Carbon Monoxide is an Invisible Boating Danger

A scary story out of Minneapolis, MN reminds us of the boating safety tips that we should all keep in mind, beyond just wearing a life vest and driving carefully and uninhibited. In this story by CBS Minnesota, David Schuester, father to his young daughter, Sierra, explains how his daughter became poisoned by carbon monoxide, even though they were on an open-air boat. Watch the video below, or read the full story here.

A Different Kind of Flight

At Aircraft & Marine Insurance, we insure all sorts of airplanes, boats and more. What don’t we insure? Airplane *suits*. But boy, this is awesome, isn’t it? Watch as this man flies down a mountain at 155 miles per hour…without being in a plane.

A Creative Public Service Announcement

The words “public service announcement” probably don’t make you feel very excited. That’s why the Safe Boating Campaign got creative about their life jacket campaign, and we like it! Nothing like a little humor to remind you to be safe on the water.

What do you think?

 

Summertime Aviation Fun in Oshkosh

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Looking for a summer adventure for the whole family? EAA’s AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI has you covered. The weeklong annual event at the EAA Aviation Center takes place at the end of July and has so many fun and exciting things to offer. If you love airplanes as much as we do, don’t miss out on this event.

Activities offered during the week include:

  • Events for the kids – Before the release of the highly anticipated Disney’s Planes this summer, those attending AirVenture can get a sneak preview of the movie. Director Klay Hall will even be on hand to share behind-the-scenes stories and secrets that went into making the movie. 
  • Return of Champions – The icons of Oshkosh are returning. Known for their craftsmanship, aviators from around the world prep their aircraft to be judged and hopefully picked as “Best of the Best.”
  • Jetman – The “Man of Steel” is coming back to theaters, but AirVenture has an even better attraction: Jetman. Yves “Jetman” Rossy, the world’s first jet-powered man uses a carbon-kevlar jetwing with four engines, each that has a 22 kilogram thrust, to propel himself to the sky at a speed of upwards to 150 mph. The jetwing is controlled by a simple throttle in his hand, and more amazing is that Rossy uses his shoulders, body, and legs to steer, pitch, and descend. 
  • Music – Opening night will feature live music from rock legends Chicago. Be there to hear classics like “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” and “If You Leave Me Now.”
  • Night Shows – Lights and excitement are included in this night air show, and 2013 promises to be bigger than prior years. Performers include:
    • AeroShell Aerobatic Team (T-6s)
    • Bob Carlton (jet sailplane)
    • Matt Younkin (Beech 18)
    • Gene Soucy (Showcat)
    • Steve Oliver (Super Chipmunk)
    • Roger Buis (Otto the Helicopter)
    • Rich’s Incredible Pyro (pyrotechnics)
  • Contests – The “Oh My Oshkosh Sweepstakes” this year includes:

Grand prize winner receives:

  • Two B-17 Aluminum Overcast flight tickets
  • Two Aviators Club weekly passes
  • Camp Scholler (improved site) or Fly-in Camping for entire week
  • Winner’s Choice: VIP access to the Opening Night Concert presented by Ford Motor Company featuring Chicago (Monday, July 29) or the Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band concert presented by EAA Warbirds of America and Disabled American Veterans (Friday, August 2)

Four second prize winner receives:

  • Two Aviators Club Weekly Passes
  • Two Ford Tri-Motor flight tickets
  • Camp Scholler or Fly-in Camping for entire week

To purchase tickets, visit AirVenture’s site.

It’s Time for Summer Fly-Ins!

Mitsubishi-MU2For pilots, boaters, and any outdoor adventurer, summer is the best season. We’ve been waiting all year, and it’s finally here, with clear skies, calm seas, and beautiful weather.

At Aircraft & Marine Insurance Agency, customer service is our top priority. But sometimes there’s no better way to serve our customers than to get out of the office and into the field, meeting pilots, learning about new aviation technology and trends, and building relationships with clients, colleagues, and fellow aviation enthusiasts. We’ll be participating in several events this summer, and we hope to run into some familiar faces.

2013 Cirrus Owners & Pilots Association Migration, Fly-In, & Expo
June 27-29, 2013

A major event for Cirrus pilots, the COPA Migrations, Fly-In, & Expo has it all — a fly-in, trade show, seminars, and social events. This year, the event is held in Mobile, Alabama. Visitors can tour the Continental Motors factory, where Cirrus engines are manufactured. In honor of this year’s beautiful Gulf Coast location, event organizers have arranged for  deep-sea fishing trips, kayak excursions, a SUBA dive on a sunken aircraft carrier, a golf tournament, trips to the Navy’s largest aviation museum, and more. Find more information at the COPA Migration website. Aircraft & Marine’s Justin Wulf will be at the event, handling the check-in process, so be sure to say hi!

MU-2 Fly-IN 2013 
July 26-27, 2013

This year, the annual MU-2 Fly-In is hosted by Jet Air Group, one of our longtime clients. Held in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the fly-in is scheduled for the weekend before the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, a huge aviation event in northeast Wisconsin. The Mitsubishi MU-2 is a twin-engine turboprop, and it’s widely considered one of Japan’s most popular aircraft. It’s attracted a loyal following, which makes the annual fly-in a very fun event. Highlights include a reception, presentations, “queen of the fleet” awards, and a big hangar party with live music and pig roast. Aircraft & Marine Insurance Agency will have a booth at the show, and we’re proud to co-sponsor the dinner. Check out Jet Air’s website for more information.

Photo courtesy of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association

Spring Break for Aviation Enthusiasts

sun nfunWhat has more air traffic than an international airport and twice the parties?

The Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In & Expo, of course!

This year, the 39th annual Sun ‘n Fun International Fly-In & Expo will be held on April 9 through April 14, 2013 in Lakeland, Florida. There’s something for everyone at Sun ‘n Fun, from aircraft equipment vendors to airshows to aviation education workshops. It’s kind of like spring break for pilots.

There’s a lot to do at Sun ‘n Fun, and it can be overwhelming to plan an itinerary. Here are Aircraft & Marine Insurance Agency’s top picks:

Casino Night: This aviation-themed casino night is Vegas done a pilot’s way. Enjoy poker, black jack, roulette, and craps, all while talking planes with colleagues and fellow aviation enthusiasts. In between games, stop by the live auction and place a bid to win incredible prizes, such as Higher Power hangar door, dinner with aviation legend Bob Hoover, or even your own personal Sun n’ Fun bathroom (bid online before the fly-in)! Proceeds benefit Sun ‘n Fun mission to “preserve and enhance the future of flight through world-class events, inspiring and educations people of all ages.”

Huey Helicopter Rides: The UH-1H “Huey” helicopter performed multiple missions during the Vietnam War. As part of Sun ‘n Fun’s 40th Anniversary of Operation Homecoming, the Army Heritage Foundation will offer rides with veteran pilots and crew aboard a Vietnam-era Huey helicopter.

Splash-In: Hang up your bomber jacket and break out a wetsuit for the Splash-In, a “fly-in within a fly-in” just for seaplanes! On Thursday, April 11, spectators will get to view water take-offs and landings, water bombing, and spot landing.

Night Airshow: We’ve all seen airshows, but what about at night? The Sun ‘n Fun Friday Night Airshow features planes flying with colorful streaming flares in a choreographed flight pattern, and finishes with fireworks.

Aviation Workshops & Forums: Need to brush up on technique or learn how to fly a new type of aircraft? Sun ‘n Fun includes an enormous amount of educational workshops and forums, for everyone from aviation hobbyists to career pilots to kids. If you want to learn about it, it’s happening at Sun ‘n Fun. Workshops include Aircraft Woodwork, Metal Shaping, and Propeller Carving, while Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) forums cover topics like “Loss of Aircraft Control During Takeoff and Landing,” “Pilot’s Bill of Rights,” and, our favorite, “Safety from an Insurance Perspective.”

Overwhelmed? There’s a Sun ‘n Fun app to help keep track of activities and events. Check out the Sun ‘n Fun website to plan your trip!

Photo courtesy of Sun ‘n Fun

New Website Launched!

Welcome to the new and improved www.aircraft-marine.com! Aircraft & Marine Insurance Agency, Inc. has been in business since 1982. Now, in 2013, our new website connects you to the same great service with a fresh, updated look.

The new Aircraft & Marine Insurance website features:

  • Simple insurance quote forms – just submit and you’re on your way!
  • Testimonials from our fantastic clients
  • A blog to keep you updated on aviation, boating, and agency news
  • Links to social media – connect with us on Twitter and Facebook

With enhanced usability and a modern look, our website makes it easier to find the insurance policy you need to get your plane in the air, your boat in the water, and your mind worry-free. We look forward to working with you!