Class Code 7428
Aircraft Operation – All Others
Class Code 7428 (Aircraft Operation — All Others) covers employees who operate aircraft in duties not assigned to a more specific aviation class. The September 1, 2026 approved pure premium rate for California is $2.750 per $100 of payroll, which forms the base of your workers' comp cost for these operations.
What Class Code 7428 Covers
This classification applies to employees whose primary job is operating aircraft activities that are not separately classified by other WCIRB aviation codes. Typical operations include charter and on‑demand flight crews, aerial survey and photography pilots, banner‑towing and aerial advertising operators, aerial inspection or observation flights, and specialized single‑pilot commercial operations not captured elsewhere. The code covers both fixed‑wing and rotorcraft operations when the worker’s main duty is aircraft operation rather than maintenance, ground handling, or airframe repair. Ground support, licensed mechanics, and maintenance shops should be classified under their specific maintenance/repair codes, not 7428.
Who It Applies To
- Charter and on‑demand pilots whose duties focus on operating the aircraft
- Pilots performing aerial survey, photography, mapping, or inspection flights
- Banner‑towing and aerial advertising pilots and crew
- Aerial applicators and observers when the primary duty is aircraft operation and not pesticide handling
- Operators of sightseeing, air tour, or specialized single‑pilot commercial operations not listed under another aviation code
Common Job Duties
- Pre‑flight and post‑flight inspections and aircraft walk‑arounds
- Piloting during takeoffs, enroute flight, and landings
- Navigation, radio communications, and flight planning
- Operating specialized equipment (cameras, sensors, banner tow rigs) while airborne
- Fueling coordination, weight‑and‑balance calculations, and cargo/passenger briefings
- Responding to in‑flight emergencies and following emergency procedures
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $2.750 Rate
The approved pure premium rate of $2.750 per $100 of payroll is the portion of premium that covers expected claim costs. To calculate pure premium, divide payroll by 100 and multiply by 2.75 (for example, $100,000 payroll = $2,750 pure premium). Final premium charged to an employer also includes insurer expense loads, any experience modification (X-mod), policy fees, audits, and classification splits — all of which can raise or lower the amount you actually pay.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Cal/OSHA covers workplace safety for employees involved in aviation operations alongside federal FAA rules; compliance often requires adhering to both authorities. Key California requirements to watch for include the Heat Illness Prevention regulation for outdoor operations (Title 8, section 3395), hazard communication for fuels and chemicals, respiratory protection and PPE standards, and Cal/OSHA reporting of serious injury or fatality within required timeframes. Employers must also coordinate FAA aircraft airworthiness and operational certifications with workplace safety programs.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 7428
A PEO like Key HR helps employers in Class 7428 by centralizing payroll classification, managing claims and return‑to‑work programs, and delivering aviation‑specific safety training and documentation. We can help lower workers' comp exposure through targeted loss‑control (pilot currency checks, maintenance schedules, PPE programs), accurate payroll reporting to avoid misclassification, and proactive claims management to protect your experience modification.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
If my pilots also do maintenance, should I use 7428 for payroll?
You should allocate payroll to the classification that reflects the employee’s primary duty. If time is split, segregate payroll between 7428 for operating time and the appropriate maintenance class for repair work to ensure accurate pricing and compliance.
Does FAA regulation replace Cal/OSHA requirements for my pilots?
No. FAA governs flight operations and airworthiness while Cal/OSHA governs workplace safety for employees. You must comply with both sets of rules and ensure your safety program addresses overlapping requirements (e.g., emergency procedures, hazardous materials handling, and reporting).
How can I lower workers' comp costs for aircraft operations?
Focus on measurable loss‑control: rigorous pilot training and currency checks, documented pre‑flight procedures, preventive maintenance schedules, PPE and noise‑control measures, drug and alcohol testing, and a rapid return‑to‑work program. A PEO can help implement these controls, centralize claims handling, and ensure accurate payroll classification to reduce premium.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 7428
- Classification
- Aircraft Operation – All Others
- Pure Premium Rate
- $2.750 / $100 payroll
- Effective Date
- September 1, 2026
- Source
- WCIRB Approved Filing
Manage Workers' Comp Through a PEO
Key HR provides pay-as-you-go workers' comp for California employers — no large deposits, no audits, better rates.
Get a Quoteor call (800) 922-4133Ready to Simplify Workers' Comp for Class Code 7428?
Key HR provides California employers with pay-as-you-go workers' comp, HR compliance support, and payroll — all through one PEO partnership.