Is buying an aircraft in the United States easy?

There are more general aviation aircraft in the USA then in the rest of the world combined. Therefore there are a great many aircraft to choose from, but the quality and the maintenance history can vary considerably. Please feel free to contact us and we would be happy to assist you in finding and purchasing the right aircraft for you.

How much can I save by purchasing an aircraft in the United States going to Europe?

Although exact numbers vary between make and model, our customers tell us that even after paying all the associated costs with importing aircraft, they generally save between 20% - 40% of the total cost of purchasing a similar aircraft in Europe.   

What experience does the ferry pilot have?

All our pilots are full-time commercial pilots and have a minimum of a thousand hours PIC time and at least five oceanic crossings. Some have many more. Their experience is primarily single-pilot IFR operations. This is a serious occupation and you should not trust your investment to anyone but experienced professionals.       

Can I fly along on the ferry flight?

Yes, you are more than welcome to accompany the pilot on any or all legs of the flight. However, the ferry pilot retains exclusive proprietary control of the aircraft during the mission. In addition, as we are Certified Flight Instructors, you may be able to log flight time during the flight. 

Can I send or carry any cargo on the flight?

Other than spare parts for the aircraft, no cargo may be transported during the mission, unless granted specific authorization by the ferry pilot.  

Do you always fly the same routes?

Not necessarily.  Depending on the specific range of the aircraft, our proposed route is what we believe to be the safest and most direct way possible and under the most ideal economic conditions. Changes to the proposed route may be required due to weather or other factors.

Do you follow the manufacturers recommended operating procedures?

Yes. The ferry pilot is responsible to operate stipulated aircraft in accordance with the operating handbook and under the manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations and in accordance with all FAA, JAA and other foreign laws and aviation regulations.

What documentation does the aircraft require?

All aircraft must have airworthiness certificate (Country of Registration) and / or appropriate waiver, and in some cases a ferry flight permit. The aircraft must also carry a registration certificate, the pilots operating manual, weight and balance information and, for flights outside the USA, a radio license. 

All aircraft flight documents are the responsibility of the client and must be available to the ferry pilot prior to ferry flight. Although we are more than happy to assist in completing documentation and paperwork, it is the responsibility of the owner to provide the required information.    

What equipment is required in the aircraft?

For most flights, no special equipment is required to be fitted to the aircraft. Some routes require the installation of long-range ferry tanks and HF radios, which we can arrange and will be included in the quotation. All equipment installed in the aircraft must be in working condition or appropriate waiver must be in place. If the aircraft is certified for GPS IFR, the GPS database must be current and cover the necessary regions. The ferry pilot provides all their own survival equipment. If however you accompany the pilot on any leg that requires extra equipment, e.g. a second immersion suit, there may be additional costs incurred, which we charge to you at our cost. 

What happens if I need to delay or cancel the ferry flight?

We understand that issues arise that may cause a delay in the start date. Normally we do not charge for any delays prior to the ferry pilot leaving their home base, however a new start date must be arranged that is mutually acceptable. If the flight is canceled more than 30 days prior to the scheduled start date, we do not charge a cancelation fee.   

Please note: In the unlikely case of service refusal due to the aircraft condition, incomplete documentation or any other related problems, the ferry pilot will provide a refund of your deposit minus all the expenses already incurred. In cases where the ferry pilot is unable to process the ferry of your aircraft due to personal reasons (such as sickness) and a replacement pilot cannot be found, a full refund of any deposit already paid will be provided. The ferry pilot retains the right to refuse or delay certain flight legs if they feel that safety and/or other circumstances involved are not an ideal factor and cannot be circumvented or prevented. If the mission is aborted, any pre-paid amounts will be fully returned, except expenses and pilot fees which have already occurred since the mission has started.

Do you provide insurance?

Generally, no. By far, the most economical way to insure the flight is to have worldwide coverage added to your existing aircraft policy, with the ferry pilot as a named pilot. We are happy to provide you with copies of certificates and experience details of all our pilots.  We can also provide a list of insurance carriers previously used and/or assist you in finding a provider.

Do you provide flight training?

Yes. We provide comprehensive ground and flight training on delivery. Please let us know if you have any special training needs in advance so we can prepare accordingly.