How an aircraft ferry flight works
From quote to handoff: what happens, what we check, and what you need to have ready.
Short answer: You send the aircraft, route, and dates. We reply with a written quote and the assigned pilot's qualifications. Before the trip we review the logbooks and get written confirmation of insurance (and an FAA special flight permit if one is needed). The pilot does an acceptance inspection at pickup, flies the planned route with updates along the way, and hands the airplane off with notes, photos, receipts, and a final invoice.
1. Quote
Tell us the make and model, tail number, where the aircraft is, where it's going, and when. We send a written quote with the day rate, expected days, an expense estimate, and the assigned pilot's qualifications so your insurance broker can confirm coverage. See pricing.
2. Logbook review and acceptance inspection
Before we commit, we review the logbooks:
- Annual or condition inspection (14 CFR 91.409)
- Applicable airworthiness directives
- ELT inspection (14 CFR 91.207)
- Transponder check (14 CFR 91.413), and pitot-static check if the trip is IFR (14 CFR 91.411)
- Any open squawks
On pickup the pilot does a full acceptance inspection, checks the required documents on board, and confirms weight and balance and fuel before departure.
3. Insurance confirmation
Your aircraft's insurance has to cover the pilot who flies the trip. Many policies have an open-pilot clause that covers any pilot who meets the policy's minimums; otherwise your broker can add the assigned pilot as a named pilot for the trip. We don't fly until coverage is confirmed in writing.
4. Ferry permit, if the aircraft isn't airworthy
An aircraft that doesn't currently meet airworthiness requirements but is capable of safe flight can often be moved under an FAA Special Flight Permit (a "ferry permit," 14 CFR 21.197), for example to a repair shop or to a base where an overdue inspection can be done. The registered owner applies and we help with the paperwork. We don't depart until the permit is in hand and its limitations are briefed.
5. Flight planning
Route, fuel stops, weather, alternates, terrain, and daylight are planned around your airplane's performance. The pilot in command makes every go/no-go decision, and we won't push weather, darkness, or a mechanical concern to hold a schedule.
6. Delivery and handoff
You get updates along the way and at every stop. On arrival we secure the aircraft, photograph its condition, and hand it off with notes, receipts, and a final invoice.
Why this is Part 91, not Part 135
Ferry flights of an owner's aircraft are excluded from Part 119/135 certification under 14 CFR 119.1(e)(3). You keep operational control of your aircraft and we provide the pilot under Part 91. We don't carry passengers or cargo for hire.
Tell us where your airplane needs to go
Send the aircraft, route, and dates. We reply with the day rate, expected days, an expense estimate, and the assigned pilot's qualifications for your insurance broker.
Request a Ferry Quote