USAIG Adds Ag Pilot Simulator Training to its Performance Vector Benefits Program

On Monday, USAIG announced that it will include simulator-based training for fixed-wing agricultural aviation pilots, offered through Turbine Training Center (TTC), as one of the options in its Performance Vector program. Performance Vector benefits are available to most USAIG policyholders who insure a turbine-powered aircraft or place multiple policies with USAIG. Each eligible policy can select and receive one program option annually to enhance organizational loss control and safety efforts.

When a policyholder selects TTC for its annual safety benefit, USAIG issues a ‘Safety Bucks’ certificate to TTC confirming it will pay up to $2,500 of fixed-wing ag pilot training fees incurred by the policyholder within 12 months of the certificate’s issuance. This gives operators flexibility to schedule training around their operation’s schedule. One certificate per year can be issued for an eligible operator, but it must be requested and issued within each policy term, and in all cases, prior to training taking place. Eligibility refreshes with each annual policy renewal, but unclaimed benefits do not accrue or carry over into subsequent policy years.

“Aerial applicators are vital to modern agriculture and represent an important business segment for USAIG,” said Ken Nielsen, Underwriting V.P. and Agricultural Aviation Business Line Manager.

Aerial applicators work close to the ground, demanding high proficiency from pilots, as well as risk factors including long hours in changing locations, coupled with surges in work tempo triggered by the growing cycles of various crops. Nielsen continued, “Aerial applicators have unique needs and many options in our safety program that are geared more toward corporate jet operations, just aren’t as relevant to their specialized operations. So, in Spring 2025, we integrated TTC’s Air Tractor simulator courses for ag pilots into the program to ensure our ag policies have an option focused on them.”

TTC President Jason Wolcott said, “It’s been great having the first half-dozen-or-so trainees come through our ag simulator course using USAIG’s Performance Vector subsidy. Having most of a pilot’s tuition funded by their insurer is a meaningful incentive that’s enabling more operators to experience the high quality and impact of our training.” TTC has training programs for both experienced pilots and low-time turbine transitioning pilots. If you are a USAIG customer, check with your broker, underwriter, or policy documents to confirm eligibility. For more information, click here.