The first ever conference specifically addressing the issues facing civilian helicopter operators when performing military roles, known as Civilian Helicopters in Military Roles (COMR) was held at The Wellcome Trust Conference Centre, near Cambridge on Tuesday 27th September 2005, to coincide with the Helitech 05 show at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford.

Toby Ward, Managing Director Hayward Aviation Limited was invited to speak at the important event on the insurance issues facing COMR contractors. A summary of his presentation is provided below and a full copy of his speech and accompanying slides is also available.

What are the Insurance Limits?

The closest example of an early COMR risk is the aviation insurance policy that was placed for the 1912 War Office Aviation Trials on Salisbury Plain.

Then, as now, the liability to third parties was an issue that has to be clearly resolved in any COMR contract.

So, what are the insurance implications of COMR risks? And how has the insurance market responded to these challenges?

To the extent that military operations have been insured for many years it can be said that there aren't any new issues that need to be considered when placing a COMR risk.

However, this comment needs qualification as no two risks are ever exactly the same and risk factors change overtime; so when placing a COMR risk it is essential to consider:

• Who is doing what?
• What the actual activities are
• How they are being managed, in a safe manner, and
• To what extent can these risks be transferred

So how has the insurance market responded to these types of risks?

Traditionally the insurance market and, more specifically Lloyds of London, have always shown a willingness and vision to except new risks. There are 3 key issues that affect the insurers' position:

• The nature of COMR risks and the continuous developments of these activities
• The lack of sufficient base of risks to make accurate predictions of the risks involved
• The structure and financial strength of the aviation market

The aviation insurance industry continues to support this sector as it develops new activities and different risk scenarios. For COMR operators they will need to continue to use a specialist broker who can match your needs with the right insurer, at the right price.

At Hayward Aviation Limited we have considerable experience in placing these types of risks and have always been successful in arranging suitable insurance cover for our COMR clients.

If you would like further information on Hayward Aviation Limited and the insurance issues surrounding COMR risks please contact:

Toby Ward or Chris Baker on 020 7902 7800

You can download a full copy of the presentation speech here and download the accompanying presentation slides below.