Ranger Insurance Co. v. Ram Flying Club

Opinion by JUDGE VAN CISE Scott A. Royer sued defendants Ram Flying Club (the Club) and Scott Davis to recover damages for personal injuries sustained in an airplane crash. Plaintiff, Ranger Insurance Company (Ranger), then instituted this action seeking a declaratory judgment absolving it from liability under its policy insuring the Club. Summary judgment was entered in favor of Ranger. Royer appeals. We affirm. The following facts are undisputed. On or about January 19, 1977, Royer, a student pilot and member of the Club, under the direct supervision and control of Davis, his flight instructor, engaged in an instructional flight. Royer was responsible for the pre-flight procedures. He checked the plane out prior to flight, started the plane, taxied into position, took off, and put the plane through various maneuvers. At some point prior to the accident, Davis obtained control of the plane.