Special Flight Permits
Philadelphia Flight Standards District Office, AFG-PHL-FSDO-17
Last Updated 04-12-2024
Page 1 of 11
A Special Flight Permit (SFP), commonly referred to as a Ferry
Permit, may be issued to any U.S. registered aircraft that may not
currently meet applicable Airworthiness Requirements but is capable
of safe flight.
The SFP will be issued by the FSDO geographically
responsible for the area in which the flight is to originate.
Designated Airworthiness Representatives (DAR’s) are authorized to
issue Special Flight Permits. To find and select a DAR, go to the
Designee Management site at https://designee.faa.gov/
1.) A Special Flight Permit is not an authorization to deviate
from the requirements of 14 CFR Part 91.
2.) Special Flight Permits will be issued by the FSDO/IFO
having jurisdiction over the geographical area in which the
flight is to originate, but does not apply to Part 121 or 135
certificate holders.
3.) A review of applicable Airworthiness Directives will need to
be conducted to determine if the aircraft is eligible for a
Special Flight Permit.
The following is not all inclusive (refer to 14 CFR Part 21.197), but
identifies the most common request for Special Flight Permits.
1.) Flying the aircraft to a base where repairs, alterations, or
maintenance are to be performed, or to a point of storage.
2.) Flying an aircraft whose annual inspection has expired to a
base where an annual inspection can be accomplished.
3.) Flying an amateur built aircraft whose condition inspection has
expired to a base where the condition inspection can be
accomplished.
4.) Delivering or exporting the aircraft.
5.) Production flight testing of new production
aircraft.
6.) Evacuating aircraft from areas of impending
danger.
Special Flight Permits
Philadelphia Flight Standards District Office, AFG-PHL-FSDO-17
Last Updated 04-12-2024
Page 2 of 11
7.) Conducting customer demonstration flights in a new production
aircraft that have satisfactory completed production flight tests.
8.) To authorize the operation of an aircraft at a weight in
excess of its maximum certificated takeoff weight.
The FAA may issue an applicant a special flight permit when:
1.) Registered owner or operator/agent registers aircraft,
2.) Applicant submits an application to the FAA; and
3.) The FAA determines the aircraft is eligible and is in a condition
for safe operation.
Applications for an airworthiness certificate can be submitted as
follows:
o Online via the Airworthiness Certification (AWC) tool (Preferred)
https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/air_cert/airworthiness_certification/aw_c
ert_proc
o Paper application (FAA Form 8130-6)
Follow the steps on the following pages
to complete the online AWC
Application…
Special Flight Permits
Philadelphia Flight Standards District Office, AFG-PHL-FSDO-17
Last Updated 04-12-2024
Page 4 of 11
Step 3: Create Special Flight Permit.
Step 4: Answer SFP Question.
Special Flight Permits
Philadelphia Flight Standards District Office, AFG-PHL-FSDO-17
Last Updated 04-12-2024
Page 5 of 11
Step 5: Select Aircraft Description and insert Registration Number
in the drop down and required data should populate - correct if
necessary.
Step 6: Complete all information in categories with RED * next to
them, each has a list of questions.
Note: All required information is self-explanatory and may
take some research to acquire.
Special Flight Permits
Philadelphia Flight Standards District Office, AFG-PHL-FSDO-17
Last Updated 04-12-2024
Page 6 of 11
Step 7: Select Aircraft Location and fill out the information.
Step 8: Under “Certificate Requested”, Choose Special Flight
Permit Operations and select type of operation from the drop-
down menu.
Special Flight Permits
Philadelphia Flight Standards District Office, AFG-PHL-FSDO-17
Last Updated 04-12-2024
Page 7 of 11
Step 9: Select the Flight Destination and Crew Requirements and
completed the required information.
Step 10: Document all the reasons (i.e. overdue inspections)
why the aircraft does not meet the applicable airworthiness
requirements and any restriction during flight (if any).
Special Flight Permits
Philadelphia Flight Standards District Office, AFG-PHL-FSDO-17
Last Updated 04-12-2024
Page 8 of 11
Step 11: Select the Designee that you wish to complete the task
or select none.
Step 12: Attached Documents as required.
Special Flight Permits
Philadelphia Flight Standards District Office, AFG-PHL-FSDO-17
Last Updated 04-12-2024
Page 9 of 11
Step 13: Add Applicant Information, Owner or Agent, Date and
Name.
NOTES:
All Categories must have Green prior to submitting
the application.
Once all categories are Green, you should
review for accuracy prior to submitting.
Special Flight Permits
Philadelphia Flight Standards District Office, AFG-PHL-FSDO-17
Last Updated 04-12-2024
Page 10 of 11
Step 14: Select Review and carefully review your application.
Once you have entered the applicable information,
• Check the box that you have reviewed the application.
• Sign and submit the application.
.
.
Special Flight Permits
Philadelphia Flight Standards District Office, AFG-PHL-FSDO-17
Last Updated 04-12-2024
Page 11 of 11
FINAL NOTES
The Administrator may require the applicant to make appropriate
inspections or tests necessary for safety.
An FAA certificated Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic or Part 145
Repair Station will need to inspect the aircraft prior to flight, and
document the inspection in the aircraft maintenance records.
IMPORTANT: The aircraft operator must display, in
the aircraft, the current Airworthiness Certificate (if
applicable) and the Special Flight Permit along with
its operating limitations.
For additional information, please refer to 14 CFR Part 21.197
or contact your local FSDO.
If the aircraft in question resides in the Philadelphia FSDO
jurisdiction, contact the FSDO at (610) 595-2440.
Reference: FAA Order 8130.2, as revised, Special Flight Permit chapter.
