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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-special-flight-permit

An aircraft is overdue for its annual but safe to fly. What lets it fly to a repair shop?

A special flight permit, often called a ferry permit.

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  1. A standard airworthiness certificate
  2. A letter from the pilot's instructor
  3. A special flight permit ✔

Why: A special flight permit may be issued for an aircraft that doesn't meet airworthiness requirements but is capable of safe flight, for purposes such as flying it to a base where repairs or maintenance will be done.

Huh, didn't know that: Other allowed purposes include delivering or exporting the aircraft and evacuating it from areas of impending danger.

The dad joke
My plane needed a ferry permit. I was disappointed: no boat was involved.
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References

Answer: A special flight permit. A special flight permit may be issued for an aircraft that doesn't meet airworthiness requirements but is capable of safe flight, for purposes such as flying it to a base where repairs or maintenance will be done.

  1. 14 CFR 21.197 Special flight permits www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-21.197
    Flying the aircraft to a base where repairs, alterations, or maintenance are to be performed, or to a point of storage
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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