is joined by Josh Ray, Chief Underwriting Officer at Class A, a new MGA rewriting how we think about aviation insurance. With decades of experience and bold insight, Josh takes us into the cockpit of innovation — where AI, telematics, and pilot performance data are changing how underwriters evaluate risk.

This conversation explores how data can improve safety, lower costs, and give long-overdue flexibility to high-performing pilots, aging airmen, and aviation operations of all kinds.

In Episode 110 of the Aviation Insurance Podcast, host Tim Bonnell Jr. welcomes Steve Berry, Vice President of Education & Safety at the National Air Transportation Association (NATA).

From working the ramp to leading national safety initiatives, Steve shares grounded insights into today’s most pressing risks in ground handling—misfuelling, workforce turnover, communication gaps, and the looming fatigue factor.

Learn how predictive analytics, smarter training, and collaboration between operators, insurers, and educators can move the industry toward zero preventable incidents.

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:17 – Meet Steve Berry: From Ramp Agent to VP at NATA

05:38 – What is NATA? Safety First and beyond

08:25 – The evolution of ground handling safety

09:35 – Human factors & fatigue: The new safety frontier

12:03 – The unleaded fuel transition and misfuelling risk

14:55 – The workforce turnover challenge

17:25 – Communication breakdowns and preventable incidents

19:21 – Using predictive analytics to prevent losses

21:03 – Why consistency in training is the real game-changer

23:30 – Collaboration: Insurers, FBOs & safety experts working together

27:10 – The GHSS Event: Why you should attend

Follow NATA events here: https://nata.aero/events/ 

Ground Handling Safety Symposium (GHSS): https://mynata.my.site.com/nata/s/lt-event?id=a1YRj000001RQtuMAG 

#AviationInsurance #GroundSafety #RampOperations #GeneralAviation #AviationRisk #InsurancePodcast #UnleadedFuel #MisfuelingPrevention #SafetyCulture #PredictiveAnalytics #HumanFactors #SMS #AviationTraining #NATASafety #OperationalRisk

As we work together to drive innovation in Aviation Insurance, the rapid evolution of AI can often feel overwhelming—each week seemingly generating more questions than answers.

In this episode, Art, Danny, and I begin to peel back the layers of the AI onion. Our conversation reflects the questions, concerns, and aspirations we regularly hear from colleagues across the industry.

This is the first in a series of discussions dedicated to AI’s impact on aviation and insurance. We invite you to join us as we explore the tough questions many of us are grappling with—and share ideas on how these powerful technologies can truly empower our businesses.

We’d love to hear from you. Share your questions, thoughts, and insights in the comments below, and we’ll do our best to address them in future episodes.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome & introduction to AI's industry impact

01:17 – Meet the guests: Danny Maco & Art Jimenez

03:30 – How AI is already being used in aviation insurance

04:45 – High-impact applications: time savings and process optimization

07:04 – Is AI optional? Why falling behind is risky

11:00 – Which industry roles will benefit the most

13:45 – Augmented Intelligence vs. Artificial Intelligence

16:00 – Brokers vs. carriers: speed, agility, and data challenges

18:00 – Market disruption from nimble MGAs using AI

20:45 – Underwriting is most susceptible to AI disruption

23:00 – Legal advantages: how AI might benefit policyholders in large claims

24:52 – Real-world examples of startups and agentic flow

29:22 – Combining CRM, telephony, and AI for better service

31:00 – Challenges: regulation, IP, data architecture & agent control

35:30 – Final thoughts from Art and Danny

38:17 – AI or Die: Wrapping up the message for the future

📌 Watch, comment & subscribe!

Disclaimer:

🎙️ This episode is a must-listen for aviators, drone operators, risk managers, and insurers who want to stay ahead of aviation’s evolving climate challenges. 

#AviationInsurance #InsuranceTech #AIinInsurance #EmergingTech #Telematics #InsurTech #AIRevolution #UnderwritingInnovation #DigitalInsurance #InsurancePodcast #AITransformation #FutureOfInsurance #RegTech #BrokersAndAI #AviationIndustry

In this episode, Peter Guy breaks down how economic pressures, litigation trends, and global uncertainty are reshaping the future of aviation insurance. From skyrocketing repair costs and limited parts to eVTOL claims preparedness and the art of reserving—Peter shares what’s really happening behind the scenes in aviation claims today.

Whether you’re a broker, underwriter, or risk manager, this episode unpacks what rising risk really means and what we can do about it.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:24 – Peter Guy’s path into aviation claims


03:30 – Why aviation attracts passionate professionals


04:39 – How insurers are preparing for drones & eVTOL


06:30 – Cost challenges, talent gaps, and remote work


09:11 – Inflation, reinsurance pressure & Russia-related claims


13:00 – Attritional losses & long-tail litigation


14:54 – The art of reserving & IVNR


19:00 – Operator risk, safety culture, and preventing GL claims 

📌 Watch, comment & subscribe!

Disclaimer:

🎙️ This episode is a must-listen for aviators, drone operators, risk managers, and insurers who want to stay ahead of aviation’s evolving climate challenges. 

#AviationInsurance #InsuranceIndustry #Podcast #Aviation #FlightRisk #ClaimsManagement #Reinsurance #Underwriting #eVTOL #DroneInsurance #EmergingRisks #LitigationTrends #RiskMitigation #AircraftMaintenance #LossAdjusting #Tariffs #AerospaceInsurance #CommercialAviation #AirSafety #TechInAviation

In Episode 107 of the Aviation Insurance Podcast, host Tim Bonnell Jr. welcomes Don Berchoff, CEO of TruWeather Solutions, to explore how outdated weather infrastructure and low-altitude forecasting gaps are becoming critical risks in modern aviation, especially with the rise of drones, AAM, and pilotless operations.

From Air Force command to launching a private weather tech company, Don shares an insider’s perspective on how better weather data could reduce cancellations, increase flight time, and save lives and money.

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:01 – Welcome & Guest Intro: Don Berchoff, CEO of TruWeather

01:17 – Air Force Meteorology to Private Innovation

02:51 – How Weather Shaped Don’s Risk Management Philosophy

05:20 – Why Today’s Weather Data Isn’t Enough for AAM & Drones

08:25 – Flying Blind: The Cost of Weather Uncertainty

10:12 – Cutting Military Weather Delays in Half — Without New Data

13:29 – Weather’s Role in Aircraft & Drone Incidents

16:11 – The Local Weather Problem: Why METAR Isn't Enough

17:30 – New ASTM Standards & Affordable Sensor Tech

19:28 – A New Model: Infrastructure-as-a-Service for Aviation Weather

22:42 – Is Climate Change Driving Insurance Losses?

24:12 – Hailstorms, Data Gaps, and High-Stakes Decision Making

27:10 – Closing Thoughts: Clean Slate Thinking in Aviation Weather

 Disclaimer:


🎙️ This episode is a must-listen for aviators, drone operators, risk managers, and insurers who want to stay ahead of aviation’s evolving climate challenges. 

In Episode 106, host Tim Bonnell Jr. sits down with Chris Proudlove, Senior VP at Great American Insurance Company, to unpack the risks, rewards, and insurance implications of the fast-evolving eVTOL and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sectors. From urban air taxis to drone deliveries, we explore what aviation’s "third wave" means for insurers, operators, and regulators alike.

 Timestamps:

•     00:02 – Welcome & Guest Introduction

•     00:47 – Chris Proudlove’s 35-Year Journey in Aviation Insurance

•     03:17 – Why eVTOL is Aviation 3.0: A New Era Unfolds

•     05:33 – Challenges of Insuring eVTOL & AAM Aircraft

•     09:15 – Public Acceptance & Infrastructure Hurdles

•     10:48 – How eVTOL Insurance Differs from Traditional Aviation Policies

•     14:36 – The Role of Telematics & Data in Underwriting

•     16:40 – Claims Complexity: Batteries & New Tech Risks

•     18:52 – Biggest Growth Opportunities for the Industry

•     21:26 – Final Thoughts & Industry Call-to-Action

Whether you're an underwriter, broker, or aviation enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights on how the insurance market is adapting to the next frontier of flight.

In this captivating episode, host Tim Bonnell welcomes Howard Kass of Skyryse to discuss a bold new technology poised to revolutionize general aviation safety—SkyOS. With a mission to drastically reduce aviation accidents caused by pilot error, Howard dives into the innovations behind Skyryse One and how this cutting-edge operating system transforms complex cockpit operations into intuitive, streamlined experiences. From reducing cognitive load to potentially saving lives during emergencies, this episode explores how automation and human intuition can co-pilot the future of aviation.

 Visit Skyryse website at: www.skyryse.com

In this episode of the Aviation Insurance Podcast, host Tim Bonnell welcomes Bennett Goldblum, President of Beacon Aviation Insurance, to explore the complex and often misunderstood world of aviation workers' compensation insurance.

From navigating 50 different state regulations to understanding employer liability and subcontractor risks, this episode is a must-watch for aviation business owners, operators, and insurance professionals.

Learn how to protect your aviation team—from pilots and mechanics to ground crew and office staff—while staying compliant and prepared for the future.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you don’t miss the next episode!

What’s shaping the future of aviation insurance? Eric Donofrio, Chief Underwriting Officer at AXA XL, shares insights from his decades-long career, covering everything from emerging technology to market challenges.

Understanding aircraft physical damage & liability coverage is crucial for every owner and operator. Make sure you're protected with the right policy!

📌 Timestamps & Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the episode and key topics 01:00 Revisiting episodes 3 and 4 on aircraft insurance basics 02:00 Overview of Aircraft Physical Damage Coverage 03:00 How aircraft insurance differs from home/auto insurance 04:00 Importance of selecting the correct insured value 05:00 Types of coverage: in motion, not in motion, not in flight 06:00 Deductibles and policy terms 07:00 Introduction to Aircraft Liability Coverage 08:00 Coverage for bodily injury, property damage, and passengers 09:00 Liability limits and legal defense coverage 10:00 Importance of carrying adequate liability limits 11:00 Closing remarks and call to action

#AviationInsurance #AircraftInsurance #PhysicalDamageCoverage #AircraftLiability #AgreedValue #NotInMotionCoverage #InMotionCoverage #LiabilityInsurance #PassengerLiability #AviationPodcast #AerisInsuranceSolutions #AircraftCoverage