Special Flight Permits

Spend much time around aircraft owners or a maintenance facility and youre likely to hear the term ferry permit. Whats being talked about is what the FAA calls a special flight permit. Its the paperwork the agency uses to approve the flight of an aircraft that may not currently meet applicable airworthiness requirements but is capable for safe flight. Perhaps the most common reason for a special flight permit is lack of an annual inspection within the preceding 12 months.

Saturday, November 18, 2017 at 12:00 AM ET

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Key Takeaways:

A "special flight permit" (or "ferry permit") allows an aircraft that doesn't meet full airworthiness requirements (e.g., expired annual inspection, damage, or unaddressed ADs) but is deemed capable of safe flight to be flown for specific purposes, such as maintenance or storage.
The permit is authorized by FAR 21.197 and requires applying to the FAA (typically a Flight Standards District Office or FSDO) using Form 8130-6, after a determination that the aircraft is safe for a one-time flight.
Obtaining a permit involves a thorough assessment of the aircraft's condition, honest communication with the FAA, and adherence to specific operational restrictions (e.g., no passengers/cargo, daylight VMC, or specific routes) outlined in the permit.
While a mechanic helps assess the aircraft, the pilot in command remains ultimately responsible for determining if the aircraft is in a safe condition for the ferry flight.

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Spend much time around aircraft owners or a maintenance facility and you’re likely to hear the term “ferry permit.” What’s being talked about is what the FAA calls a “special flight permit.” It’s the paperwork the agency uses to approve the flight of an aircraft “that may not currently meet applicable airworthiness requirements but is capable for safe flight.” Perhaps the most common reason for a special flight permit is lack of an annual inspection within the preceding 12 months.

The FAA has been issuing special flight permits since it came into existence and while the terminology and procedures have changed with the times, the immediate takeaway for aircraft owners and pilots is there is a provision in the FARs for operation of non-airworthy aircraft. That’s the large print. The small print holds that there are many provisions, aspects and components to relevant regulations, including FARs 21.197 and 21.199. With that in mind, this discussion will center on general aviation piston-powered airplanes weighing 12,500 lbs. or less at gross weight and operated under FAR Part 91.