Ferry flying

[EMB145XR]

Does anybody here ferry aircraft around the country? How did you get into it? What companies are better than others? Does anybody know if pilots are needed. I'd like to do it on my days off, and I am able to jumpseat around.

Thanks for any help!

 

[boeingav8r]

I've ferried planes for a long time. Don't use your jumpseat or passes. You cannot use those privilages for business use. Make the company you ferry for pay for a ticket. Lots of companies that want you to ferry for them only hire pilots who have js/passes and they will abuse it and abuse you. If you absolutely have to js, whatever you do don't tell anybody you're riding home from a work assigment from another company. Remember that the broker/aircraft owner/whoever is trying to get the most use out of you for the least money.

 

[Toy Soldier]

Tough business

I have ferried a few, but, mostly get LOTS of folks wanting "quotes". Then they almost always go with the "lowest bidder".

1. You can post in Trade-A-Plane, on AOPA's websites, etc.
2. Be prepared for folks that want their 150's flown form coast to coast. Be prepared for "less than standard" planes too.
3. Don't fly for expenses only - it cheapens the business.
4. I charge $250/day, plus expenses - at these rates, only the serious customers will have me fly their prized posessions.
5. Do thorouogh pre-flights - I have left planes on the field and called the buyer advising them that the plane wasn't being flown by me... junk. I know of others that have flown junk tho.
6. Specialize in a certain market. I do Twin Commanders, Barons, and Senecas. I leave the puddle jumping planes to the "cheap dates" that fly for "expenses only".
7. Market yourself with the dealers in your area also. You will need certain "times in type" before they can cover you tho on their insurance.
8. Get your own insurance. You will be limited to horsepower, # of engines, # of seats, etc... depending on the policy.
9. Be flexible in your schedule. Some customers just want the plane delivered - others want itg on a certain day. Weather is ALWAYS a factor.
10. Whether you fly IFR in a "unknown" plane depends on you!
11. Be prepared for dissappointments, but fun times too.

Hope this helps.

 

[CorpJetPilot]

Great Advice.

I've been ferrying for a while and am just starting my own business. Advertising on the web and my own website. Hope that works!

 

[regionalcap]

Just make sure your company does not prohibit outside commercial flying.

 

[CorpJetPilot]

All of my pilots will be on a part-time contract basis, so I would hope that they all have other jobs. I don't mind outside commercial flying at all, as long as they are withing their regs.

 

[regionalcap]

I was referring to the initial post. I am assuming he flies Pt. 121. Sorry about the mixup.

 

[El Cid Av8or]

What Toy Soldier said is right on. I flew with my instructor on a ferry flight and learned a lot about that business venture. It can be fun but make sure the plane is airworthy (i.e. no hydraulic leaks in the landing gear system).

 

[Iceman21]

Resurrecting an old one here.

What advice can you guys/gals give about breaking into ferrying? I know being a newer CFI/CAX pilot with not a whole lot of time will limit me a bit. However, I would really like to get a feel for ferrying and see where it all could lead.

 

[CorpJetPilot]

Very tough right now. Quite slow. I've ferried 4 planes in the last 4 months. Pre 9/11 I was ferrying 10 planes a month myself.

 

[Toy Soldier]

It seems like the only ones ferrying were the ones doing it "for free".... Folks would "hang up" on me as soon as I started talking PAY!

They would say, "Oh, never mind. I have someone doing it for a "biscuit" (basically)!

It's the old "I'll work for a sandwich routine"!

CorpJetPilot must have the "right stuff" to be busy at all. Way to go CorpJetPilot, as long as you ain't doing it for a breakfast biscuit! HA

 

[CorpJetPilot]

LOL Toy Soldier,

No "bisquits" here. But most of what I have been ferrying are of the turbine variety. It's tough, and I lose a lot of business because of my rates.

Fly Safe!

Corpjetpilot

 

[BuckMurdock1]

Corpjetpilot-
would you care to share the web address??
Perhaps I'll post my resume..
thanks.

 

[BuckMurdock1]

What? a qualified pilot who is looking to fly for someone?

 

[BuckMurdock1]

I PAID FOR TRAINING... is that what you want to hear??? Did you want to start some big debate? No matter how i got it, i got it and I have turbine ME time. did you want to give out the web address?

 

[CorpJetPilot]

Hey Buck,

I'm not the one giving you a hard time about 1900D time.

The website address is:

www.aircraft-ferry.com

CorpJetPilot

 

[BuckMurdock1]

Sorry- my remarks were directed to "dasmith" now that I re-read.
Thanks for the address.

 

[Foobar]

I don't have a problem with gay people flying. Whats the big deal? Sure you sit close, but I'm comfotable with my sexuality.

 

[BuckMurdock1]

Dasmith, you gonna respond to that?