How do I get a ferry permit?

Apply to your local FSDO for a special flight permit under Part 21. Many FSDOs accept the application online, and a mechanic usually has to inspect the aircraft and certify it safe for the flight.

What if the AD says no special flight permits?

Then 39.23 does not help. The work has to be done where the aircraft sits, or the aircraft moved by other means.

14 CFR Part 39 · Airworthiness Directives

14 CFR 39.23: Ferrying an aircraft with an open AD

You can usually fly an aircraft with an open AD to a place where the work can be done, but you need a special flight permit (a ferry permit) from the FAA unless your operations specifications already allow it. The AD itself can rule the flight out.

Section last amended December 30, 2016 · Text current as of October 15, 2026 · Also cited as FAR 39.23 · Read it on eCFR

14 CFR 39.23 in plain English

Operators whose operations specifications include it may fly to a repair facility under that authority.
Everyone else asks the local Flight Standards District Office for a special flight permit.
The FAA may not issue one if the AD prohibits it, and may add conditions or refuse when the aircraft cannot be moved safely.

Common questions

How do I get a ferry permit?: Apply to your local FSDO for a special flight permit under Part 21. Many FSDOs accept the application online, and a mechanic usually has to inspect the aircraft and certify it safe for the flight.
What if the AD says no special flight permits?: Then 39.23 does not help. The work has to be done where the aircraft sits, or the aircraft moved by other means.

Official text of 14 CFR 39.23

§ 39.23 May I fly my aircraft to a repair facility to do the work required by an airworthiness directive?. Verbatim from the eCFR, current as of October 15, 2026.

Yes, the operations specifications giving some operators authority to operate include a provision that allow them to fly their aircraft to a repair facility to do the work required by an airworthiness directive. If you do not have this authority, the local Flight Standards District Office of FAA may issue you a special flight permit unless the airworthiness directive states otherwise. To ensure aviation safety, FAA may add special requirements for operating your aircraft to a place where the repairs or modifications can be accomplished. FAA may also decline to issue a special flight permit in particular cases if we determine you cannot move the aircraft safely.

AerScheduler lists the ADs that name each of your aircraft, records who decided each one, and tracks the repeat inspections that follow. See how

14 CFR 39.23 in plain English

Common questions

Official text of 14 CFR 39.23

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