Ferry permits: when and how to obtain for single engine piston aircraft

When Your Aircraft Can’t Fly: Understanding and Obtaining a Ferry Permit for Single-Engine Piston Aircraft

For single-engine piston aircraft owners, the unexpected reality of an unairworthy aircraft can be daunting. Whether due to an expired annual inspection, a component failure, or damage that renders the aircraft legally unable to fly under normal operating conditions, the need to move it for repair or storage often arises. This is where a “ferry permit,” officially known as a Special Flight Permit, becomes invaluable. Understanding when and how to obtain this crucial authorization is essential for any responsible aircraft owner.

THE NECESSITY OF A FERRY PERMIT

Operating an aircraft that does not meet its applicable airworthiness requirements is a serious violation of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs).1 FAR 91.7 clearly states that “No person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in an airworthy condition.”2 While this regulation sets a high bar, the FAA recognizes that there are legitimate reasons to move an aircraft that is not fully airworthy, provided it can be done safely. This is precisely the purpose of a Special Flight Permit.

A ferry permit allows for a one-time flight of an aircraft that is not currently airworthy but is deemed capable of safe flight for a specific purpose.3 The most common reasons include:

  • Flying the aircraft to a base where repairs, alterations, or maintenance are to be performed, or to a point of storage.4
  • Delivering or exporting the aircraft.5
  • Evacuating an aircraft from an area of impending danger.

It’s critical to understand that a ferry permit is not a blanket authorization to fly an unairworthy aircraft under any circumstances. It comes with specific conditions and limitations designed to ensure safety during that particular flight.6 Trying to fly without one when required can lead to significant penalties and jeopardize your pilot certificate. Just as we rely on certified mechanics for our aircraft, the FAA expects pilots and owners to follow established procedures, demonstrating a commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.

WHEN A FERRY PERMIT IS REQUIRED

A ferry permit is required whenever an aircraft cannot meet its standard airworthiness requirements but needs to be flown. The most frequent scenario for single-engine piston aircraft owners is when an annual inspection has expired. Unlike a 100-hour inspection, which can be overflown by up to 10 hours if en route to a place where the inspection can be performed, an annual inspection has no such grace period. If your annual inspection is overdue, you absolutely need a ferry permit to move the aircraft, even if it’s just to another airport for the inspection itself.

Other situations necessitating a ferry permit include:

  • Known Mechanical Issues: If a component fails or is damaged, rendering the aircraft unairworthy (e.g., inoperative landing gear, significant engine issues, structural damage), but a mechanic determines it can be safely flown for the purpose of repair.
  • Missing or Damaged Components: If equipment required for standard operations is missing or inoperative, and deferring it under a Minimum Equipment List (MEL) is not an option or applicable.
  • Post-Maintenance Test Flight (in specific cases): While most post-maintenance test flights are conducted under the existing airworthiness certificate, some significant alterations or repairs might necessitate a special flight permit if the aircraft’s airworthiness status is temporarily uncertain.

The overarching principle is this: if your aircraft is not in a condition to receive a standard airworthiness certificate, but you need to fly it, a ferry permit is your legal pathway.

HOW TO OBTAIN A FERRY PERMIT

Obtaining a ferry permit involves a few key steps, primarily dealing with your local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) or a Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR). The process is designed to ensure that even an unairworthy aircraft can make a one-time safe flight.

  1. MECHANIC’S ASSESSMENT AND LOGBOOK ENTRY:The first and arguably most crucial step is to have a certificated Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic, or a Part 145 Repair Station, inspect the aircraft and determine that it is “capable of safe flight” for the proposed ferry operation.7 This is not an airworthiness inspection; it’s an assessment that the aircraft, despite its unairworthy condition, can be safely moved. The mechanic will then make a logbook entry to this effect, detailing the aircraft’s condition and any necessary operating limitations for the ferry flight.8 This logbook entry is a fundamental piece of documentation you’ll need for your application and serves as a testament to the safety of the proposed flight. It underscores the authority and professional judgment that the FAA relies upon from its certified mechanics.
  2. PREPARING THE APPLICATION (FAA FORM 8130-6):The application for a Special Flight Permit is made using FAA Form 8130-6, “Application for U.S. Airworthiness Certificate.”9 Don’t let the title confuse you; this is the correct form. While the form is multi-purpose, you will primarily focus on Sections I, II, and VII.10
    • Section I: Aircraft identification details (make, model, serial number, registration number).11
    • Section II: Indicate that you are applying for a “Special Flight Permit” and specify the reason (e.g., “to fly the aircraft to a base where repairs, alterations, or maintenance are to be performed”).12
    • Section VII: This section is vital. You’ll state who owns the aircraft, clearly describe the proposed itinerary (departure and destination airports, route, and any planned fuel stops), explain why the aircraft does not meet applicable airworthiness requirements (e.g., “annual inspection expired,” “inoperative landing gear indicator”), and propose any restrictions you believe are necessary for safe operation (e.g., “daylight VMC only,” “landing gear to remain extended”).13
  3. SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION:Once you have the mechanic’s sign-off and the completed FAA Form 8130-6, you will submit your application to the local FSDO that has jurisdiction over the geographical area where the flight will originate.14 While paper applications are still accepted, the FAA now prefers online submissions through their Airworthiness Certification (AWC) tool. This can often expedite the process. If you are not the aircraft owner, you may need a notarized statement from the owner authorizing you to apply for the permit on their behalf.
  4. FAA REVIEW AND ISSUANCE:The FAA, or a DAR, will review your application. They may require additional inspections or tests if deemed necessary for safety. They will assess the proposed flight and the aircraft’s condition to ensure it is indeed capable of safe flight under the stated limitations.15 If approved, the FSDO or DAR will issue the Special Flight Permit, which will include specific operating limitations that must be adhered to during the flight. These limitations often include:
    • No passengers or cargo, only required crew.
    • Daylight Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) only.16
    • Specific routes or altitudes.
    • Any other restrictions necessary for safe operation.

It’s common for the process to take a few days, so plan accordingly. Don’t wait until the last minute if you know you’ll need a ferry permit.

THE AERO CENTER ADVANTAGE: REDUCING DOWNTIME

At The Aero Center, we understand that unexpected maintenance needs can significantly disrupt your flight schedule. That’s why we pride ourselves on being the only 24/7 aircraft maintenance center in California, Arizona, and Nevada. When your single-engine piston aircraft requires a ferry permit to reach a repair facility, our ability to provide immediate assessments and support, day or night, helps minimize your aircraft’s downtime. Our experienced A&P mechanics are available around the clock to perform the necessary “safe for flight” evaluation and documentation, streamlining the first critical step in obtaining your permit. We’re committed to getting you back in the air safely and efficiently, leveraging our consistent availability to reduce the stress and delay associated with unairworthy situations. Our expertise in navigating these processes means you can have confidence in our recommendations and support.

Footnotes
  1. Federal Aviation Administration. (n.d.). 14 CFR § 21.197 – Special flight permits. Retrieved from https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-21/subpart-H/section-21.197
  2. Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). (2025, June 1). Got a permit for that?. Retrieved from https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2025/june/pilot/legally-speaking-got-a-permit-for-that
  3. Federal Aviation Administration. (n.d.). Special Flight Permits. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/media/29886
  4. Savvy Aviation. (n.d.). Ferry Permits. Retrieved from https://www.savvyaviation.com/wp-content/uploads/articles_eaa/EAA_2014-04_ferry-permits.pdf

The Aero Center is located at William J. Fox Airfield KWJF | Lancaster, CA. Contact us at 209.885.6950 for questions or appointments.

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