# 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.

Source: https://www.aerscheduler.com/regulations/39-23
Official text: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-39.23 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-15; section last amended 2016-12-30)

## 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

May I fly my aircraft to a repair facility to do the work required by an airworthiness directive?.

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.

## Related

- [14 CFR 39.7: Flying without complying with an AD](https://www.aerscheduler.com/regulations/39-7.md)
- [14 CFR 91.213: Flying with inoperative equipment](https://www.aerscheduler.com/regulations/91-213.md)
- [AD library: search FAA Airworthiness Directives](https://www.aerscheduler.com/airworthiness-directives)

AerScheduler lists the ADs that name each of your aircraft, records who decided each one, and tracks the repeat inspections that follow. [https://www.aerscheduler.com/features/inspections](https://www.aerscheduler.com/features/inspections)

_The plain-English summary is AerScheduler's reading of the rule, not legal advice. The official text above is the eCFR's, published by the Office of the Federal Register; the eCFR is the current text._