Aircraft Ferry Services for Aircraft Sellers
Make Your Aircraft Easier to Sell Nationwide With Pre-Buy Repositioning, Maintenance Moves & Professional Buyer Delivery
Selling an aircraft to a buyer hundreds—or thousands—of miles away?
Ferry Flight USA helps aircraft sellers manage the physical movement of an airplane before, during and after the sales process.
We coordinate professional aircraft ferry and repositioning services throughout the United States for private sellers, businesses, estates, trustees, brokers and dealers selling qualifying:
- Piston single-engine aircraft
- Piston twins
- Complex aircraft
- High-performance aircraft
- Pressurized aircraft
- Selected light jets
- Selected midsize business jets
- Other qualifying aircraft
Whether your aircraft needs to move to the buyer’s pre-purchase inspection facility, a maintenance shop before closing, a paint or avionics facility before listing, or directly to the buyer after the sale, Ferry Flight USA can help coordinate the flight.
Sell the Aircraft Nationwide — Not Just to the Buyer Who Can Pick It Up.
GET AN AIRCRAFT SELLER FERRY QUOTE
Aircraft Seller Ferry Services
Selling an airplane often involves more aircraft movement than owners initially expect.
A transaction may require the aircraft to move for:
- Pre-buy inspection
- Annual inspection
- Maintenance
- Engine work
- Avionics
- Paint
- Demonstration or evaluation
- Storage
- Buyer delivery
Then, after the sale closes, the aircraft may need to travel hundreds or thousands of miles to its new owner.
Ferry Flight USA can help coordinate those movements.
Make Your Aircraft Available to Buyers Nationwide
The buyer for your aircraft may not live nearby.
A Florida seller may find the right buyer in:
- Texas
- California
- New York
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Michigan
- North Carolina
- Washington
A seller in California may find a buyer in Florida.
A seller in Texas may find a buyer in New England.
The used aircraft market is national.
Professional ferry services can help make the transaction national too.
A Distant Buyer Should Not Automatically Mean a More Difficult Sale.
Selling an Aircraft Out of State
Out-of-state aircraft sales are common.
The buyer may:
- Never visit your home airport
- Send an independent mechanic for the pre-buy
- Want the aircraft moved to another inspection facility
- Close remotely through escrow
- Request delivery to their home airport
Ferry Flight USA can help coordinate the aircraft-movement portion of the transaction.
Seller-to-Buyer Aircraft Delivery
One of the most common seller requests is straightforward:
The Airplane Is Sold. Now Get It to the Buyer.
Once the transaction is complete and the aircraft is properly ready for flight, Ferry Flight USA can coordinate:
Seller’s Airport → Buyer’s Airport
The destination might be:
- Buyer’s home airport
- Buyer’s hangar
- Flight school
- Flying club
- Aircraft management company
- Maintenance facility
- Another agreed airport
EXPLORE AIRCRAFT SALE & BUYER DELIVERY
Aircraft Delivery After Closing
Aircraft closings often happen remotely.
Funds may move through escrow.
Documents may be executed electronically.
Registration paperwork may already be underway.
But the physical aircraft still needs to change locations.
Ferry Flight USA can help coordinate the final operational step:
Delivering the Aircraft.
Build Delivery Into the Aircraft Sale
Delivery should not be an afterthought.
When negotiating the sale, consider establishing:
- Where the aircraft will be delivered
- Who arranges the ferry pilot
- Who pays ferry expenses
- When delivery takes place
- When risk of loss transfers
- When insurance changes
- Who authorizes aircraft release
- Whether delivery occurs immediately after closing
Adding these details to the sales process can reduce confusion later.
Offer Buyer Delivery as Part of the Deal
Professional aircraft delivery can make your listing more attractive to distant buyers.
Instead of telling prospects:
“The airplane is here. You have to come get it.”
you may be able to offer:
Nationwide Delivery Available.
The ferry cost can be:
- Paid by the buyer
- Paid by the seller
- Split between the parties
- Built into the negotiated transaction
The purchase agreement should establish the arrangement.
Aircraft Pre-Buy Repositioning for Sellers
A serious buyer may request an independent pre-purchase inspection.
The buyer may choose a shop located away from your airport.
That could require moving the aircraft:
Seller → Buyer-Selected Pre-Buy Facility
After the inspection, the airplane may:
Return to the Seller
or:
Remain for closing
or:
Move directly to the Buyer
or:
Move to another maintenance facility
Ferry Flight USA can help coordinate the flight portion.
EXPLORE PRE-BUY INSPECTION REPOSITIONING
Should the Seller Allow the Aircraft to Leave for a Pre-Buy?
That is a transaction decision between the parties.
If the aircraft will be repositioned before closing, important issues should be clearly addressed, including:
- Owner authorization
- Insurance
- Pilot qualification
- Aircraft custody
- Fuel
- Operating expenses
- Damage responsibility
- Inspection facility
- Return arrangements
- What happens if the buyer walks away
These issues should be resolved before the aircraft moves.
Moving the Aircraft to an Independent Inspection Facility
Some buyers strongly prefer an inspection by:
- Independent A&P/IA
- Type-specific specialist
- Manufacturer service center
- Engine specialist
- Independent MRO
Allowing a reasonable pre-buy repositioning can expand the pool of serious buyers willing to consider the aircraft.
What Happens After the Pre-Buy?
There are several possible outcomes.
Buyer Proceeds
The aircraft may remain at the shop through closing and then be delivered directly to the buyer.
Buyer Requests Repairs
The aircraft may stay at the inspection facility or move to another maintenance provider.
Buyer Walks Away
The aircraft may need to be returned to the seller.
Buyer Renegotiates
The aircraft may remain in place while the parties determine how to resolve the findings.
Ferry Flight USA can help coordinate qualifying repositioning as the transaction evolves.
Selling an Aircraft With Maintenance Due
An aircraft may be easier to sell after certain maintenance is completed.
Potential examples include:
- Annual inspection
- Engine work
- Propeller work
- Tires
- Brakes
- Landing-gear repairs
- Corrosion treatment
- Known squawks
- Airworthiness Directive compliance
If the preferred maintenance provider is not at your airport, Ferry Flight USA can help reposition the aircraft.
EXPLORE MAINTENANCE FERRY FLIGHTS
Annual Inspection Before Selling an Aircraft
A seller may decide to complete a fresh annual before listing or closing.
Reasons can include:
- Aircraft is approaching annual expiration
- Buyer requests it
- Seller wants stronger marketability
- Pre-buy may be combined with annual work
- Aircraft must be delivered after closing
If the preferred A&P/IA is located elsewhere, Ferry Flight USA can coordinate qualifying transportation.
EXPLORE ANNUAL INSPECTION REPOSITIONING
Should You Complete Maintenance Before Listing?
That depends on the aircraft and the issue.
Some sellers choose to correct obvious discrepancies before marketing the aircraft.
Others disclose the condition and price accordingly.
From a transportation standpoint, Ferry Flight USA can help move the airplane if you decide the work should be completed somewhere other than its current airport.
Avionics Upgrades Before Selling an Aircraft
Some sellers invest in avionics before listing.
Potential upgrades may include:
- GPS navigator
- Glass displays
- ADS-B
- Autopilot
- Engine monitor
- Audio panel
- Radios
The business decision depends on whether the upgrade is likely to support the sale price or marketability.
If you choose to upgrade the aircraft, Ferry Flight USA can help transport it to and from the avionics facility.
EXPLORE AVIONICS SHOP FERRY FLIGHTS
Paint & Cosmetic Repositioning Before Sale
Aircraft presentation can influence buyer interest.
A seller may decide to complete:
- Full repaint
- Paint touch-up
- Exterior refurbishment
- Registration-number change
- Graphics removal
- Corporate branding removal
before listing the aircraft.
Ferry Flight USA can coordinate delivery to and from the selected paint facility.
EXPLORE PAINT SHOP FERRY FLIGHTS
Aircraft Repositioning Before Listing
Sometimes the aircraft may simply sell better from another location.
A seller may choose to move it to:
- Broker’s airport
- Dealer
- Sales facility
- Busier general aviation market
- Storage location
- Demonstration location
Professional repositioning can make that possible without requiring the seller to perform the flight personally.
EXPLORE AIRCRAFT REPOSITIONING
Delivering the Aircraft to a Broker
If a broker will handle the sale, the aircraft may need to move to the broker’s facility.
That can simplify:
- Showings
- Demonstration flights
- Pre-buy coordination
- Photography
- Buyer access
- Sale preparation
Ferry Flight USA can coordinate the aircraft movement.
Delivering an Aircraft to a Dealer
A seller may:
- Consign an aircraft
- Sell wholesale to a dealer
- Trade an aircraft
- Place it with a sales organization
The aircraft may then need to move to the dealer’s airport.
EXPLORE DEALER & BROKER FERRY SERVICES
Trade-In Aircraft Repositioning
Aircraft sales sometimes involve trades.
For example:
Owner buys Aircraft A
and
Trades Aircraft B
That can create two aircraft movements:
Aircraft A → New Owner
and:
Aircraft B → Dealer
Ferry Flight USA can potentially help coordinate both.
Selling an Aircraft Through a Broker
A broker may coordinate:
- Marketing
- Buyer inquiries
- Negotiation
- Pre-buy
- Escrow
- Closing
Ferry Flight USA can support the physical movement of the aircraft throughout that process.
This can include:
- Broker delivery
- Pre-buy repositioning
- Maintenance ferry
- Seller-to-buyer delivery
- Return flight if a transaction does not close
Private Aircraft Sellers
Private owners often do not have an internal flight department or sales staff.
That means the seller may personally be trying to coordinate:
- Buyer
- Broker
- Pre-buy shop
- Insurance
- Escrow
- Maintenance
- Delivery
Ferry Flight USA can take the aircraft-movement portion off the seller’s plate.
Corporate Aircraft Sellers
Companies selling business aircraft may need to reposition aircraft for:
- Broker listing
- Pre-buy
- MRO
- Lease return
- Storage
- Buyer delivery
Selected piston, turbine and business-aircraft missions can be evaluated based on aircraft type and qualified crew availability.
Estates & Trustees Selling Aircraft
An estate or trustee may need to sell an aircraft even when nobody involved is actively flying it.
The airplane may need:
- Inspection
- Maintenance
- Repositioning
- Broker delivery
- Buyer delivery
Ferry Flight USA can work with the authorized representative to coordinate qualifying aircraft movement.
Finance & Leasing Company Aircraft Sales
Finance and leasing organizations may also need aircraft moved during:
- Asset sale
- Lease return
- Ownership transition
- Storage
- Remarketing
- Buyer delivery
These missions can be evaluated based on aircraft status, authorization and insurance requirements.
Selling a Piston Single Aircraft
Ferry Flight USA can support qualifying aircraft sales involving piston singles such as:
- Cessna 150 / 152
- Cessna 172
- Cessna 182
- Cessna 206
- Piper Cherokee
- Piper Warrior
- Piper Archer
- Piper Arrow
- Piper Saratoga
- Cirrus SR20
- Cirrus SR22
- Beechcraft Bonanza
- Mooney
- Diamond DA40
- Other qualifying aircraft
EXPLORE PISTON SINGLE AIRCRAFT FERRY SERVICES
Selling a Piston Twin Aircraft
Qualifying seller missions may also involve:
- Beechcraft Baron
- Piper Seminole
- Piper Seneca
- Piper Apache
- Piper Aztec
- Cessna 310
- Cessna 340
- Cessna 414
- Cessna 421
- Diamond DA42
- Aerostar
- Other qualifying piston twins
Pilot requirements and insurance can be significantly more demanding for these aircraft.
EXPLORE PISTON TWIN AIRCRAFT FERRY SERVICES
Selling a Light Jet
Selected light business-jet sale and delivery missions can also be evaluated.
Aircraft may include qualifying:
- Citation
- Phenom
- HondaJet
- Eclipse
- Premier
- Vision Jet
- Other light jets
These missions may require:
- Type-rated pilot
- Current recurrent training
- Specific insurance approval
- Single- or two-pilot crew
EXPLORE LIGHT JET FERRY SERVICES
Selling a Midsize Business Jet
Selected midsize business-aircraft seller missions can involve qualifying:
- Citation
- Learjet
- Hawker
- Challenger
- Falcon
- Gulfstream
- Embraer aircraft
Crew and insurance requirements vary by aircraft.
EXPLORE MIDSIZE JET FERRY SERVICES
Selling an Aircraft With an Expired Annual
If an aircraft’s required annual inspection has expired, it generally cannot simply be flown to the buyer as a normal delivery flight.
Possible solutions may include:
- Completing the annual at the current location
- Moving the aircraft by ground transportation
- Obtaining an FAA Special Flight Permit for a qualifying repositioning flight
Ferry Flight USA can evaluate the flight portion of a qualifying Special Flight Permit mission once the required maintenance and regulatory requirements have been addressed.
Selling an Aircraft That Has Been Sitting
An aircraft that has been inactive for an extended period should be appropriately evaluated before a ferry mission.
Potential concerns may include:
- Engine condition
- Battery
- Fuel
- Tires
- Brakes
- Corrosion
- Oil
- Propeller
- Avionics
- Inspection status
Selling the airplane does not automatically make it ready for a long cross-country flight.
Maintenance status should be understood first.
Selling a Project or Restoration Aircraft
Some aircraft are sold while:
- Out of annual
- Under restoration
- Partially disassembled
- In need of major maintenance
- Not capable of safe flight
In some cases, ground transport may be the appropriate solution.
In other qualifying situations, an FAA Special Flight Permit may permit a limited repositioning flight.
Every aircraft must be evaluated individually.
Prepare for Aircraft Delivery Before Closing
The easiest sale-delivery missions are planned early.
Before closing, determine:
- Buyer’s airport
- Expected closing date
- Delivery timing
- Ferry pilot requirements
- Insurance requirements
- Aircraft status
- Who will release the aircraft
- Fuel status
- Keys
- Logbooks
- Aircraft documents
- Destination contact
Do not wait until closing day to begin solving the logistics.
Seller Insurance & Ferry Pilot Requirements
Insurance needs special attention when an aircraft is being sold.
Questions can include:
- When does seller coverage end?
- When does buyer coverage begin?
- Whose insurance covers the ferry pilot?
- Does the pilot meet the applicable policy requirements?
- Does the insurer require approval?
These questions should be resolved before departure.
Ferry Flight USA can provide pilot qualification information needed for the appropriate insurance review.
When Does the Buyer Take Responsibility?
The point at which:
- Ownership transfers
- Insurance responsibility transfers
- Risk of loss transfers
- Operating expenses transfer
depends on the transaction documents and agreements between the parties.
Ferry Flight USA does not determine those contractual terms.
The buyer and seller should establish them clearly before the aircraft is released.
Can the Seller Hire the Ferry Pilot?
Yes.
The seller may arrange aircraft delivery as part of the transaction.
This can be useful when the seller wants to provide a complete:
Delivered Aircraft Price.
For example:
Aircraft Purchase Price + Delivery to Buyer’s Home Airport
The seller can then coordinate delivery through Ferry Flight USA.
Can the Buyer Hire the Ferry Pilot?
Yes.
The buyer may also hire Ferry Flight USA directly.
In that situation, the seller’s role may simply be to:
- Authorize aircraft release after closing
- Provide aircraft access
- Provide keys and documents
- Coordinate pickup
Who Pays for Aircraft Delivery After a Sale?
There is no universal rule.
The parties can agree that ferry costs are paid by:
- Buyer
- Seller
- Dealer
- Broker
- Shared between buyer and seller
- Included in the aircraft purchase price
The purchase agreement should establish the arrangement.
How Much Does Aircraft Sale Delivery Cost?
Delivery pricing depends on:
- Aircraft type
- Distance
- Aircraft speed
- Range
- Pilot qualifications
- Number of flight days
- Airline positioning
- Ground transportation
- Hotels
- Insurance requirements
- Crew requirements
- Weather
- Aircraft complexity
A Cessna 172 going 250 miles is very different from:
- A Baron crossing several states
- A Cessna 421 going coast to coast
- A business jet requiring two qualified pilots
Ferry Flight USA provides mission-specific pricing.
VIEW THE AIRCRAFT FERRY COST GUIDE
Include Delivery in Your Negotiation
Delivery can become another negotiable component of the sale.
For example:
Option 1
Buyer pays purchase price and handles pickup.
Option 2
Seller provides delivery for an additional agreed amount.
Option 3
Seller includes delivery in the negotiated purchase price.
A professional delivery option may help eliminate an objection from an out-of-state buyer.
Aircraft Seller Delivery Process
1. Tell Us About the Aircraft
Provide:
- Make
- Model
- N-number
- Current airport
- Sale status
- Buyer destination if known
- Expected closing date
- Maintenance status
- Insurance requirements if known
2. Tell Us Where the Sale Stands
For example:
- Preparing to list
- Listed for sale
- Offer accepted
- Under contract
- Pre-buy scheduled
- Pre-buy complete
- Closing scheduled
- Already closed
3. Determine the Required Aircraft Movement
The aircraft may need to go:
Seller → Broker
Seller → Pre-Buy
Pre-Buy → Maintenance
Pre-Buy → Seller
Pre-Buy → Buyer
or:
Seller → Buyer
4. Review Pilot Requirements
Pilot selection may depend on:
- Aircraft category
- Aircraft class
- Complex requirements
- High-performance requirements
- Tailwheel experience
- Multi-engine rating
- Pressurization
- Type rating
- Insurance
- Make-and-model experience
5. Coordinate With the Parties
The mission may involve:
- Seller
- Buyer
- Broker
- Dealer
- Escrow
- Maintenance shop
- FBO
- Aircraft manager
We coordinate with the appropriate operational contacts.
6. Aircraft Pickup
The pilot travels to the aircraft and completes the required preflight responsibilities.
Any material issue with aircraft condition or documentation may need to be resolved before departure.
7. Ferry Flight
The aircraft is flown to the agreed destination according to applicable regulations, aircraft limitations and safe operating practices.
8. Buyer or Destination Handoff
The aircraft is delivered according to the agreed handoff procedure.
Coast-to-Coast Aircraft Sale Delivery
An aircraft seller is not limited to buyers within a day’s flight.
Qualifying aircraft can be delivered on routes such as:
- Florida → California
- California → Florida
- Texas → New York
- Arizona → Georgia
- Midwest → Florida
- Northeast → Texas
- Southeast → Mountain West
The actual delivery plan depends on the aircraft.
Selling an Aircraft in Florida
Florida is one of the country’s major general aviation markets.
Ferry Flight USA can help Florida sellers coordinate aircraft movement from airports throughout:
- Orlando
- Central Florida
- Tampa
- Lakeland
- Sarasota
- Naples
- Fort Myers
- Palm Beach
- Fort Lauderdale
- Miami
- Jacksonville
- Daytona Beach
- Other Florida locations
The buyer does not need to be located in Florida.
We can help coordinate qualifying delivery nationwide.
Selling an Aircraft to a Florida Buyer
Ferry Flight USA can also help sellers elsewhere deliver qualifying aircraft into Florida.
Potential routes may include:
- California → Florida
- Texas → Florida
- Arizona → Florida
- Northeast → Florida
- Midwest → Florida
- Mountain West → Florida
Why Use Ferry Flight USA When Selling an Aircraft?
Reach Buyers Nationwide
Do not restrict your buyer pool because delivery is inconvenient.
Pre-Buy Repositioning
Move the aircraft to a serious buyer’s selected inspection facility.
Sale Preparation Support
Reposition the aircraft for maintenance, annual inspection, avionics or paint.
Seller-to-Buyer Delivery
Offer a professional final-delivery solution.
Aircraft-Specific Pilot Matching
The pilot is matched according to the aircraft and applicable requirements.
Insurance Coordination
Pilot qualifications can be provided for insurance review.
Broker & Dealer Coordination
We can work with the aviation professionals involved in the sale.
Nationwide Coverage
Qualifying aircraft can be moved throughout the United States.
Professional Handoff
Pickup and buyer delivery can be coordinated with clear operational contacts.
Frequently Asked Questions for Aircraft Sellers
Can you deliver an aircraft I sell?
Yes. Ferry Flight USA can coordinate qualifying seller-to-buyer aircraft delivery throughout the United States.
Can I offer delivery with my aircraft listing?
Yes. Sellers can make professional delivery available as part of the transaction.
Can you move my aircraft to a pre-buy inspection?
Yes, assuming the movement is properly authorized and applicable insurance requirements are satisfied.
Can you return the aircraft if the buyer does not purchase it?
Yes, qualifying return repositioning can be coordinated.
Can you deliver directly from the pre-buy facility to the buyer?
Yes, once the transaction is complete and the aircraft is properly ready for flight.
Can you move my aircraft to maintenance before I sell it?
Yes.
Can you move the airplane to an avionics shop before listing?
Yes.
Can you move it to a paint shop?
Yes.
Can you move my aircraft to my broker’s location?
Yes.
Can the seller hire the ferry pilot?
Yes.
Can the buyer hire the ferry pilot?
Yes.
Who pays for delivery?
That depends on the purchase agreement. Buyer, seller or both parties may pay.
Does the ferry pilot need insurance approval?
Applicable insurance requirements should be confirmed before departure.
Can you deliver piston singles?
Yes.
Can you deliver piston twins?
Yes, when appropriately qualified pilots satisfying applicable requirements are available.
Can you deliver business jets?
Selected light and midsize business-aircraft missions can be evaluated based on aircraft type, crew requirements, type ratings, insurance and pilot availability.
Can you ferry an aircraft that is out of annual?
A normal delivery may not be permissible. A qualifying Special Flight Permit or completion of the annual may be necessary.
Can you deliver an aircraft coast to coast?
Yes. Qualifying long-distance aircraft sale deliveries can be coordinated throughout the United States.
When should I contact Ferry Flight USA?
Ideally before the transaction closes—especially if delivery is being negotiated as part of the sale.
What information do you need?
Provide the aircraft make/model, N-number, current airport, transaction status, buyer destination if known, expected closing date and applicable insurance requirements.
Selling an Aircraft?
A buyer across the country can still be the right buyer.
Ferry Flight USA can help coordinate the aircraft from:
Your Airport
to
Pre-Buy
to
Maintenance
to
Closing
to
The New Owner.
Tell Us:
What aircraft are you selling?
Where is it located?
Is it under contract?
Is a pre-buy required?
Where is the buyer located?
When is closing?
We’ll use that information to evaluate the required aircraft movements, pilot qualifications, routing and expected ferry cost.