Frequently Asked Questions
Please see the Services page for some common services I provide. But generally speaking, I can provide any commercial pilot services you may need - with particular expertise in Cirrus aircraft operation. I'm not a CFI so can't provide flight instruction, but for any other services, please reach out and let's talk!
There's nothing wrong with that plan, if you have experience in the aircraft, weather, and topography required for the flight. Some people even bring their instructor with them to pick up their plane, and make a lesson out of the trip home. But, others may not have the time to pick up a plane from far away, or may not be able (or want) to set up an instructor to fly back with them. That's where I can help - I can go anywhere in the country to pick up your plane and deliver it to you.
See the "About Me" page for details of my experience. But I have extensive experience flying Cirrus aircraft in all parts of the country, and as a Cirrus owner for the last quarter century, I know how to safely (& and gently!) operate the aircraft, and will treat your plane like I treat my own.
Of course each situation is different, so please reach out to discuss what you are looking for. But generally speaking, I will travel to where the aircraft is (via some combination of commercial airline, rental car, Uber, etc.), fly the plane to where it needs to go, then travel back home. I live near Charlotte, NC so would generally be coming to/from CLT airport. Depending on the duration and distances involved, it's pretty common for one or more nights to be spent in a hotel as well.
Each flight is unique, and circumstances will dictate the exact cost. Generally speaking, I typically charge $1000 per flying day, plus expenses. But please reach out with some details of what you need, and we can discuss the costs for your specific requirements. Discounts are available for regular customers or extenuating circumstances (moving aircraft away from a natural disaster for example).
Things happen! If weather or a mechanical issue impact the flight, I'll reach out and we can figure out the best course of action. For short weather delays, it might just take slightly longer than we had previously discussed. For longer delays, particularly when parts need to be sourced to make a repair, it somtimes makes sense to leave the plane at a shop, and to continue the ferry flight at a later date.
The aircraft needs to be airworthy. That means it needs to be in annual, with ELT and transponder checks as required. In most cases, the IFR pitot / static checks must also have been accomplished (though in some rare cases, we can plan a VFR-only flight without the IFR checks). I prefer to see the log entries for these items in advance; if that's not possible, it's not necessary, but you will be responsible for any added delays and costs if I get to the aircraft and the necessary inspections or tests have not been performed and logged. Of course in rare cases such as when a ferry permit has been obtained from the local FSDO, some exceptions to this general policy can be made; if that's the case, please contact me for more details.
In order to do the flight, I will need to be added to your insurance policy as an additional insured, with a waiver of subrogation. Because of my Cirrus experience, this can often be added at no or little cost to your existing policy, but of course each insurance company is different. I am happy to provide whatever documentation your insurance company requires, but I do need to see a copy of your policy, or the endoresement that lists me as an additional insured with a subrogation waiver, before I'm able to fly your plane.