As an Aviation Insurance broker with more than 25 years in this specialized industry, I've served as an Aviation resource manager at both boutique and international firms. And although the economy has caused a lot of hardship in the industry, it's still a great specialty. In fact, your current clients might even be pilots or may already have some type of Aviation exposure.

There are a number of underwriting companies that serve the aviation industry, including Chartis, Global Aerospace, United States Aviation Underwriters, Allianz, Starr Aviation, Phoenix Aviation Managers, QBE, W. Brown & Associates, U.S. Specialty Insurance Co., XL Specialty, Swiss Re and Berkley Aviation, among others. During the past several years, our industry has grown substantially, with new underwriting companies entering the market, so capacity is plentiful and competition is fierce.

Before you can work in this market, most Aviation underwriters will require an agency to complete an application to determine whether they want to appoint you. Most Aviation underwriting companies want the agency to have someone with aviation expertise because most clients look for advisors who speak the language.