Aircraft Ferry Flight FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Aircraft Ferry Flights, Delivery & Repositioning
Need an aircraft moved but not sure how the ferry process works?
You’re not alone.
Aircraft owners, buyers, sellers, brokers, maintenance shops and flight schools commonly have questions about:
- Aircraft ferry costs
- Pilot qualifications
- Aircraft insurance
- Weather delays
- Purchase delivery
- Maintenance ferry flights
- Ferry permits
- Aircraft condition
- Scheduling
- Fuel and travel expenses
- Cross-country delivery
- Pilot selection
Ferry Flight USA provides professional aircraft ferry, delivery and repositioning coordination throughout the United States for qualifying general aviation aircraft, including piston singles, piston twins and selected business aircraft.
This FAQ answers the questions we hear most often from aircraft owners and aviation professionals.
Need Your Aircraft Moved?
Tell us:
What aircraft is it?
Where is it now?
Where does it need to go?
When is it available?
General Aircraft Ferry Questions
What is an aircraft ferry flight?
An aircraft ferry flight is a flight performed primarily to move an aircraft from one airport or location to another.
Common reasons include:
- Newly purchased aircraft delivery
- Aircraft sale delivery
- Maintenance
- Annual inspection
- Avionics work
- Engine work
- Paint or interior work
- Aircraft relocation
- Seasonal repositioning
- Flight-school fleet movement
- Dealer inventory movement
The primary purpose of the flight is moving the aircraft rather than transporting passengers.
LEARN MORE: AIRCRAFT FERRY GUIDE
What is an aircraft ferry pilot?
An aircraft ferry pilot is a qualified pilot who flies an aircraft from its current location to another airport on behalf of the aircraft owner, buyer, seller or operator.
Depending on the assignment, the ferry pilot may also coordinate:
- Travel to the aircraft
- Route planning
- Fuel stops
- Weather planning
- Overnight stops
- Aircraft pickup
- Owner communication
- Aircraft delivery
Pilot qualifications vary according to the aircraft, insurance requirements and mission.
LEARN ABOUT OUR FERRY PILOT NETWORK
What is the difference between an aircraft ferry flight and aircraft delivery?
The terms are often used interchangeably.
An aircraft ferry flight describes the actual flight used to reposition the aircraft.
Aircraft delivery generally describes the entire service of moving the aircraft from the seller, dealer, maintenance facility or other location to its final destination.
For example:
You purchase an airplane in California and want it delivered to Florida.
The cross-country flight is the ferry flight.
The overall service is aircraft delivery.
Is aircraft ferrying the same as aircraft repositioning?
They are closely related.
Aircraft repositioning generally means moving an aircraft because it needs to be at another location.
Examples include:
- Moving an aircraft between company bases
- Sending an aircraft to maintenance
- Relocating an airplane seasonally
- Moving a flight-school aircraft between locations
- Delivering an aircraft after a sale
Ferrying is one method of accomplishing that repositioning.
Aircraft Ferry Cost Questions
How much does it cost to ferry an aircraft?
There is no single universal aircraft ferry price.
Cost depends on factors including:
- Aircraft type
- Distance
- Cruise speed
- Aircraft range
- Pilot qualifications
- Insurance requirements
- Number of pilot days
- Airline travel
- Hotels
- Ground transportation
- Fuel stops
- Crew requirements
- Aircraft condition
- Weather
- Mission complexity
A 250-mile Cessna 172 delivery has a very different cost structure from a 2,000-mile pressurized twin delivery.
SEE THE AIRCRAFT FERRY COST GUIDE
How much does a ferry pilot charge?
Ferry pilot compensation depends on the aircraft, pilot qualifications, complexity of the mission and number of days required.
Some arrangements use a professional daily pilot fee.
Others use a complete mission price.
The important number is the total ferry cost, including applicable travel and mission expenses—not simply an hourly pilot rate.
Are aircraft ferry flights priced by the mile?
Usually not strictly by mileage.
Distance matters, but mileage alone does not account for:
- Aircraft speed
- Fuel range
- Number of fuel stops
- Pilot travel
- Number of flight days
- Aircraft complexity
- Insurance requirements
Two airplanes flying the same 1,500-mile route may have very different ferry costs.
Who pays for the aircraft fuel?
That depends on the ferry agreement.
Aircraft operating expenses such as:
- Fuel
- Oil
- Landing fees
- Ramp fees
- Parking
should be clearly addressed before the mission begins.
Your quote or service agreement should identify which expenses are included and which are handled separately.
Who pays for the ferry pilot’s airline ticket?
Pilot positioning and return travel are normally part of the overall mission logistics.
Depending on the pricing structure, these costs may be:
- Included in the ferry quote
- Estimated separately
- Reimbursed as actual expenses
Ferry Flight USA evaluates those logistics when preparing a mission quote.
Who pays for hotels?
Hotel expenses may be included in the ferry quote or handled as reimbursable mission expenses depending on the arrangement.
Long-distance piston-aircraft deliveries frequently require overnight stops.
Weather may occasionally add an additional night.
Can weather increase the ferry cost?
Potentially.
Weather can cause:
- Additional hotel nights
- Longer routing
- Additional fuel stops
- Another pilot day
- Changes in airline travel
Safe operating decisions always take priority over minimizing mission expenses.
READ: WEATHER & FERRY FLIGHTS
Newly Purchased Aircraft Questions
Can Ferry Flight USA deliver an airplane I just purchased?
Yes.
Newly purchased aircraft delivery is one of the most common reasons aircraft owners hire ferry pilots.
The aircraft may be located hundreds or thousands of miles from the buyer’s home airport.
A professional ferry pilot can reposition the aircraft while the new owner avoids the travel and scheduling burden of retrieving it personally.
NEWLY PURCHASED AIRCRAFT DELIVERY
Should I arrange a ferry pilot before closing on an aircraft?
It can be helpful.
If you are purchasing an aircraft far from home, getting an estimated ferry cost before closing allows you to include delivery in your total acquisition budget.
Final scheduling should account for:
- Closing
- Insurance
- Aircraft readiness
- Maintenance status
- Seller availability
- Pilot availability
Can I request a ferry quote before I buy the airplane?
Yes.
Provide as much information as you currently have, including:
- Aircraft make/model
- Aircraft location
- Proposed destination
- Approximate delivery date
An initial ferry estimate can help you evaluate the total cost of purchasing an aircraft located far from home.
Can you pick the aircraft up from the seller or broker?
Yes, when properly coordinated.
The seller, broker or dealer should provide:
- Aircraft access
- Keys
- Airport information
- FBO information
- Maintenance status
- Relevant operating information
- Local contact information
Good pickup coordination helps prevent delays after the pilot arrives.
Can you deliver the aircraft directly to my home airport?
In many cases, yes.
The destination airport must be suitable for the aircraft and mission.
Factors may include:
- Runway length
- Surface
- Airport access
- Fuel
- Operating hours
- Weather
- Aircraft performance
Provide your preferred airport when requesting the ferry quote.
Aircraft Condition & Maintenance Questions
Does the aircraft need to be airworthy before the ferry flight?
For a normal aircraft ferry flight, the aircraft must be legally and appropriately ready for the proposed operation.
If the aircraft does not currently meet all applicable airworthiness requirements, a normal ferry flight may not be possible.
Certain circumstances may qualify for an FAA Special Flight Permit.
Can an airplane with an expired annual be ferried?
Potentially.
An aircraft with an expired annual inspection generally cannot simply be flown normally to another airport because maintenance is required.
The FAA may issue a Special Flight Permit, commonly called a ferry permit, allowing an aircraft capable of safe flight to be moved to a location where an annual inspection or other maintenance can be performed.
Eligibility and operating limitations depend on the specific aircraft and situation.
What is a ferry permit?
“Ferry permit” is the common aviation term for an FAA Special Flight Permit.
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 operated for certain approved purposes.
One common purpose is moving the aircraft to a location where:
- Repairs
- Alterations
- Maintenance
- Inspection
can be completed.
Can a ferry permit be used for an unsafe aircraft?
No.
A Special Flight Permit is not permission to operate an aircraft that is incapable of safe flight.
The FAA may require inspections, tests or other conditions before authorizing the flight.
Operating limitations may also be imposed on the permit.
Who issues an aircraft ferry permit?
The Federal Aviation Administration issues Special Flight Permits.
For typical Part 91 aircraft, the application is handled through the FAA airworthiness certification process.
The circumstances of the proposed flight and aircraft condition determine eligibility.
Does a ferry permit override normal FAA operating rules?
No.
A Special Flight Permit does not provide blanket authorization to ignore other applicable operating rules.
The flight must be conducted according to the permit’s operating limitations and other applicable requirements.
Can you ferry an airplane to an annual inspection?
Yes.
Moving aircraft to annual inspections is a common maintenance ferry mission.
If the annual is still current, this may simply be a normal aircraft repositioning flight.
If the annual has already expired, the aircraft may need a Special Flight Permit before the flight.
ANNUAL INSPECTION REPOSITIONING
Can you fly my aircraft to an avionics shop?
Yes.
Ferry Flight USA can coordinate qualifying aircraft movements to avionics facilities.
Owners frequently need aircraft moved for:
- Garmin installations
- Glass-panel upgrades
- Autopilots
- ADS-B
- Radios
- GPS navigators
- Troubleshooting
Can you ferry my aircraft to a paint shop?
Yes.
Aircraft paint projects often require owners to send an aircraft to a specialty facility hundreds of miles from the home airport.
A ferry pilot can handle delivery to the paint facility and, if requested and appropriately scheduled, the return flight after the aircraft is ready.
AIRCRAFT PAINT SHOP FERRY FLIGHTS
Can you move an aircraft to an engine shop?
Yes.
Aircraft may need repositioning for:
- Engine overhaul
- Engine replacement
- Cylinder work
- Propeller work
- Major engine maintenance
The aircraft must be appropriate for the proposed flight or otherwise qualify for any necessary Special Flight Permit.
Ferry Pilot & Insurance Questions
What qualifications does an aircraft ferry pilot need?
Required qualifications depend on the aircraft and mission.
Factors can include:
- Appropriate pilot certificate
- Category and class ratings
- Instrument rating
- Multi-engine rating
- Tailwheel endorsement
- Complex endorsement
- High-performance endorsement
- Type rating
- Aircraft-specific experience
- Insurance requirements
The pilot who is appropriate for a Cessna 172 is not necessarily the pilot who should ferry an Aerostar or business jet.
Does the ferry pilot need experience in my aircraft model?
Sometimes.
Your insurance policy may specify minimum:
- Total flight time
- Time in type
- Retractable-gear time
- Multi-engine time
- Turbine time
- Make/model experience
Even when insurance does not impose a specific number, relevant aircraft experience may still be an important pilot-selection factor.
Does my insurance have to approve the ferry pilot?
Potentially.
Insurance policies vary significantly.
Some policies allow pilots who meet stated open-pilot requirements.
Other policies require:
- Named pilot approval
- Specific flight experience
- Make/model time
- Recurrent training
- Additional documentation
Aircraft owners should confirm applicable insurance requirements before the ferry flight.
AIRCRAFT INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
Does an FAA-qualified pilot automatically satisfy my insurance policy?
No.
FAA qualifications and insurance requirements are separate issues.
A pilot may legally hold all FAA certificates and ratings necessary to operate the aircraft but still fail to satisfy a particular insurance policy’s pilot requirements.
Both should be evaluated before the mission.
How does Ferry Flight USA choose a pilot?
Pilot selection should consider the requirements of the specific mission.
Relevant factors can include:
- Aircraft category/class
- Aircraft complexity
- Make/model experience
- IFR capability
- Multi-engine experience
- Tailwheel experience
- Turbine experience
- Type ratings
- Insurance minimums
- Route
- Mission requirements
Scheduling & Timing Questions
How quickly can an aircraft ferry flight be scheduled?
Scheduling depends on:
- Aircraft type
- Aircraft readiness
- Pilot availability
- Insurance approval
- Departure location
- Destination
- Weather
- Mission complexity
Some straightforward missions can be arranged relatively quickly.
More specialized aircraft may require additional pilot coordination.
How long does an aircraft ferry flight take?
The answer depends primarily on:
- Distance
- Aircraft cruise speed
- Range
- Fuel stops
- Weather
- Winds
- Daylight
- Terrain
- Number of pilot days
A 300-mile regional delivery may be completed in a day.
A coast-to-coast piston delivery can require multiple days.
Can you guarantee a delivery date?
Aircraft ferry flights are affected by weather, aircraft condition and other operational variables.
A responsible ferry operation should not pressure a pilot into unsafe weather or operational decisions solely to meet an arbitrary delivery deadline.
Requested dates can be planned around, but safe operation must remain the priority.
What happens if weather delays the flight?
The pilot may:
- Delay departure
- Stop early
- Remain overnight
- Change routing
- Wait for better conditions
The appropriate decision depends on the aircraft, pilot, route and weather.
Long-distance ferry missions should always include realistic flexibility for changing conditions.
Can a ferry flight operate IFR?
Potentially, if:
- Aircraft is appropriately equipped and legal for the operation
- Pilot is appropriately qualified and current
- Insurance permits the operation
- Weather and aircraft capabilities are suitable
Not every ferry mission should be planned as an IFR operation simply because the pilot holds an instrument rating.
Route & Flight Planning Questions
Who plans the ferry route?
The ferry pilot ultimately plans the operational route for the flight.
Route planning can account for:
- Weather
- Terrain
- Airspace
- Aircraft performance
- Fuel range
- Airport availability
- Runways
- Daylight
- Fuel availability
- Maintenance support
- Winds
The shortest line on a map is not always the most practical route.
How are fuel stops selected?
Fuel stops may be selected based on:
- Aircraft endurance
- Required reserves
- Fuel availability
- Fuel pricing
- Weather
- Runway suitability
- Airport operating hours
- Route efficiency
For slow or short-range aircraft, fuel-stop planning can significantly affect the overall ferry schedule.
Can I choose the route?
Owners can communicate preferences, but the pilot must make operational decisions appropriate for:
- Weather
- Aircraft capability
- Terrain
- Airspace
- Fuel
- Safety
A requested sightseeing route or specific stop should never override safe flight planning.
Can my airplane be ferried coast to coast?
Yes, qualifying aircraft can be repositioned coast to coast.
Common long-distance routes include:
- California to Florida
- Florida to California
- Northeast to Southwest
- Texas to West Coast
- Midwest to Southeast
Long-distance piston deliveries frequently require several legs and potentially multiple flight days.
Aircraft Types
What kinds of aircraft can Ferry Flight USA move?
Qualifying missions can include aircraft such as:
Piston Singles
- Cessna
- Piper
- Cirrus
- Beechcraft
- Mooney
- Diamond
- Other qualifying general aviation aircraft
Piston Twins
- Piper
- Beechcraft
- Cessna
- Diamond
- Aerostar
- Other qualifying twins
Selected Business Aircraft
Certain light and midsize business-aircraft missions can be evaluated based on aircraft type, crew requirements and pilot availability.
AIRCRAFT WE FLY
Can you ferry a tailwheel airplane?
Potentially.
Tailwheel aircraft require pilots with the appropriate tailwheel endorsement and suitable aircraft experience.
Insurance requirements can also affect pilot selection.
Provide the exact aircraft model when requesting a quote.
Can you ferry complex or high-performance aircraft?
Yes, qualifying complex and high-performance aircraft can be evaluated.
Examples may include:
- Retractable-gear aircraft
- High-horsepower piston aircraft
- Advanced singles
- High-performance twins
Pilot qualifications and insurance requirements depend on the specific aircraft.
Can you ferry twin-engine aircraft?
Yes.
Qualifying piston twin missions can be supported using appropriately multi-engine-rated pilots who satisfy the aircraft and insurance requirements.
Twin-engine pilot selection may consider:
- Multi-engine time
- Make/model experience
- Complex-aircraft experience
- Pressurization experience
- Insurance minimums
Can Ferry Flight USA reposition business jets?
Selected light and midsize business-aircraft missions can be evaluated.
Business-aircraft repositioning may require:
- Type-rated pilots
- Two-pilot crews
- Recurrent training
- Aircraft-specific experience
- Insurance approval
Provide the exact aircraft type when requesting a quote.
Owner Participation Questions
Can I fly with the ferry pilot?
Potentially, depending on:
- Aircraft
- Mission
- Insurance
- Pilot qualifications
- Operating arrangement
Tell Ferry Flight USA when requesting the quote if you want to accompany the pilot.
The arrangement should be reviewed before scheduling.
Can I receive flight instruction during the delivery?
Potentially, if the selected pilot holds the appropriate flight-instructor privileges and the aircraft, insurance and mission allow the training to be conducted appropriately.
A purchase-delivery flight can sometimes provide a useful opportunity for aircraft familiarization or transition training.
This should be arranged in advance rather than assumed after the pilot arrives.
Can the ferry pilot provide a checkout?
Possibly, depending on:
- Pilot instructor credentials
- Aircraft
- Insurance requirements
- Type of checkout
- Flight-school or owner requirements
If training is one of your goals, specify that when submitting the ferry request so the mission can be matched appropriately.
Communication & Aircraft Delivery Questions
Will I receive updates during the ferry flight?
Communication expectations should be established before departure.
For a multi-leg or multi-day mission, owners typically want to know:
- When the aircraft departs
- General trip progress
- Significant delays
- Overnight stopping location
- Expected delivery timing
The exact communication process can be established for the mission.
What happens when the aircraft arrives?
Aircraft handoff can be coordinated with:
- Owner
- Buyer
- FBO
- Maintenance shop
- Flight school
- Broker
- Dealer
- Management company
Provide clear destination instructions before the ferry begins.
Can the aircraft be left with an FBO if I am not there?
Potentially, if the owner and destination FBO have made appropriate arrangements.
Coordinate:
- FBO name
- Contact information
- Parking
- Hangar instructions
- Keys
- Fuel
- Aircraft handoff
before arrival.
Mechanical Problem Questions
What happens if the pilot finds a problem before departure?
The aircraft may not depart until the issue is appropriately evaluated or resolved.
Possible next steps can include:
- Local mechanic inspection
- Repair
- Additional troubleshooting
- Maintenance coordination
- Ferry-permit evaluation
- Rescheduling
A ferry schedule should never require a pilot to depart in an aircraft the pilot determines is inappropriate for the proposed flight.
What happens if the aircraft develops a mechanical issue during the ferry flight?
The pilot will make the appropriate operational decision based on the issue.
That may include:
- Landing
- Contacting maintenance
- Having the aircraft inspected
- Arranging repairs
- Delaying the mission
Aircraft owners should expect that unexpected mechanical problems can affect both timing and mission expenses.
Should I tell Ferry Flight USA about known aircraft problems?
Yes.
Disclose known discrepancies before the pilot travels.
Examples include:
- Electrical problems
- Avionics failures
- Oil leaks
- Brake issues
- Tire concerns
- Fuel-system problems
- Engine discrepancies
- Inoperative equipment
- Battery problems
Accurate information helps determine whether the mission is practical and what planning may be required.
Business & Industry Questions
Do you work with aircraft brokers?
Yes.
Aircraft brokers may need ferry support for:
- Pre-buy inspections
- Aircraft delivery
- Inventory movements
- Maintenance
- Buyer handoff
- Seller repositioning
AIRCRAFT BROKER FERRY SERVICES
Do you work with aircraft dealers?
Yes.
Dealer ferry services can include:
- Inventory movement
- Purchase pickups
- Customer deliveries
- Trade-in movements
- Maintenance positioning
Do you ferry aircraft for flight schools?
Yes.
Flight schools may need aircraft repositioned for:
- Aircraft purchases
- Fleet transfers
- Annual inspections
- 100-hour inspections
- Engine work
- Avionics work
- Aircraft sales
Using a ferry pilot can keep instructors focused on training rather than multi-day positioning trips.
FLIGHT SCHOOL FLEET REPOSITIONING
Do you work with maintenance shops?
Yes.
Maintenance facilities may use Ferry Flight USA to help owners get aircraft to or from their shop.
This can be particularly useful for specialty facilities that attract aircraft from a wide geographic area.
MAINTENANCE SHOP FERRY SERVICES
Do you work with finance or leasing companies?
Qualifying aircraft repositioning for finance, leasing and aircraft-management requirements can be evaluated individually.
Provide the aircraft type, current location, destination and circumstances when requesting service.
Domestic & International Questions
Does Ferry Flight USA provide service throughout the United States?
Yes.
Ferry Flight USA focuses on nationwide aircraft ferry and delivery services throughout the United States.
Routes can range from short regional movements to coast-to-coast deliveries.
NATIONWIDE AIRCRAFT FERRY SERVICE
Can you ferry an aircraft to Alaska?
Alaska ferry missions can be evaluated individually.
These flights require additional consideration for:
- Weather
- Terrain
- Fuel availability
- Route
- Aircraft range
- Pilot experience
- Seasonal conditions
Do you handle international aircraft ferry flights?
International ferry missions are more complex than domestic U.S. operations and require individual evaluation.
Additional requirements may include:
- Customs
- Immigration
- Foreign operating permissions
- Overflight requirements
- Landing permissions
- International insurance
- Survival equipment
- Oceanic planning
A U.S. FAA Special Flight Permit does not by itself authorize operation through another country’s airspace.
Preparing for a Ferry Flight
What information do you need for an aircraft ferry quote?
Provide:
- Aircraft manufacturer
- Aircraft model
- Registration number
- Current airport
- Destination airport
- Aircraft availability date
- Desired delivery timeframe
- Maintenance status
- Known discrepancies
- Insurance requirements if known
Additional information may be requested depending on the aircraft and mission.
What should I do before the ferry pilot arrives?
Make sure:
- Aircraft is accessible
- Keys are available
- Insurance is active
- Pilot requirements have been confirmed
- Aircraft status is understood
- Known discrepancies are disclosed
- Local contact is available
- Pickup airport information is correct
The objective is to avoid having a pilot travel across the country only to discover that the aircraft is not ready.
What documents need to be available?
Required aircraft documents and operating information should be available as appropriate for the proposed operation.
For purchase deliveries, also coordinate any:
- Keys
- Aircraft records
- Maintenance information
- Seller contacts
- FBO instructions
before pilot arrival.
Choosing an Aircraft Ferry Company
What should I look for when hiring a ferry pilot?
Do not evaluate a ferry pilot solely by price.
Consider:
- Qualifications
- Aircraft experience
- Insurance compliance
- Cross-country experience
- Communication
- Weather judgment
- Professionalism
- Mission planning
You are entrusting the pilot with a valuable aircraft.
Pilot selection matters.
Why shouldn’t I simply hire the cheapest ferry pilot?
Because the lowest pilot fee does not necessarily produce the lowest-risk or best-value aircraft delivery.
An aircraft may be worth:
- $75,000
- $250,000
- $500,000
- $1 million+
A qualified pilot, proper insurance fit and sound decision-making are more important than saving a small amount on pilot compensation.
Ferry Flight USA Questions
Why use Ferry Flight USA?
Ferry Flight USA is designed to make aircraft repositioning organized and straightforward.
Qualifying missions can include:
- New aircraft purchase delivery
- Aircraft sale delivery
- Maintenance ferry flights
- Annual inspection repositioning
- Avionics shop delivery
- Paint shop delivery
- Engine shop delivery
- Seasonal repositioning
- Flight-school fleet movement
- Dealer and broker deliveries
- Nationwide aircraft movement
Our goal is to coordinate the aircraft, pilot and logistics required for a professional delivery experience.
How do I request a ferry flight?
Start by sending us:
Aircraft
Make
Model
N-number
Departure
Current airport
Destination
Where the aircraft needs to go
Timing
When the aircraft will be available
Aircraft Status
Maintenance condition and any known discrepancies
From there, the mission can be evaluated for pilot requirements, route, logistics and pricing.
Still Have a Question About Your Ferry Flight?
Every aircraft ferry mission is different.
Your aircraft may have:
- Special insurance requirements
- An unusual route
- Maintenance issues
- A ferry-permit requirement
- Specialized pilot requirements
- A tight closing schedule
- A remote pickup location
- A unique destination
Tell us about the actual mission and we can evaluate it.
Request an Aircraft Ferry Quote
What aircraft are we moving?
Where is it now?
Where does it need to go?
When is it ready?
More Ferry Flight Resources
AIRCRAFT INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
Ferry Flight USA
Aircraft Ferry • Aircraft Delivery • Aircraft Repositioning • Nationwide Service
Aircraft and mission acceptance is subject to aircraft condition, applicable regulations, pilot qualifications, insurance requirements, crew availability, weather and mission requirements. Information on this page is general educational information and does not replace FAA regulations, aircraft operating limitations, maintenance requirements or individual insurance-policy requirements.