From: "Nat Puffer" <cozy@extremezone.com>
Subject: COZY: Defining the problem - insurance rates
Date: Fri, 4 May 2001 13:14:31 -0500

Builders,
When we first learned that Avemco raised the insurance rates for ALL canard
aircraft, I called Avemco to ask why. I was told it was because of the
claim history. I complained, saying that I thought the Cozy had a much
better safety record than other canard aircraft, but didn't get any
assurance that anything would be done.
Then Cozy Mark IV builder Doug Koster called us, and suggested we try a
slightly different approach. Glasair, Lancair, and Velocity all at one time
or another been refused insurance by Avemco. The solution was for the EAA
and the manufacturer and the insurance companies to get together and agree
on how to improve safety. It involved the manufacturer inspecting each
airplane to determine that it was correctly assembled, and then requiring
each pilot to meet certain minimum requirements, and then Avemco would be
willing to write coverage.
I suggested to the EAA that they use their contact with Avemco to obtain a
better rate for Cozys that were built per plans. This is now in progress. I
sure hope that Avemco confirms that the Cozy has a better safety record.
Regards,
Nat