The Complete Guide to Buying an Airplane in Another State & Getting It Home
You found the airplane.
It has the avionics you want.
The engine time looks good.
The logs appear complete.
The price makes sense.
There is only one problem:
The airplane is 1,500 miles away.
That is completely normal.
Unlike buying a car, aircraft buyers often need to search nationwide to find the right combination of:
- Aircraft make and model
- Year
- Engine time
- Propeller time
- Avionics
- Maintenance history
- Paint
- Interior
- Equipment
- Useful load
- Damage history
- Price
The right airplane may be across your state—or across the country.
Ferry Flight USA helps aircraft buyers move newly purchased airplanes from the seller, broker, dealer or closing location to the buyer’s home airport.
But aircraft delivery is only one part of an out-of-state aircraft purchase.
Before the airplane comes home, the buyer may need to coordinate:
- Aircraft research
- Pre-buy inspection
- Title and lien review
- Purchase agreement
- Insurance
- Financing
- Sales and use tax planning
- Aircraft registration
- Closing
- Pilot qualifications
- Delivery logistics
This guide walks through the entire process.
Buying an Airplane Out of State Is Normal
Aircraft inventory is very different from automobile inventory.
If you are shopping for a particular Cessna, Piper, Beechcraft, Cirrus, Mooney, Diamond or other aircraft, limiting your search to airplanes within a few hundred miles can dramatically reduce your choices.
A nationwide search may give you access to aircraft with:
- Better maintenance histories
- Lower engine time
- Newer avionics
- Better paint
- Better interiors
- Fewer damage-history concerns
- Better equipment
- More desirable upgrades
- Better pricing
The cost of bringing the right airplane home can be relatively small compared with buying the wrong airplane simply because it happened to be nearby.
Geography should be one factor in an aircraft purchase—not necessarily the deciding factor.
Buying an Aircraft Out of State: The Process
A typical out-of-state aircraft purchase may follow this sequence:
Step 1 — Find the Aircraft
Identify an airplane that appears to meet your mission and budget.
Step 2 — Review Aircraft Information
Review the listing, specifications, maintenance history and available logbook information.
Step 3 — Negotiate the Purchase
Agree on pricing and purchase terms, usually subject to an acceptable pre-buy inspection and other agreed conditions.
Step 4 — Arrange the Pre-Buy
Have an independent mechanic or maintenance facility evaluate the aircraft.
Step 5 — Review Title & Ownership
Confirm ownership and identify recorded liens or other title issues.
Step 6 — Arrange Insurance
Make sure insurance will be active when ownership transfers.
Step 7 — Address Taxes & Ownership Structure
Understand the potential sales/use-tax consequences and determine how the aircraft will be owned.
Step 8 — Complete Closing
Execute the applicable purchase and FAA ownership documents and transfer funds.
Step 9 — Register the Aircraft
Submit the applicable FAA registration documentation.
Step 10 — Get the Aircraft Home
Fly it yourself, bring an instructor or hire a professional ferry pilot.
REQUEST NEWLY PURCHASED AIRCRAFT DELIVERY
Step 1: Define Your Aircraft Mission Before Shopping
Before looking at listings, determine what you actually need the airplane to do.
Consider:
- Number of passengers
- Typical trip distance
- Useful load requirements
- Baggage
- Cruise speed
- Fuel economy
- IFR capability
- Runway requirements
- High-altitude operations
- Training use
- Business travel
- Family travel
- Maintenance budget
A low purchase price does not make an airplane inexpensive to own.
Likewise, paying more for the right aircraft can sometimes reduce long-term ownership costs.
Step 2: Search Nationwide
Once you know your mission, expanding your search nationwide gives you more inventory to compare.
Instead of asking:
“What airplanes are near me?”
consider asking:
“Where is the best airplane that meets my requirements?”
A professional ferry pilot can solve the geography problem after the purchase.
That may allow you to focus on finding the airplane with the:
- Best maintenance history
- Best equipment
- Best engine
- Best avionics
- Best overall condition
rather than simply the closest listing.
Step 3: Review the Aircraft Before Traveling
Before purchasing an airline ticket to see an airplane, gather as much information as possible.
Ask the seller or broker for:
- Aircraft registration number
- Serial number
- Total airframe time
- Engine time
- Propeller time
- Annual inspection date
- Major repair history
- Damage history
- Avionics list
- Equipment list
- Useful load
- Logbook scans
- Recent maintenance invoices
- Photos
- Videos
Request clear photographs of:
- Exterior
- Interior
- Instrument panel
- Engine compartment
- Landing gear
- Tires
- Control surfaces
- Aircraft data plate
- Logbooks
The objective is to eliminate obvious poor candidates before spending money on travel or inspection.
Step 4: Verify the Aircraft’s FAA Information
Before moving further into the transaction, verify the aircraft information against FAA records.
Check:
- N-number
- Manufacturer
- Model
- Serial number
- Registered owner
- Registration status
The FAA Aircraft Registry provides public aircraft registration information.
The registered owner’s name should be reconciled with the party selling the airplane.
If a corporation or LLC owns the aircraft, make sure the person signing the transaction documents has appropriate authority to act for that entity.
Step 5: Have an Independent Pre-Buy Inspection
A good pre-buy inspection may be one of the most valuable investments you make during an aircraft purchase.
Do not treat it as merely another annual inspection.
The objective is different.
An annual determines whether the aircraft meets applicable requirements for return to service.
A pre-buy inspection helps the buyer understand what he or she is actually purchasing.
The inspection should be designed around the specific aircraft.
Potential areas include:
- Airframe condition
- Corrosion
- Engine condition
- Oil leaks
- Compression
- Engine accessories
- Propeller
- Landing gear
- Tires
- Brakes
- Flight controls
- Fuel system
- Electrical system
- Avionics
- Autopilot
- Interior
- Exterior
- Previous repairs
- Logbook history
- Airworthiness Directive compliance
- Supplemental Type Certificates
- Time-limited components
The exact scope should be established with the inspecting mechanic or facility.
Who Should Perform the Pre-Buy Inspection?
Whenever practical, consider using a mechanic or shop that:
- Is independent of the seller
- Knows the aircraft type
- Regularly works on the make/model
- Understands common problem areas
- Has no financial interest in completing the sale
If you are buying a specialized aircraft, aircraft-specific experience can be extremely valuable.
A mechanic who knows Cessna 172s well may not necessarily be your first choice for evaluating an Aerostar, pressurized twin or complex vintage aircraft.
What If the Best Pre-Buy Shop Is at Another Airport?
This is common.
The airplane may be located at a small airport while your preferred maintenance facility is 50, 100 or several hundred miles away.
In that situation, the aircraft may need to be repositioned for the pre-buy inspection.
Ferry Flight USA can assist with qualifying:
Pre-buy inspection repositioning flights.
That allows buyers, brokers and sellers to move the aircraft to an independent inspection facility when appropriate.
PRE-BUY INSPECTION REPOSITIONING
Step 6: Review the Aircraft Logbooks Carefully
Aircraft logbooks can reveal as much about the airplane as the physical inspection.
Review:
- Airframe logs
- Engine logs
- Propeller logs
- Avionics records
- Major repair documentation
- STC documentation
- Form 337 records
- AD compliance
- Annual inspection history
- Engine overhaul documentation
- Damage repairs
- Long periods of inactivity
- Repeated maintenance issues
Look for continuity.
Large unexplained gaps deserve additional investigation.
Also pay attention to patterns.
Repeated write-ups involving the same aircraft system may indicate an unresolved problem.
Step 7: Research Aircraft Damage History
“Damage history” does not automatically make an aircraft undesirable.
Many well-repaired aircraft provide decades of reliable service.
The important questions include:
- What happened?
- When did it happen?
- What was damaged?
- Who repaired it?
- How was it repaired?
- Is the documentation complete?
- Was the repair properly recorded?
- Does the inspection reveal any remaining concerns?
A properly repaired aircraft with excellent documentation may be preferable to an aircraft with vague or incomplete records.
Step 8: Complete an Aircraft Title Search
Before transferring substantial money, make sure the seller can provide clear title to the aircraft.
FAA aircraft records may contain documents involving:
- Ownership
- Security agreements
- Chattel mortgages
- Recorded liens
- Releases
A title issue discovered before closing can potentially be resolved.
A title issue discovered after you believe you own the airplane can become much more complicated.
Aircraft buyers may use:
- Aircraft title companies
- Escrow companies
- Aviation attorneys
to help review the transaction.
What Does “Clear Aircraft Title” Mean?
In general, clear title means there is no unreleased recorded lien, security agreement, chattel mortgage or similar recorded interest affecting the aircraft.
Aircraft title work deserves attention because airplanes can have:
- Bank liens
- Maintenance liens
- Security interests
- Prior financing
- Ownership discrepancies
Do not assume that a seller possessing the aircraft means there are no title issues.
Possession and clear title are not the same thing.
Step 9: Consider Using Aircraft Escrow
Aircraft escrow can help coordinate the exchange of:
- Purchase funds
- Bill of sale
- Registration documents
- Title documents
- Lien releases
- Closing instructions
The exact transaction structure depends on the aircraft, financing, buyer, seller and purchase agreement.
For a significant aircraft purchase—especially an out-of-state transaction—the added organization of a professional closing process can be valuable.
Step 10: Understand the Aircraft Purchase Agreement
The aircraft purchase agreement should clearly establish the terms of the transaction.
Potential subjects include:
- Purchase price
- Deposit
- Pre-buy inspection
- Inspection location
- Who pays inspection costs
- Who pays repositioning costs
- Acceptable aircraft condition
- Discrepancy resolution
- Closing date
- Delivery location
- Risk of loss
- Aircraft condition at closing
- Included equipment
- Logbooks and records
- Title requirements
- Default provisions
The specific contract should be reviewed by an attorney familiar with aviation transactions when appropriate.
Ferry Flight USA does not provide legal advice, but the delivery arrangements should be coordinated with the terms of the purchase agreement.
Step 11: Determine Where Aircraft Closing Will Occur
For an out-of-state purchase, the aircraft may physically remain at the seller’s airport while the transaction closes through an escrow or title company.
After closing:
- Ownership changes
- Insurance becomes critical
- Registration paperwork must be addressed
- Aircraft custody needs to be coordinated
- Delivery can begin
Make sure the parties agree on exactly when the aircraft becomes the buyer’s responsibility.
Step 12: Understand Aircraft Sales & Use Tax
Aircraft taxes can become complicated very quickly.
This is particularly important when:
The aircraft is purchased in one state but will be based in another.
Depending on the states involved, potential issues can include:
- Sales tax
- Use tax
- Fly-away exemptions
- Casual-sale exemptions
- Trade-in treatment
- Business-use exemptions
- Leasing structures
- Property taxes
- Registration fees
Do not assume that buying an airplane in a state with no sales tax means the transaction will be tax-free.
The state where the aircraft will be based or used may impose a use tax.
What Is Aircraft Sales Tax?
Sales tax generally applies to a sale occurring within a taxing jurisdiction when the transaction is subject to that state’s sales-tax laws.
The rules vary considerably among states.
Some aircraft transactions may qualify for exemptions.
Others may not.
What Is Aircraft Use Tax?
Use tax generally addresses property purchased without paying the applicable sales tax but later brought into a state for use or storage.
This is why simply purchasing an aircraft in a no-sales-tax state does not necessarily eliminate tax liability.
The state where the aircraft is ultimately based may still impose tax.
Does Buying an Airplane in Another State Avoid Sales Tax?
Not automatically.
This is one of the biggest misconceptions in aircraft purchasing.
Taxes can depend on:
- Where the transaction occurs
- Where delivery occurs
- Where the aircraft will be based
- How quickly the aircraft leaves the purchase state
- How the aircraft will be used
- Available exemptions
- Ownership structure
Every state has its own rules.
Aircraft buyers should obtain state-specific tax advice before closing, not after receiving a tax notice.
What Is an Aircraft Fly-Away Exemption?
Some states provide an exemption or special treatment when an aircraft purchased in that state is removed from the state within a specified period or meets other statutory requirements.
Rules vary dramatically.
Do not assume that because another aircraft owner qualified for an exemption, your transaction will qualify too.
The details matter.
Which State Will Tax My Aircraft?
Potentially the state where:
- The aircraft is purchased
- Delivery occurs
- Aircraft is stored
- Aircraft is based
- Aircraft is principally used
The actual analysis depends on the state laws and facts of the transaction.
Aircraft tax planning should be done with an aviation tax professional, CPA or attorney familiar with the states involved.
Step 13: Decide How the Aircraft Will Be Owned
Before closing, determine who or what will own the aircraft.
Potential ownership structures include:
- Individual ownership
- Joint ownership
- Corporation
- Limited Liability Company
- Partnership
- Trust
The correct structure depends on your circumstances.
Do not create an LLC simply because “everyone puts airplanes in LLCs.”
Ownership structure can affect:
- FAA registration
- Financing
- Taxes
- Liability
- Insurance
- Accounting
- Estate planning
The legal owner listed in the transaction documents should match the intended FAA registration structure.
Step 14: Arrange Aircraft Insurance Before Closing
Do not wait until after the airplane becomes yours to start shopping for insurance.
Insurance can affect whether you can personally fly the aircraft home.
The insurance company may require:
- Minimum total pilot time
- Minimum make/model experience
- Complex time
- Retractable-gear time
- Multi-engine time
- Instrument rating
- Tailwheel time
- Turbine experience
- Type rating
- Transition training
- Dual instruction
A new owner can be perfectly legal under FAA rules yet still fail to meet the insurance company’s pilot requirements.
What If Insurance Will Not Let Me Fly My New Airplane Home?
This is one of the most common reasons to hire a professional ferry pilot.
The buyer may be required to complete:
- 5 hours dual
- 10 hours dual
- 25 hours make/model time
- A formal transition course
before acting as pilot in command under the insurance policy.
Rather than leaving the new aircraft hundreds of miles away, a qualifying ferry pilot can deliver it to the buyer’s home airport.
The buyer can then complete the required training locally.
NEWLY PURCHASED AIRCRAFT DELIVERY
Can I Use the Delivery Flight for Transition Training?
Potentially.
If the pilot delivering the aircraft is also an appropriately certificated flight instructor and the insurance arrangement permits it, a delivery flight may sometimes provide useful aircraft familiarization or transition training.
This must be coordinated before the mission.
Do not assume every ferry pilot is a CFI or that every ferry flight can automatically be converted into training.
Step 15: Complete the FAA Aircraft Registration Paperwork
The FAA requires the new aircraft owner to submit the applicable registration documentation.
For a typical U.S.-registered aircraft ownership transfer, this generally includes:
- Aircraft Registration Application — AC Form 8050-1
- Evidence of ownership, such as an Aircraft Bill of Sale
- Applicable FAA registration fee
The exact documents depend on the transaction and ownership structure.
If an LLC, corporation, trust, imported aircraft or another specialized structure is involved, additional documentation may be required.
Aircraft Bill of Sale
FAA Form AC 8050-2 is the standard FAA Aircraft Bill of Sale commonly used to document an aircraft ownership transfer.
The document identifies information such as:
- Aircraft registration number
- Manufacturer/model
- Serial number
- Seller
- Buyer
Make sure the aircraft identity and buyer/seller information are accurate.
Errors in aircraft registration documents can create unnecessary delays.
Temporary Aircraft Registration Authority
After an ownership transfer, qualifying U.S.-registered aircraft can have temporary operating authority while the buyer’s permanent registration application is being processed.
The buyer must follow the FAA’s current requirements regarding:
- Registration application
- Evidence of ownership
- Submission to the FAA
- Documentation carried in the aircraft
Temporary authority generally applies to domestic U.S. operations and should not be assumed to authorize an international flight.
If international operation is contemplated shortly after purchase, address registration requirements before scheduling the trip.
Step 16: Confirm the Aircraft Is Ready for Delivery
Closing on the airplane does not automatically mean the airplane is ready to fly across the country.
Before the ferry pilot travels, confirm:
- Closing is complete
- Insurance is active
- Aircraft is accessible
- Keys are available
- Aircraft is appropriately ready for flight
- Required inspections are current
- Known discrepancies are disclosed
- Fuel is available
- Aircraft documentation is available
- Seller or broker contact is available
Avoid paying to send a pilot across the country only to discover that the aircraft is still in maintenance.
Step 17: Decide How to Get Your New Aircraft Home
Once the purchase closes, there are generally three practical options.
Option 1: Fly the Aircraft Home Yourself
Flying your new airplane home can be an unforgettable experience.
It may make sense if:
- You are qualified
- You meet insurance requirements
- You have experience in the aircraft
- Weather is appropriate
- You have the time
- You are comfortable with the mission
But your first flight in an unfamiliar aircraft does not necessarily need to be a 2,000-mile cross-country.
Option 2: Fly Home With a CFI
For certain buyers, flying with an instructor can provide both:
Aircraft delivery + transition training
This can be especially useful with aircraft such as:
- Cirrus
- Bonanza
- Mooney
- Piper Arrow
- Piper Saratoga
- High-performance Cessnas
- Piston twins
Whether this is appropriate depends on:
- Instructor qualifications
- Insurance
- Weather
- Aircraft
- Required training
- Route
Option 3: Hire a Professional Aircraft Ferry Pilot
Hiring a ferry pilot may make sense when:
- Aircraft is far away
- Buyer lacks time
- Buyer does not meet insurance minimums
- Aircraft is unfamiliar
- Buyer is not instrument rated
- Mission crosses challenging terrain
- Aircraft requires specialized experience
- Buyer simply wants the airplane delivered
Ferry Flight USA coordinates qualifying newly purchased aircraft deliveries throughout the United States.
GET MY NEW AIRCRAFT HOME
How Much Does It Cost to Ferry a Newly Purchased Aircraft?
There is no universal price.
Aircraft delivery cost depends on:
- Aircraft model
- Distance
- Cruise speed
- Fuel range
- Pilot requirements
- Insurance requirements
- Number of pilot days
- Travel expenses
- Hotels
- Ground transportation
- Weather
- Aircraft condition
A 300-mile Cherokee delivery is very different from a coast-to-coast Aerostar delivery.
VIEW THE AIRCRAFT FERRY COST GUIDE
Example: Buying a Cessna 172 Out of State
Imagine you live in Florida and find the right Cessna 172 in Texas.
A typical process might look like:
1. Review Listing & Logs
Confirm basic aircraft information.
2. Sign Purchase Agreement
Subject to the agreed inspection and closing terms.
3. Complete Independent Pre-Buy
Have a qualified mechanic inspect the aircraft.
4. Resolve Discrepancies
Buyer and seller address findings according to the purchase agreement.
5. Complete Title & Lien Review
Verify ownership and title status.
6. Activate Insurance
Coverage begins before or at closing as required.
7. Complete Closing
Funds and ownership documents are exchanged.
8. Arrange Aircraft Delivery
A ferry pilot picks up the aircraft in Texas and delivers it to Florida.
The aircraft buyer never needs to spend several days traveling to retrieve the airplane personally.
Example: Buying a Cirrus SR22 Across the Country
Suppose a buyer in Florida purchases a Cirrus SR22 in California.
The aircraft may be approximately 2,000 miles from its new home.
Additional factors can include:
- Cirrus-specific pilot experience
- Insurance requirements
- Mountain routing
- Weather
- IFR capability
- Several fuel stops
- One or more overnight stops
The SR22’s speed makes a long-distance delivery efficient, but the pilot must still be properly matched to the aircraft and insurance requirements.
Example: Buying a Piston Twin Out of State
A buyer purchasing a:
- Baron
- Seneca
- Aztec
- Twin Comanche
- Twin Cessna
- Aerostar
may face stricter pilot-experience requirements.
Insurance may require specific:
- Multi-engine time
- Make/model time
- Pressurized-aircraft experience
- Training
A professional ferry service can help identify a pilot appropriate for the aircraft and mission.
Should the Ferry Pilot Be Selected Before Closing?
It is often helpful to start the process early.
Before closing, Ferry Flight USA can begin evaluating:
- Aircraft type
- Pilot availability
- Insurance requirements
- Departure location
- Destination
- Expected dates
This can reduce delays after the transaction is completed.
However, final departure should generally not be scheduled until the aircraft is actually ready.
Who Pays the Aircraft Delivery Cost?
That is negotiable between buyer and seller.
Possible arrangements include:
- Buyer pays
- Seller pays
- Dealer pays
- Delivery included in purchase price
- Buyer and seller split cost
Make delivery responsibility clear in the purchase agreement.
Should I Include Aircraft Ferry Cost in My Purchase Offer?
At minimum, include it in your acquisition budget.
For example:
Aircraft A
Purchase price: $120,000
Located 150 miles away
Aircraft B
Purchase price: $115,000
Located 2,000 miles away
Aircraft B may still be the better purchase.
But compare the total acquisition cost, not merely the asking price.
Consider:
- Pre-buy
- Travel
- Escrow
- Tax
- Insurance
- Ferry delivery
- Immediate maintenance
- Training
That gives you a much more realistic comparison.
Out-of-State Aircraft Purchase Checklist
Before closing, verify that you have addressed:
Aircraft
☐ Aircraft make/model confirmed
☐ N-number confirmed
☐ Serial number confirmed
☐ Logs reviewed
☐ Pre-buy completed
☐ Maintenance status understood
☐ Known discrepancies documented
Ownership
☐ Seller identity confirmed
☐ Title reviewed
☐ Recorded liens reviewed
☐ Required lien releases arranged
☐ Purchase agreement completed
Financial
☐ Purchase funds ready
☐ Escrow arranged if applicable
☐ Sales/use-tax treatment reviewed
☐ Acquisition expenses budgeted
Insurance
☐ Policy arranged
☐ Effective date confirmed
☐ Buyer pilot requirements understood
☐ Ferry pilot requirements confirmed
FAA
☐ Bill of sale completed
☐ Registration application completed
☐ Registration submission arranged
☐ Temporary operating authority requirements understood
Delivery
☐ Departure airport confirmed
☐ Destination confirmed
☐ Aircraft access arranged
☐ Keys available
☐ Seller/broker contact available
☐ Ferry pilot arranged
☐ Aircraft ready to fly
Common Mistakes When Buying an Aircraft Out of State
Mistake #1 — Skipping the Independent Pre-Buy
A beautiful panel and fresh paint do not reveal everything about an aircraft.
Mistake #2 — Using Only the Seller’s Mechanic
The seller’s mechanic may be excellent.
But an independent evaluation can provide the buyer with a separate perspective.
Mistake #3 — Ignoring Aircraft Title
Never assume the aircraft has clear title simply because the seller appears legitimate.
Mistake #4 — Waiting Until Closing to Buy Insurance
Insurance requirements may change your entire delivery plan.
Address insurance early.
Mistake #5 — Assuming Out-of-State Means Tax-Free
Where you buy the airplane and where you base it are both important.
Get tax advice before closing.
Mistake #6 — Buying Before Knowing How You Will Get It Home
A great airplane 2,000 miles away is still a great airplane—but plan the logistics before closing.
Mistake #7 — Booking a Ferry Pilot Before the Aircraft Is Ready
Closing delays and maintenance delays happen.
Do not unnecessarily incur pilot travel expenses before the airplane is ready.
Mistake #8 — Hiding Aircraft Problems From the Ferry Pilot
Tell the pilot or ferry provider what is known about:
- Oil leaks
- Tires
- Brakes
- Electrical issues
- Avionics
- Engine problems
- Fuel-system problems
- Inoperative equipment
Surprises after the pilot arrives create delays and unnecessary expense.
Buying an Aircraft Out of State FAQ
Is it safe to buy an airplane in another state?
Yes. Out-of-state aircraft purchases are common. Buyers should still perform appropriate due diligence, including aircraft inspection, maintenance-record review, ownership/title review, insurance planning and proper closing documentation.
Can I buy an airplane without seeing it personally?
Aircraft are sometimes purchased remotely, particularly when professional inspectors, brokers and title/escrow services are involved. Whether you are comfortable doing that depends on the transaction and your due-diligence process.
Should I have a pre-buy inspection?
A thorough independent pre-buy inspection is generally one of the most important steps in evaluating a used aircraft purchase.
Should I use the seller’s mechanic for the pre-buy?
Many buyers prefer an independent mechanic or shop familiar with the aircraft type. The objective is to obtain an independent assessment of the aircraft’s condition.
How do I check for a lien on an airplane?
FAA aircraft records can contain recorded security agreements, mortgages, liens and releases. Aircraft title companies and aviation attorneys can assist with reviewing the records and determining title status.
Do I pay sales tax when buying an aircraft out of state?
Possibly. Sales and use-tax rules vary significantly by state. Purchasing an aircraft outside your home state does not automatically eliminate tax liability. Consult an aviation tax professional regarding your specific transaction.
What is aircraft use tax?
Use tax generally applies when taxable property purchased without applicable sales tax is brought into a jurisdiction for use or storage. Aircraft are high-value assets and states may actively enforce these requirements.
Can I buy an airplane in a state with no sales tax and avoid tax?
Not necessarily. Your home or base state may impose use tax when the aircraft is brought into the state.
When should aircraft insurance begin?
Insurance should be coordinated before ownership transfers so there is no unintended gap in coverage. Confirm the exact effective date with your insurance provider.
Can I fly my newly purchased airplane home?
Potentially, if you are legally qualified, the aircraft is appropriate for the operation and you meet applicable insurance requirements.
What if my insurance company will not let me fly it yet?
A properly qualified ferry pilot may be able to deliver the aircraft while you complete required transition training or experience.
Can I receive training while the aircraft is being delivered?
Potentially, if the ferry pilot is also an appropriately qualified instructor and the aircraft, insurance and mission permit it. Arrange this before scheduling the delivery.
How do I register an aircraft after buying it?
For a typical U.S.-registered aircraft ownership transfer, the FAA generally requires an Aircraft Registration Application, evidence of ownership such as a bill of sale and the applicable registration fee. Additional requirements can apply depending on ownership structure.
Can I fly while FAA registration is being processed?
Qualifying aircraft ownership transfers can have temporary domestic operating authority while the registration application is pending when the FAA’s requirements are satisfied. Make sure the required documentation is carried and submitted correctly.
Can temporary registration be used internationally?
Do not assume domestic temporary operating authority is sufficient for international operations. Address FAA registration and foreign-country requirements before planning an international delivery.
How much does it cost to have my new airplane delivered?
Aircraft delivery pricing depends on aircraft type, distance, pilot requirements, travel, fuel range, weather and number of pilot days. Request a mission-specific quote.
How far will Ferry Flight USA deliver an aircraft?
Ferry Flight USA coordinates qualifying aircraft deliveries throughout the United States, including regional and coast-to-coast missions.
Can Ferry Flight USA move my airplane to a pre-buy inspection before I own it?
Potentially, when appropriately authorized by the current owner and the aircraft, insurance and mission requirements are satisfied.
Can Ferry Flight USA pick up the aircraft from a broker or dealer?
Yes. Pickup can be coordinated with sellers, aircraft brokers, dealers, maintenance facilities and other authorized parties.
Found the Right Airplane in Another State?
Don’t let distance keep you from buying the right aircraft.
Whether the airplane is:
200 miles away
800 miles away
1,500 miles away
or on the opposite side of the United States,
Ferry Flight USA can help solve the delivery problem.
Before Closing
We can help you plan for:
PRE-BUY INSPECTION REPOSITIONING
After Closing
We can help coordinate:
NEWLY PURCHASED AIRCRAFT DELIVERY
Need to Know What Delivery Might Cost?
Ready for a Quote?
Tell us:
What Aircraft Are You Buying?
Make
Model
N-number if available
Where Is It?
Departure airport
Where Is Home?
Destination airport
When Do You Expect to Close?
Estimated aircraft availability date
Get Your Newly Purchased Aircraft Home
Professional Aircraft Purchase Delivery Throughout the United States
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Ferry Flight USA
Aircraft Ferry • Purchase Delivery • Pre-Buy Repositioning • Nationwide Aircraft Delivery
Ferry Flight USA provides aircraft ferry and delivery coordination and does not provide legal, tax, accounting or title opinions. Aircraft purchasers should consult qualified aviation attorneys, tax professionals, title companies, escrow providers, insurance professionals and maintenance personnel regarding their individual transactions. Aircraft and mission acceptance remains subject to aircraft condition, applicable regulations, pilot qualifications, insurance requirements, crew availability, weather and mission requirements.