FAA Commercial Pilot Airplane (CAX)RegulationsHard
During an annual inspection, a mechanic finds a discrepancy that renders an airplane unairworthy. The owner wants to fly the aircraft, without passengers, directly to a maintenance facility for repair. What must the owner obtain from the FAA before making this flight?
- AA special flight permit (ferry permit) issued under 14 CFR 21.197
- BA new annual inspection completed at the departure airport
- CA one-time waiver of 14 CFR 91.7 issued by the local FSDO
- DA supplemental type certificate authorizing the flight
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. A special flight permit (ferry permit) issued under 14 CFR 21.197
When an aircraft does not meet applicable airworthiness requirements but is safe for a specific flight, such as ferrying it to a repair facility, the owner must obtain a special flight permit (also called a ferry permit) under 14 CFR 21.197. This permit authorizes flight under specified conditions despite the aircraft not currently being fully airworthy.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Completing a full annual inspection at the discrepancy would resolve the issue but is not the mechanism used to authorize a limited ferry flight
- C. There is no such waiver process for 91.7; a special flight permit is the correct instrument
- D. An STC addresses design changes, not authorization to fly an unairworthy aircraft
Special Flight Permit (Ferry Permit)
An FAA authorization under 14 CFR 21.197 allowing an aircraft that does not meet airworthiness requirements to be flown under specified safe conditions, such as to a repair facility.
- Issued under 14 CFR 21.197
- Allows flight despite known unairworthy condition
- Often used to ferry aircraft for repair, modification, or storage
Memory trick: 'Not airworthy? Get a ferry permit first.'