Special Flight Permits

FAR 21.199 — Special Flight Permits

FAR 21.199 covers how to apply for a special flight permit (ferry permit), including required statements, itinerary, crew, and noncompliance details.

In Plain English

FAR 21.199 explains what you must submit to the FAA when applying for a special flight permit — commonly called a ferry permit. These permits let an aircraft that doesn't currently meet all airworthiness requirements be flown for a specific purpose, like repositioning to a maintenance facility.

Unless you fall under the exception in § 21.197(c), your application must include:

The purpose of the flight
The proposed itinerary (route)
The required crew (pilot, co-pilot, navigator, etc.)
The ways the aircraft does not comply with airworthiness requirements
Any restrictions you think are needed for safe operation
Any additional information the FAA needs to set operating limitations

The FAA can also perform — or require you to perform — inspections or tests to confirm the aircraft can safely make the flight.

This matters operationally because a special flight permit is the legal mechanism that allows you to fly an aircraft that isn't fully airworthy, under tightly defined conditions, without violating the airworthiness rules.

Regulation Text

14 CFR § 21.199

§ 21.199 Issue of special flight permits. (a) Except as provided in § 21.197(c), an applicant for a special flight permit must submit a statement in a form and manner prescribed by the FAA, indicating— (1) The purpose of the flight. (2) The proposed itinerary. (3) The crew required to operate the aircraft and its equipment, e.g., pilot, co-pilot, navigator, etc. (4) The ways, if any, in which the aircraft does not comply with the applicable airworthiness requirements. (5) Any restriction the applicant considers necessary for safe operation of the aircraft. (6) Any other information considered necessary by the FAA for the purpose of prescribing operating limitations. (b) The FAA may make, or require the applicant to make appropriate inspections or tests necessary for safety. [Doc. No. 5085, 29 FR 14570, Oct. 24, 1964, as amended by Amdt. 21-21, 33 FR 6859, May 7, 1968; Amdt. 21-22, 33 FR 11901, Aug. 22, 1968]

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1What information must an applicant submit when requesting a special flight permit?

Per FAR 21.199, the applicant must submit a statement listing the purpose of the flight, proposed itinerary, required crew, ways the aircraft doesn't comply with airworthiness requirements, any restrictions for safe operation, and any other info the FAA needs to set operating limitations.

Q2Can the FAA require an inspection or test before issuing a special flight permit?

Yes. Under FAR 21.199(b), the FAA may make, or require the applicant to make, any appropriate inspections or tests necessary for safety before the permit is issued.

Q3If an aircraft doesn't meet current airworthiness requirements, can it still be flown legally?

Yes — under FAR 21.199, the operator can apply for a special flight permit that defines the purpose, route, crew, noncompliance items, and any safety restrictions, allowing the flight under FAA-prescribed operating limitations.

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Related Sections in Part 21

§ 21.1

Certification Procedures

§ 21.101

Type Certificate Changes