N-registered aircraft ferry
N-Reg Ferry Pilot
UK, Europe and beyond
Ferry flights for N-registered aircraft outside the United States: deliveries after a sale, runs to maintenance, and repositioning across borders. Flown on my own FAA Commercial Pilot licence, which is valid for an N-registered aircraft wherever it is.
For owners, buyers, brokers, dealers, maintenance organisations and operators
Why an FAA licence matters for N-reg
An N-registered aircraft is flown on an FAA pilot certificate, wherever in the world the aircraft is. Owners in the UK and Europe often have the aircraft but not a local pilot who holds one. As a UK-based FAA commercial pilot, I can collect the aircraft where it sits.
Typical N-reg ferries
Delivery to a new owner after a sale, often across several borders. Trips to and from a maintenance organisation for an annual or other work. Moving an aircraft that is being re-registered to or from the N register. Repositioning to a new base.
Owners based in the EU
If an N-registered aircraft is used by an owner or operator based in the EU, EU rules on third-country aircraft may affect which pilot licence is needed. I check that for the specific aircraft, owner and route before quoting.
Which aircraft I fly
I hold an FAA Commercial Pilot licence, multi-engine and instrument, with a Cessna Citation X (CE-750) type rating. Piston and turboprop aircraft are flown within those privileges and any endorsement the aircraft needs; a jet needs a type rating for that type, and the Citation X is on my licence. If an aircraft is outside what I can fly, I will say so at the start.
The paperwork
Before quoting I want to see the registration and airworthiness certificates, the last annual or airworthiness review and maintenance status, any deferred defects, and insurance that names the route and the pilot. If the airworthiness certificate is not valid, a special flight permit for the trip to maintenance is arranged with the registry first.
Common questions
Can an FAA pilot fly an N-registered aircraft in Europe?
Yes. An FAA pilot certificate is valid for an N-registered aircraft in any country, subject to that country's permits for foreign-registered aircraft and, for EU-based owners, EU rules on third-country aircraft.
Do you ferry N-reg aircraft between Europe and Turkiye or the Middle East?
Yes, subject to the overflight and landing permits the States on the route require, which are applied for before the flight.
Do you hold an AOC?
No. I am a pilot, not an air carrier, and ferry flights carry no passengers.
How is a ferry flight priced?
By the days involved: planning, travel to the aircraft, the flight and the return. Fuel, landing, handling and permit fees are the owner's costs, and you get a written quote before anything is booked.
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