Can You Fly Without Aviation Insurance? Skywatch Answers for Students, CFIs, and Flight Schools

Can You Fly Without Aviation Insurance? Skywatch Answers for Students, CFIs, and Flight Schools

Author: Brandon Martini & Carson Vasquez June 6, 2026 Duration: 37:27

Can you fly without aviation insurance and what happens if you do? ✈️

In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson sit down with Tomer Kashi, CEO and co-founder of Skywatch, and Stephanie Kleeberg, head of sales and customer service, to break down everything pilots need to know about aviation insurance. They discuss:

  • What renters insurance actually covers and why every student pilot needs it before their first solo
  • How flight school fleet policies work and why schools require students and CFIs to carry their own coverage
  • The difference between renter policies, CFI policies, and aircraft owner insurance
  • How hours, make and model experience, and certificates directly affect your premium
  • Why you no longer need to wait weeks for a policy and how to get covered same day
  • What aircraft owner insurance covers, from hail and hangar rash to in-flight liability
  • The difference between in-motion, not-in-motion, and storage-only coverage explained

🚀 Whether you're a student pilot waiting on your first solo, a CFI looking for the right coverage, or an aircraft owner wanting to protect your investment, this episode gives you a clear and practical breakdown of aviation insurance from two industry experts.

🌎 New episodes drop every Friday, join us, learn, and stay inspired in aviation.

🛡️ This episode is sponsored by Skywatch Aviation Insurance. Learn more at skywatch.ai or get your personalized quote today at skywatch.ai/partners/mentors


Every Friday, Brandon Martini and Carson Vasquez settle in for a conversation that feels like hanging out in the best kind of pilot lounge. Their Aviation Mentors podcast is built on the idea that the world of flight is vast, connecting everything from engineering and history to personal stories and global culture. They bring their own perspectives as active aviators, mentors, and entrepreneurs to each discussion, creating a space that’s as welcoming to a first-time student pilot as it is to a seasoned airline captain or someone who just loves the sound of a radial engine. You’ll hear episodes that dive into the nuances of technique, the stories behind iconic aircraft and airports, and the broader ways aviation shapes our society and sense of place. It’s a weekly exploration driven by genuine passion, moving far beyond textbook talk to capture the real conversations aviators have when they’re just sharing their love for flying. Tune in for thoughtful, wide-ranging dialogues that remind you why the aviation community is so uniquely compelling.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Aviation Mentors
Podcast Episodes
Listener Questions (Part 12) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:40
Navigating thunderstorms, aircraft maintenance, and in-flight decision-making—what really happens behind the controls when things get tense? ⚡✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson dig into…
Listener Questions (Part 11) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:09
What’s the right way to tell your CFI you’re confused? Should student pilots buy their own headset early? And is it normal to feel like you’re getting worse before you get better? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentor…
Overlooked Aircraft Cleaning Tips That Improve Safety [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:52
Keeping an airplane clean isn’t just about appearance—it’s a key part of aviation safety, professionalism, and building trust with students and passengers. ✈️✨In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and…
S02E63: VFR Safety & IFR Traffic Awareness – Non-Towered Airport [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:44
Flying VFR? Understanding IFR traffic is critical for safety even at non-towered airports.In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon Martini and Carson explore IFR approaches, shared airspace, and practical…