Ferrying an aircraft can be a smooth and rewarding process—but only if it's done right. Whether you’re moving a newly purchased aircraft to its new home, delivering it internationally for a client, or repositioning for maintenance, there are plenty of moving parts. Unfortunately, even small oversights can lead to costly delays or serious safety risks.
Here are five common mistakes to avoid when planning and executing a ferry flight.
1. Not Securing the Correct Permits
Every international ferry flight requires a collection of permits and approvals. These include:
- Overflight permits for countries en route. This is not required everywhere, and most US/Canadian and European fliers won't even be aware you need them. But as soon as you leave those familiar regions and you venture into South America, Africa or Asia, overfly permits are a must for any GA aircraft wishing to cross any country. These permits can be a nightmare to obtain, so plan ahead!
- Landing permits for each stopover. The UK - for example - requires PPRs pretty much everywhere... In the US, you need a pre-filled entry/exit permit. Canada will charge you a hefty penalty fee if you enter and land without having permit authorisation... Each country has their regulations and ways to avoid delays and penalties.
- Export/import documentation, depending on ownership changes. This can get you stuck in Canada (trying to get into the States), or IN the States trying to get out for DAYS! So make sure you have everything in order before even thinking of crossing borders!
Neglecting to obtain even one of these in advance can result in a grounded aircraft, fines, or forced rerouting. Permit requirements and lead times vary from country to country, so it’s critical to plan well ahead. A reliable ferry flight provider will handle this seamlessly.
2. Choosing the Wrong Pilot
Not all pilots are created equal, and ferry flying is a particular niche in aviation. The right pilot should have:
- Experience with long-range planning and fuel management
- Familiarity with your aircraft type (including modifications)
- Strong international flying credentials (IFR proficiency, oceanic procedures)
Hiring an inexperienced pilot (or doing it yourself if you know you don't have a lot of experience in the above points) might save money upfront but can cost you dearly in delays, route misjudgments, or even safety issues.
Choose a pilot with proven ferry experience and a track record of international deliveries.
3. Underestimating Fuel & Weather Planning
Route planning isn’t just about distance. It’s about balancing range, fuel availability, and weather conditions.
- Fuel planning must account for alternates, reserves, and possible delays at remote airports. Also, don't always expect that your required fuel is available... Always check your fuel requirements can be met at every stop along the way! There's nothing worse than landing at an airport for a simple fuel stop and being told they're out of fuel the week after.
Always plan to land with double the fuel you'd normally land in a normal day to day life.
- Weather planning is especially crucial for ferry flights crossing oceans or mountainous terrain, where diversion options are limited. Vital for Greenland, or if you're crossing vast deserts. Make sure you know what you're doing and your capabilities in case back weather comes in by surprise.
Inadequate planning here can lead to unnecessary risk or costly rerouting. Weather windows must be carefully assessed, especially for transoceanic routes like the North Atlantic.
4. Ignoring Insurance & Regulatory Compliance
A common oversight is assuming existing aircraft insurance covers ferry operations. Often, it doesn’t—especially for:
- International delivery flights
- Test or post-maintenance flights
Ensure insurance policies are reviewed and updated before the flight. Additionally, verify that all required aircraft documents (ARC, radio license, insurance, registration) are up to date and accepted by the countries on the route.
5. Failing to Prepare for Unexpected Delays
Delays are common in ferry flights... We've had quite a few over the years that have driven us crazy... Bascially, expect the unexpected! Here's a few that we think are important to consider.
- Sudden weather changes: Greenland is the worst place for weather predictability. Sometimes, what looks like the perfect day for a VFR flight, turns out the complete opposite in just a few hours with low clouds, snow or mist. So be prepared!
- Technical issues: yup, this happens sometimes! And you always wish it happens in places where you do have the option to put the plan in a hangar and have qualified personnel that can take care of it. However, sometimes it happens in the worst possible place, and you just need to deal with it.
- Permit delays or miscommunication with customs: make sure ALL of your paperwork is in order. Make sure. you take care of entry/exit permits within the minimum time required, or expect to be sent back or pay hefty fines on arrival!
- Airport delays: this one is more of a nuisance than a danger, but it does catch you from time to time. Think fuel truck broken, running out of fuel half way through your refuelling, card machine not working, ATC taking ages to give you permission to depart, etc. All these logistical hiccups can be an actual nightmare sometimes, so make sure you discuss all of your requirements with the FBO well before your arrival, and be sure to depart at your expected departure time. That minimises disruption caused by ATC.
Failing to budget time and money for these can create stress and financial pressure. Always plan for the unexpected by:
- Allowing buffer days
- Carrying extra funds or credit for hotels and logistics (especially for South America, Africa and Asia!)
- Having a support contact back home who can assist remotely
Final Thoughts
Avoiding these five mistakes will not only save you money and time, but it will also make the entire ferry flight experience more predictable and professional. At Laminar Flow, we specialise in avoiding these pitfalls by offering full-service, stress-free ferry solutions backed by real-world experience.
Have a ferry flight coming up? Get in touch with us today to discuss how we can help you deliver your aircraft safely and efficiently.
