An aircraft's annual inspection has expired, and the owner needs to fly it to a maintenance facility for repairs before it can be returned to airworthy condition. What must be accomplished before the FAA will issue a special flight permit (ferry permit) for this flight?
- AThe aircraft must first pass a full annual inspection at the current location
- BThe owner must obtain a one-time waiver from all applicable airworthiness directives
- CAn inspection must be conducted to determine the aircraft is safe for the specific flight intended
- DA certificated repair station must perform the ferry flight as pilot in command
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. An inspection must be conducted to determine the aircraft is safe for the specific flight intended
Per 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199, before a special flight permit is issued for an aircraft that does not currently meet applicable airworthiness requirements, an inspection must be made (by an FAA inspector or an appropriately certificated mechanic/repair station as applicable) to determine that the aircraft is in a condition for safe flight for the specific limited purpose of the flight. A full annual is not required—that would defeat the purpose of the ferry permit.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Requiring a full annual would eliminate the need for a ferry permit entirely.
- B. AD waivers are not automatically granted; some ADs may still require compliance before flight.
- D. The permit does not require a repair station to act as pilot in command; that's unrelated to flight permit issuance.
Special Flight Permit (Ferry Permit)
Issued under 14 CFR 21.197/21.199 to allow an aircraft that does not currently meet airworthiness requirements to be flown to a location for repairs, alterations, maintenance, or storage, after an inspection confirms safety for that specific flight.
- Requires an inspection to confirm safe-for-flight condition, not a full annual
- Permit specifies conditions/limitations for the flight (e.g., route, weight, crew)
- Issued by FAA or designated representative (e.g., DAR)
Memory trick: Ferry permit = 'fit enough for one flight,' not fully fixed