FLIGHTCREW Taking steps towards financial protection Securing your finances after loss of licence is a prudent step to take The pandemic may have shown how susceptible to a drop in income your finances are, but have you considered how vulnerable they are to a temporary or permanent loss of income caused by ill health? You undergo regular checkups throughout your career and will, therefore, be aware that a relatively insignificant ailment that would not stop an office-based employee working could see you grounded for a considerable time or even end your flying career. The cover offered by employers varies greatly across the industry. It may be the case that you have left a different profession to fly, and you feel that you could fall back on that if the worst happens although the longer the time lapse, the more difficult the transition back. However, you can cover any potential income shortfalls caused by ill health by taking out your own cover designed to pay out for a period off work or for the end of your career or both. BALPA has recently taken ownership of Flightcrew, an illhealth loss-of-licence provider. There are two types of policy available. One is designed to provide income for short-term illnesses, with a range of waiting periods before benefit is paid to dovetail with employer benefits. The other is to provide a lump sum on permanent loss, to help clear those big debts, such as a mortgage. Further details can be found at www.flightcrew.co.gg Flightcrew Risk Solutions PCC Limited is incorporated in Guernsey and is regulated by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission. Flightcrew does not fall under the remit of the Guernsey Ombudsman, but has independent dispute resolution procedures incorporated within its policy document.