How to Become a Ferry Pilot
A ferry pilot is a person who moves planes from one location to another. For example, a person might purchase an airplane in Canada and house it in an airport in the United States. Rather than moving it themselves, they hire a ferry pilot to do the job.
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Instructions
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1
Pass a medical examination. You must be examined by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) who is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the group that regulates the aviation industry. Go to the FAA website to find an AME in your area.
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2
Decide what types of planes you would like to fly. In order to be paid to ferry airplanes, you will have to have a professional pilot license for the category of planes you wish to ferry. The FAA website has a lot of information about different types of planes and licenses. You will probably also want to visit a local airport to do some research on this topic.
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Receive instruction from a certified flight instructor. This will include classroom training and actual flight hours. The FAA requires that student pilots have a minimum of 40 flight hours. The amount of training you will need will depend on the specific licenses you are applying for. Again, the FAA website can help you to determine what you will need.
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Take and pass the written test. You can order a study guide from the FAA website.
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Get through a "behind the wheel" test. These are conducted by FAA-approved examiners and are the equivalent of a driving test for an automobile license.
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Advertise your services. Once you have your license, you should let people know that you are available to act as a ferry pilot. Advertise online at pilot and plane sites, at local airports and in the phone book.
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Tips & Warnings
Ferry piloting is generally not a full-time job because the work is very sporadic. However, it is a good way to build up flight time, make some money and do what you love.
