Countrywide Flyers Flight Club
Apopka Airport (X04) – Apopka, Florida
Effective Date: 02/15/2026
1. Purpose
This Aircraft Damage Responsibility Policy outlines the financial and operational responsibilities of members regarding aircraft damage, incidents, and losses while operating aircraft owned, leased, or managed by Countrywide Flyers Flight Club (“Club”).
The goal of this policy is to:
- Protect the safety of members
- Protect Club aircraft assets
- Ensure fair and transparent accountability
- Maintain insurance compliance
2. Member Responsibility
Each member operating Club aircraft agrees to:
- Conduct proper preflight and post-flight inspections
- Operate aircraft in compliance with FAA regulations
- Follow Club Operating Rules
- Immediately report any damage, incident, or abnormality
Failure to follow these standards may result in financial responsibility beyond standard insurance deductibles.
3. Insurance Coverage
Club aircraft are insured in accordance with applicable aviation insurance policies.
However:
- Insurance does not eliminate member responsibility.
- Insurance coverage is subject to policy exclusions, deductibles, and underwriting requirements.
- Coverage may be voided if a member violates policy terms or operates outside approved parameters.
4. Deductible Responsibility
If damage occurs while a member is the acting Pilot in Command (PIC), that member may be responsible for:
- The applicable insurance deductible (if the member is determined to be at fault), and/or
- Costs not covered by insurance
The deductible amount shall be determined by the Club’s active insurance policy.
5. Damage Categories
Damage may include but is not limited to:
- Propeller strikes
- Hard landings
- Ground handling damage
- Taxiway or runway excursion damage
- Hangar rash
- Avionics damage
- Interior damage
- Structural damage
6. Determination of Responsibility
Responsibility will be determined based on:
- FAA incident reports (if applicable)
- Insurance investigation findings
- Maintenance inspection reports
- Club Board or management review
- Applicable aviation regulations
The Club reserves sole discretion in determining responsibility, consistent with insurance findings and applicable law.
7. Negligence & Gross Negligence
If damage results from:
- Intentional misconduct
- Reckless operation
- Operating under the influence
- Violation of FAA regulations
- Operation outside approved Club or insurance limits
The member may be held fully financially responsible for all damages, including amounts exceeding insurance coverage.
8. Unreported Damage
Failure to immediately report suspected damage may result in:
- Suspension of membership
- Additional financial liability
- Termination of membership
9. Mechanical Failure
Members are not responsible for damage resulting solely from verified mechanical failure, provided:
- The member operated the aircraft within approved parameters
- All required inspections were performed
- The failure was not caused by negligent operation
10. Downtime & Loss of Use
If aircraft damage results in downtime, the responsible member may be liable for:
- Loss of revenue
- Additional maintenance costs
- Ferry or transport costs
This applies only in cases of negligence or policy violation.
11. Payment Terms
Any assessed financial responsibility must be paid within:
- 30 days of written notification
Failure to pay may result in:
- Suspension of flying privileges
- Membership termination
- Collection efforts
- Legal action
12. Dispute Resolution
Disputes related to damage responsibility shall be governed by Florida law and resolved in Orange County, Florida.
13. Acknowledgment
All members must sign an acknowledgment stating:
“I understand and agree to the Aircraft Damage Responsibility Policy of Countrywide Flyers Flight Club.”