The Complete Aircraft Ferry Guide
Everything Aircraft Owners Need to Know About Ferry Flights, Aircraft Delivery & Repositioning
Buying an airplane is exciting.
Discovering that your new aircraft is 1,500 miles away is where the logistics begin.
Aircraft owners, buyers, sellers, brokers, flight schools, maintenance facilities and aircraft operators regularly need airplanes moved from one airport to another.
Sometimes the owner makes the flight.
Sometimes that is not practical.
That is where a professional aircraft ferry pilot or aircraft ferry service comes in.
Ferry Flight USA provides nationwide aircraft ferry and aircraft delivery coordination for qualifying piston singles, piston twins and selected business aircraft throughout the United States.
This guide explains how aircraft ferry flights work, what they cost, how pilots are selected, what documents and insurance may be needed, how weather affects delivery, when a ferry permit may be required and what aircraft owners should know before handing over the keys.
Whether you:
- Just purchased an aircraft
- Sold an aircraft to an out-of-state buyer
- Need an airplane delivered to your home airport
- Need an aircraft moved to maintenance
- Need an airplane repositioned between bases
- Have an aircraft stranded away from home
- Need a flight-school airplane moved
- Need a broker or dealer aircraft delivered
this guide will walk you through the process.
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Tell Ferry Flight USA:
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Where is it now?
Where does it need to go?
When would you like it moved?
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Aircraft Ferry Guide Contents
Use this guide to learn about:
- What an aircraft ferry flight is
- When aircraft ferry services are used
- How aircraft delivery works
- How ferry pilots are selected
- Aircraft insurance requirements
- What aircraft documents are needed
- Pre-flight aircraft condition review
- Cross-country ferry-flight planning
- Weather and aircraft delivery
- Fuel and route planning
- Aircraft ferry costs
- Newly purchased aircraft delivery
- Maintenance ferry flights
- Ferry permits and Special Flight Permits
- Piston-single ferry flights
- Twin-engine ferry flights
- Business aircraft repositioning
- Coast-to-coast aircraft delivery
- Aircraft pickup and handoff
- Choosing an aircraft ferry company
- Aircraft ferry FAQs
What Is an Aircraft Ferry Flight?
An aircraft ferry flight is a flight primarily conducted to move an aircraft from one location to another.
The aircraft itself—not passenger transportation—is the primary reason for the flight.
For example:
A buyer purchases a Piper Archer in Arizona but lives in Florida.
A qualified pilot travels to Arizona, picks up the aircraft and flies it to the buyer’s airport in Florida.
That is an aircraft ferry flight.
Aircraft ferry flights are also commonly referred to as:
- Aircraft delivery flights
- Airplane ferry flights
- Aircraft repositioning flights
- Aircraft relocation flights
- Aircraft transport flights
- Positioning flights
Although the terminology differs, the basic purpose is the same:
Move the aircraft safely and efficiently from Point A to Point B.
LEARN ABOUT AIRCRAFT FERRY SERVICES
What Is an Aircraft Ferry Pilot?
An aircraft ferry pilot is a pilot hired or assigned to reposition an aircraft from one location to another.
The pilot may be responsible for much more than simply flying the airplane.
Depending on the mission, a ferry pilot may need to coordinate:
- Travel to the departure airport
- Aircraft access
- Aircraft documentation
- Aircraft condition review
- Weather planning
- Route planning
- Fuel stops
- Overnight stops
- Airport selection
- Owner communication
- Aircraft delivery
- Return transportation
Long-distance ferry flying requires planning, judgment and adaptability.
A flight that looks simple on a map can become significantly more complex because of:
- Weather
- Terrain
- Aircraft range
- Maintenance issues
- Airport availability
- Fuel availability
- Headwinds
- Airspace
- Aircraft performance
- Insurance requirements
For that reason, pilot selection should involve more than finding someone who holds the minimum FAA certificate.
Why Do Aircraft Owners Hire Ferry Pilots?
There are many reasons an aircraft owner may prefer to hire a ferry pilot rather than make the trip personally.
The Owner Is Not Yet Qualified in the Aircraft
A new owner may have purchased:
- A complex aircraft
- A high-performance aircraft
- A tailwheel aircraft
- A multi-engine aircraft
- A pressurized aircraft
- An aircraft requiring a type rating
The owner’s insurance company may also require additional training or dual instruction before the owner can act as pilot in command.
A ferry pilot can help solve the immediate aircraft-delivery problem.
The Owner Does Not Have Time
A 1,500-mile aircraft delivery may require several flight days.
The owner may also need:
- Airline transportation
- Hotels
- Rental cars
- Ground transportation
- Time away from work
- Additional days if weather deteriorates
Hiring a ferry service allows the owner to outsource those logistics.
The Aircraft Is Going to Maintenance
Aircraft owners frequently use ferry pilots to move airplanes to:
- Annual inspection facilities
- Engine shops
- Avionics shops
- Paint shops
- Interior shops
- Propeller shops
- Structural repair facilities
- Specialty maintenance providers
- Manufacturer service centers
The aircraft may also need to be returned after maintenance is complete.
EXPLORE MAINTENANCE FERRY FLIGHTS
The Aircraft Was Just Purchased
Aircraft purchases are one of the most common reasons for professional ferry service.
The best aircraft for a buyer is often not located near the buyer.
Aircraft marketplaces have made nationwide purchasing normal.
A Florida buyer may purchase an aircraft in:
- California
- Arizona
- Texas
- Colorado
- New York
- Washington
- Michigan
- Ohio
The purchase transaction can happen remotely.
The airplane still needs to get home.
NEWLY PURCHASED AIRCRAFT DELIVERY
How Aircraft Ferry Service Works
Every ferry mission is different, but most aircraft delivery flights follow a similar process.
Step 1 — Provide the Aircraft Information
The ferry company needs basic information such as:
- Aircraft manufacturer
- Aircraft model
- Registration number
- Departure airport
- Destination airport
- Requested timing
- Aircraft maintenance status
- Known discrepancies
- Avionics configuration
- Insurance requirements
- Mission purpose
The more complete the information, the more accurately the mission can be evaluated.
Step 2 — Review the Mission
The ferry provider evaluates factors such as:
- Aircraft type
- Distance
- Aircraft speed
- Aircraft range
- Pilot requirements
- Insurance requirements
- Expected route
- Number of flight days
- Weather considerations
- Travel logistics
A 200-mile Cessna 172 flight requires a very different plan from a 2,000-mile Aerostar delivery.
Step 3 — Match the Pilot to the Aircraft
Pilot qualification requirements can vary substantially.
Factors may include:
- Category and class
- Tailwheel endorsement
- Complex endorsement
- High-performance endorsement
- Multi-engine rating
- Instrument rating
- Pressurized-aircraft experience
- Turbine experience
- Type rating
- Time in make and model
- Insurance requirements
A pilot who is perfect for one aircraft may not be appropriate for another.
Ferry Flight USA matches qualifying missions with pilots based on the aircraft and mission requirements.
Step 4 — Confirm Insurance Requirements
Aircraft insurance deserves attention before the pilot arrives.
Policies vary.
A policy may:
- Automatically permit certain qualified pilots
- Require minimum total flight time
- Require minimum time in type
- Require specific ratings
- Require recurrent training
- Require named-pilot approval
- Require insurer approval
The aircraft owner or operator should confirm applicable insurance requirements before the flight.
A pilot holding the necessary FAA certificates does not automatically mean that pilot satisfies the aircraft owner’s insurance policy.
Step 5 — Coordinate Aircraft Pickup
Before departure, the pilot needs access to the aircraft and relevant information.
Coordination can involve:
- Aircraft keys
- Hangar access
- FBO access
- Fuel arrangements
- Aircraft records
- Operating information
- Maintenance status
- Delivery instructions
- Local contacts
If a broker or seller is handling the aircraft, those arrangements should be made before the pilot travels.
Step 6 — Review the Aircraft
The pilot performs the appropriate preflight review before departure.
The pilot may also review available information regarding:
- Aircraft status
- Fuel
- Oil
- Tires
- Known discrepancies
- Required documents
- Aircraft limitations
- Applicable operating considerations
A ferry schedule does not override the pilot’s responsibility to determine whether the aircraft is appropriate for the intended flight.
If a significant issue is discovered, departure may need to be delayed.
Step 7 — Plan the Route
Long-distance aircraft delivery requires more than drawing a straight line between two airports.
Route planning may consider:
- Aircraft range
- Cruise speed
- Winds
- Weather
- Terrain
- Airspace
- Fuel availability
- Airport operating hours
- Runway length
- Maintenance availability
- Daylight
- Overnight stops
- Aircraft performance
The fastest route on paper is not always the best operational route.
Step 8 — Conduct the Ferry Flight
The pilot begins repositioning the aircraft toward the destination.
Long missions may require:
- Multiple fuel stops
- Overnight stops
- Weather deviations
- Route changes
Clients should understand that aircraft delivery is not the same as overnight parcel shipping.
Weather and safe operating decisions determine the schedule.
Step 9 — Provide Flight Updates
For a long-distance delivery, communication is important.
Owners should know:
- When the aircraft departs
- General progress
- Significant weather delays
- Overnight location when applicable
- Expected destination timing
Clear communication helps reduce the anxiety of having someone else fly a valuable aircraft across the country.
Step 10 — Aircraft Delivery
Once the aircraft reaches the destination, it is delivered according to the agreed handoff instructions.
Depending on the mission, that may involve delivery to:
- Aircraft owner
- FBO
- Hangar
- Maintenance facility
- Flight school
- Dealer
- Broker
- Aircraft management company
SEE HOW FERRY FLIGHT USA WORKS
Newly Purchased Aircraft Ferry Guide
Buying an airplane across the country has become common.
Aircraft inventory is limited compared with cars or boats, so buyers often search nationally to find:
- The right model
- Best maintenance history
- Preferred avionics
- Desired engine time
- Better condition
- Better price
That creates an immediate question after closing:
How do I get the airplane home?
Option 1 — Fly the Aircraft Home Yourself
This may be practical when:
- You are qualified
- Insurance permits it
- You know the aircraft
- You have the time
- Weather is favorable
For many experienced aircraft owners, flying their new airplane home is part of the experience.
But that option does not work for everyone.
Option 2 — Fly With an Instructor or Experienced Pilot
A new owner may use the delivery flight as transition training when appropriate.
This can potentially combine:
Aircraft delivery + aircraft familiarization
Whether this approach is appropriate depends upon:
- Aircraft
- Pilot qualifications
- Insurance
- Training requirements
- Mission
- Weather
- Instructor availability
Option 3 — Hire an Aircraft Ferry Pilot
The ferry pilot takes responsibility for repositioning the aircraft while the buyer avoids the travel and scheduling burden.
This is especially useful when:
- Buyer is not qualified
- Buyer does not satisfy insurance requirements
- Aircraft is far away
- Buyer cannot leave work
- Aircraft is complex or unfamiliar
- Weather may require schedule flexibility
GET YOUR NEWLY PURCHASED AIRCRAFT HOME
What Should Be Completed Before a Purchase Delivery?
Ideally, the transaction and aircraft status should be clearly established before the ferry pilot travels.
Items may include:
- Purchase closing completed
- Aircraft ownership confirmed
- Insurance active
- Required maintenance complete
- Aircraft appropriately airworthy
- Keys available
- Logbooks or required records accessible
- Seller contact established
- Fuel arrangements understood
- Pickup airport confirmed
If a pre-buy inspection or purchase closing is still underway, tell the ferry provider.
Maintenance Ferry Flights
Sometimes the aircraft needs to move because the best shop is not located at the home airport.
Owners routinely travel for:
- Annual inspections
- Engine work
- Avionics installations
- Aircraft paint
- Interiors
- Propeller work
- Structural repairs
- Specialty inspections
- Restoration work
Instead of personally making both the drop-off and pickup flights, an owner can use a ferry service.
Example
Your aircraft is based in Orlando.
Your preferred avionics shop is 600 miles away.
Without a ferry service, you may have to:
- Fly the aircraft to the shop
- Find transportation to an airline airport
- Fly home
- Repeat the process after maintenance
A ferry pilot can handle one or both positioning flights.
LEARN ABOUT MAINTENANCE FERRY FLIGHTS
Can an Aircraft With an Expired Annual Be Ferried?
This is one of the most common aircraft ferry questions.
An aircraft that does not currently meet applicable airworthiness requirements cannot simply be flown as a normal repositioning flight because it needs to reach a maintenance facility.
However, the FAA may issue a Special Flight Permit, commonly called a ferry permit, for qualifying circumstances.
A Special Flight Permit may allow an aircraft that does not currently meet all applicable airworthiness requirements—but is capable of safe flight—to be moved for an approved purpose.
Examples can include flying the aircraft:
- To a location for maintenance
- To a location for repairs
- To a location for alterations
- To storage
The FAA evaluates the specific situation and may impose operating limitations.
A ferry permit is not permission to fly an unsafe aircraft.
READ THE COMPLETE FERRY PERMIT GUIDE
Ferry Permits vs. Normal Ferry Flights
This distinction is important.
Normal Ferry Flight
The aircraft meets the applicable requirements for normal operation.
A pilot is simply repositioning it.
Ferry Permit Flight
The aircraft may not currently meet all applicable airworthiness requirements but has been determined eligible for an FAA Special Flight Permit for a specific purpose and under specified limitations.
Not every aircraft qualifies.
The aircraft condition, reason for flight and applicable regulatory requirements must be evaluated.
Aircraft Ferry Route Planning
One of the most overlooked parts of an aircraft delivery is route planning.
A general aviation ferry flight rarely follows the same logic as an airline route.
Consider a piston aircraft with:
- 120-knot cruise speed
- Four hours of practical endurance
- Limited deicing capability
- No pressurization
A route across the United States may require careful decisions about:
- Terrain
- Weather
- Winds
- Fuel
- Daylight
- Airport availability
The shortest route may not be the safest or most practical route.
Fuel Planning for Aircraft Ferry Flights
Fuel planning is especially important for unfamiliar aircraft and long-distance ferry missions.
Considerations include:
- Aircraft usable fuel
- Expected fuel burn
- Winds
- Required reserves
- Airport fuel availability
- Fuel type
- Operating hours
- Alternate airports
- Seasonal availability
For piston aircraft, pilots may also need to confirm availability of the correct aviation gasoline along the route.
Turbine aircraft have their own fuel and airport-planning considerations.
Weather & Aircraft Delivery
Weather is one of the largest variables affecting aircraft ferry schedules.
A route spanning several states can cross multiple weather systems.
Potential issues include:
- Thunderstorms
- Icing
- Low ceilings
- Strong winds
- Turbulence
- Mountain weather
- Fog
- Convective activity
- Hurricanes or tropical systems
- Winter storms
The aircraft’s capabilities matter.
A weather system that barely affects a turbine aircraft may completely stop a VFR piston delivery.
For this reason, responsible aircraft ferry companies should not guarantee an arrival time that ignores weather.
Safety and aircraft limitations take priority over the schedule.
Coast-to-Coast Aircraft Ferry Flights
Moving an aircraft from one side of the United States to the other is a common ferry mission.
Examples include:
- Florida to California
- California to Florida
- Arizona to New York
- Texas to Washington
- Northeast to Florida
- West Coast to Southeast
A coast-to-coast piston-aircraft ferry flight may involve several days of flying depending on:
- Cruise speed
- Weather
- Fuel range
- Winds
- Terrain
- Daylight
- Pilot duty considerations
A faster aircraft may cover the same distance significantly quicker.
EXPLORE COAST-TO-COAST AIRCRAFT DELIVERY
Piston Single Aircraft Ferry Flights
Single-engine piston aircraft account for a substantial portion of general aviation ferry work.
Qualifying aircraft can include models from manufacturers such as:
- Cessna
- Piper
- Cirrus
- Beechcraft
- Mooney
- Diamond
- Grumman
- Tecnam
- Maule
- American Champion
Common ferry missions involve aircraft 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 models
- Diamond DA40
Pilot requirements depend upon the specific aircraft and insurance requirements.
Piston Twin Aircraft Ferry Flights
Multi-engine aircraft require additional pilot qualifications and planning.
Aircraft can include:
- Piper Seminole
- Piper Seneca
- Piper Aztec
- Piper Apache
- Twin Comanche
- Beechcraft Baron
- Beechcraft Travel Air
- Cessna 310
- Cessna 340
- Cessna 414
- Cessna 421
- Diamond DA42
- Aerostar
Additional considerations may include:
- Multi-engine experience
- Time in type
- Pressurization
- Complex systems
- High-performance aircraft
- Insurance minimums
- Fuel planning
- Engine-management experience
PISTON TWIN AIRCRAFT FERRY SERVICES
Business Aircraft & Jet Repositioning
Selected turbine and business aircraft may also require repositioning for:
- Purchase delivery
- Sale
- Maintenance
- Inspections
- Lease transitions
- Fleet positioning
- Storage
- Corporate operations
Business-aircraft ferry missions may require:
- Type-rated pilots
- Two-pilot crews
- Aircraft-specific experience
- Operator approval
- Insurance approval
- International planning
- Additional logistics
Ferry Flight USA can evaluate selected light and midsize business-aircraft missions based on aircraft type, crew availability and requirements.
Aircraft Ferry Pilot Insurance Requirements
Insurance is one of the most important logistical issues in aircraft ferrying.
The aircraft owner’s insurance policy may impose pilot requirements beyond FAA regulations.
For example, a policy could require:
- Minimum total time
- Minimum retractable-gear time
- Minimum multi-engine time
- Minimum make/model experience
- Type rating
- Recurrent training
- Named-pilot status
Those requirements should be checked before pilot travel is booked.
What Documents Should Be Available?
The specific documentation depends on the aircraft and mission.
Aircraft owners should ensure that required aircraft documentation and relevant operating information are available as appropriate.
For a purchase delivery, communication should also establish who has:
- Aircraft keys
- Required records
- Operating documents
- Maintenance information
- Contact information
- Fuel account or payment information
Avoid discovering these logistical problems after the pilot arrives.
What Does an Aircraft Ferry Flight Cost?
There is no universal aircraft ferry price.
A 150-mile Cessna 172 delivery and a 2,500-mile pressurized twin delivery are completely different missions.
Aircraft ferry cost can be influenced by:
- Aircraft type
- Distance
- Cruise speed
- Aircraft range
- Pilot qualifications
- Number of flight days
- Airline positioning
- Return transportation
- Rental cars
- Hotels
- Ground transportation
- Fuel stops
- Crew requirements
- Type-rating requirements
- Insurance requirements
- Weather
- Route complexity
- International requirements where applicable
For this reason, professional ferry services typically evaluate the specific mission before quoting it.
What Costs Are Usually Part of a Ferry Mission?
Depending on the arrangement, costs may involve:
Pilot Compensation
Compensation for the pilot’s professional time.
Pilot Travel
Airfare or other transportation required to reach the aircraft.
Return Travel
Transportation after the aircraft is delivered.
Hotels
Required when a mission spans multiple days.
Ground Transportation
Rental cars, rideshare, taxis or transportation between airports.
Aircraft Operating Expenses
Fuel, oil and airport-related operating costs may need to be addressed depending on the agreement.
Because mission structures differ, owners should clearly understand what is included in their quote.
REQUEST AN AIRCRAFT FERRY QUOTE
How Long Does an Aircraft Ferry Flight Take?
Delivery time depends on several factors.
Consider:
- Total distance
- Aircraft cruise speed
- Aircraft endurance
- Weather
- Winds
- Daylight
- Fuel stops
- Terrain
- Maintenance
- Pilot availability
A short regional aircraft delivery may be completed in a single day.
A coast-to-coast piston delivery can require multiple flight days.
Weather can extend either one.
Aircraft Condition Before a Ferry Flight
An aircraft ferry pilot is not simply picking up a rental car.
The condition of the aircraft matters.
Before a mission, the parties should disclose known issues.
Examples include:
- Oil leaks
- Electrical issues
- Avionics failures
- Landing-gear concerns
- Brake problems
- Tire condition
- Inoperative equipment
- Engine concerns
- Fuel-system issues
- Maintenance discrepancies
Do not surprise a ferry pilot with known aircraft problems after arrival.
Transparent information allows the mission to be evaluated correctly.
What Happens If the Ferry Pilot Finds a Problem?
If the pilot discovers a problem that affects the planned flight, the departure may need to be delayed.
Depending on the issue, the next step might involve:
- Local mechanic
- Maintenance inspection
- Repair
- Additional troubleshooting
- Ferry-permit evaluation
- Mission rescheduling
A professional pilot should not feel pressured to depart simply because travel expenses have already been incurred.
Aircraft Ferry Flights After Maintenance
A ferry flight can also occur after:
- Annual inspection
- Engine replacement
- Avionics installation
- Paint work
- Major maintenance
- Structural repairs
Before the return flight, the aircraft must be appropriately ready and released for operation.
The return pilot should receive any information relevant to the aircraft’s condition and recent maintenance.
Ferry Flights for Flight Schools
Flight schools may need aircraft repositioned for:
- 100-hour inspections
- Annual inspections
- Engine replacements
- Avionics work
- Fleet transfers
- Aircraft acquisitions
- Aircraft sales
- Paint or refurbishment
Using an outside ferry pilot can keep instructors focused on revenue-producing flight training rather than taking them away for multi-day positioning flights.
Ferry Services for Aircraft Brokers & Dealers
Aircraft transactions often involve movement before and after closing.
Brokers and dealers may use ferry services for:
- Pre-buy inspections
- Demonstration positioning
- Maintenance
- Inventory movement
- Buyer delivery
- Seller pickup
- Trade-ins
- Post-sale delivery
AIRCRAFT DEALER & BROKER FERRY SERVICES
Ferry Flights for Flying Clubs
Flying clubs may use ferry pilots to:
- Move aircraft to maintenance
- Pick up newly purchased aircraft
- Reposition fleet aircraft
- Return aircraft from repair
- Move aircraft between club locations
This can avoid using instructors or club leadership for time-consuming cross-country positioning flights.
Domestic vs. International Aircraft Ferry Flights
Domestic U.S. aircraft ferry flights are generally simpler from a regulatory and logistics perspective than international ferry missions.
International aircraft movements can introduce:
- Customs
- Immigration
- Overflight permits
- Landing permits
- International insurance
- Foreign operating requirements
- Survival equipment
- Oceanic planning
- Additional communication requirements
A U.S. FAA Special Flight Permit does not automatically provide authorization to operate through another country’s airspace.
International missions require separate evaluation.
How to Choose an Aircraft Ferry Company
Aircraft owners are entrusting a ferry provider with an asset that may be worth tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars.
Do not choose based only on the lowest pilot fee.
Ask how the provider handles:
Pilot Qualifications
How is the pilot matched to your specific aircraft?
Insurance
Will the pilot meet your policy requirements?
Mission Planning
Who coordinates the route and logistics?
Communication
Will you receive updates?
Aircraft Problems
What happens if the pilot finds a maintenance issue?
Weather Delays
Is there pressure to meet unrealistic schedules?
Delivery
How is aircraft handoff handled?
A professional ferry service should make the process organized and understandable.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Ferry Pilot
Consider asking:
- Do you have experience in this aircraft type?
- Do you meet my insurance requirements?
- Who pays pilot travel expenses?
- How are weather delays handled?
- Who pays hotel expenses?
- Who pays fuel?
- How will I receive trip updates?
- What happens if the aircraft has a mechanical problem?
- How is the aircraft delivered?
- What information do you need before departure?
Clear expectations help prevent misunderstandings.
Why Use Ferry Flight USA?
Nationwide Aircraft Ferry Capability
Ferry Flight USA coordinates aircraft delivery missions throughout the United States.
Aircraft-Specific Pilot Matching
Pilots are selected based on the aircraft, qualifications, mission and applicable insurance requirements.
Complete Ferry Coordination
We help organize:
- Pilot positioning
- Aircraft pickup
- Route planning
- Flight logistics
- Aircraft delivery
Support for Multiple Aircraft Types
Qualifying missions can include:
- Piston singles
- Piston twins
- Complex aircraft
- High-performance aircraft
- Selected turbine aircraft
- Selected light and midsize jets
Maintenance Ferry Support
Need the airplane moved to a:
- Maintenance shop
- Engine facility
- Avionics shop
- Paint facility
We can evaluate the mission.
Purchase Delivery
Bought an aircraft hundreds or thousands of miles away?
We can help get it home.
Safety-First Scheduling
Weather and safe operating decisions determine the actual flight schedule.
Aircraft Ferry Flight FAQ
What is an aircraft ferry flight?
An aircraft ferry flight is a flight conducted primarily to move an aircraft from one location to another. Common reasons include purchases, sales, maintenance, relocation and fleet repositioning.
What does an aircraft ferry pilot do?
A ferry pilot flies the aircraft from its current airport to the requested destination. Depending on the arrangement, the pilot may also coordinate travel, route planning, fuel stops, aircraft pickup and final delivery.
How much does an aircraft ferry flight cost?
Cost depends on aircraft type, distance, pilot requirements, travel costs, number of flight days, crew requirements and mission complexity. A mission-specific quote is generally required.
How do I get an airplane I purchased in another state home?
You can fly it yourself if you are qualified and insured, fly with an instructor or hire a professional aircraft ferry pilot to deliver the airplane.
Does the ferry pilot need to be approved by my insurance company?
Possibly. Insurance requirements differ by policy. Some insurers require specific pilot experience, training, time in type or approval before the aircraft is operated.
Can an aircraft with an expired annual be ferried?
Potentially, but not as a normal flight simply because the aircraft needs an annual. Depending on the circumstances, the FAA may issue a Special Flight Permit allowing the aircraft to be flown to a location where the inspection or maintenance can be completed.
Is a ferry permit the same as a Special Flight Permit?
“Ferry permit” is the common aviation term used for an FAA Special Flight Permit in this context.
Does a ferry permit mean an unsafe aircraft can be flown?
No. A Special Flight Permit may be issued for an aircraft that does not currently meet all applicable airworthiness requirements but is capable of safe flight for the approved mission. The FAA may impose specific limitations.
Can you ferry an airplane to a maintenance shop?
Yes. Maintenance repositioning is one of the most common aircraft ferry missions.
Can the aircraft be brought back after maintenance?
Yes, once the aircraft has been appropriately returned to service and is ready for operation, a return ferry flight can also be coordinated.
Can a newly purchased airplane be delivered directly to my home airport?
Yes, subject to aircraft condition, pilot qualifications, insurance, airport suitability and other mission requirements.
Can Ferry Flight USA move piston twins?
Qualifying piston twin aircraft can be supported when an appropriately rated and experienced pilot meeting applicable aircraft and insurance requirements is available.
Can business jets be ferried?
Selected light and midsize business-aircraft repositioning missions can be evaluated based on aircraft type, type-rating requirements, crew requirements, insurance and pilot availability.
How quickly can my airplane be delivered?
Timing depends on aircraft readiness, distance, pilot availability, weather, fuel stops and mission requirements. Weather and safe operating considerations can change the delivery schedule.
Can you ferry an aircraft coast to coast?
Yes. Ferry Flight USA coordinates qualifying long-distance and coast-to-coast aircraft deliveries throughout the United States.
What information do you need for a ferry quote?
Provide:
- Aircraft make
- Aircraft model
- Registration number
- Departure airport
- Destination airport
- Desired dates
- Maintenance status
- Known aircraft issues
- Any unusual mission requirements
The more complete the information, the more accurately the mission can be evaluated.
Ready to Move Your Aircraft?
Aircraft ferrying does not have to be complicated.
Whether you:
- Just purchased an airplane
- Sold an aircraft
- Need an aircraft moved for maintenance
- Need an airplane delivered across the country
- Need a flight-school aircraft repositioned
- Need a broker or dealer delivery
- Need help evaluating a ferry-permit mission
Ferry Flight USA can help coordinate the aircraft’s movement.
Tell Us Three Things:
What aircraft is it?
Where is it now?
Where does it need to go?
From there, we can evaluate the aircraft, route, pilot requirements, logistics and expected ferry cost.
Request an Aircraft Ferry Quote
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Aircraft and mission acceptance is subject to aircraft condition, applicable regulations, pilot qualifications, insurance requirements, crew availability and mission requirements. Information on this page is general educational information and does not replace applicable FAA regulations, operating limitations, maintenance requirements or individual insurance-policy requirements.