RE: What if ?
Hi Ira
First, if you keep your copies of MA, go back and look for an article written by Carl Maroney, Director of AMA Special Services, regarding “what if’s”. The article was within the last year. Essentially, he will not attempt to answer such questions. Why? Well, it is nearly impossible for you to come up with all the mitigating circumstances surrounding a “what if”, thus, making it impossible to give a legitimate answer. If you want to follow up on your question, the AMA Show will be held in Ontario, just a few miles from you, next month. You can buttonhole Carl and he will explain some of the elements you are asking about. He probably will not attempt to answer your “what if”, To give you an idea, and it’s only one element, you did not say if it was the first pass over the pits where the plane lost control, or if control was lost during repeated passes over the pits. Another element is that there is only one “AMA site”… the one in Muncie. Your choice of the words “AMA site” is incorrect, other than Muncie. Not trying to nit pick here, just pointing out why “what if’s” are almost impossible to answer. You are asking for a legal answer and you would have to supply correct legal jargon at the least.
Having said that, you need to be aware of some things that are known. The AMA’s coverage, generally, does not cover damage to planes or equipment under the policy provided. The policy is with a commercial carrier, and not with the AMA, other than the amount covered by self insurance. The policy provided to the landlord is not subject to the restrictions of the Safety Code. IF the club has no other insurance, the AMA provided policy is primary, but is subject to the Safety Code. IF the AMA member has no other insurance, the policy provided by the AMA is primary, but is subject to the Safety Code. When there is a major incident, an investigator is sent to the scene to determine the facts surrounding the incident.
Not very helpful? I agree, but, it is the nature of insurance. If you have access to an attorney, and can live with what he might charge you for an opinion, you can get a copy of the policy from AMA HQ for $5 (to cover the cost of making the copy).