A First-Time Guide to the Aircraft Ferry Process

Buying an aircraft is one of the most exciting and stressful decisions an owner can make. You’ve spent weeks—or months—researching models, talking to brokers, reviewing logbooks, arranging pre-buys, and wiring a substantial amount of money for an asset you probably haven’t even flown yet.

Now comes the next challenge:
How do you get it home safely—and in one piece?

The Overlooked Step in the Aircraft Purchase Process

Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned owner, coordinating the delivery of your aircraft can quickly turn into a logistical headache. You’re searching through ferry listings, sifting through pilot résumés, reading vague “insured” claims, and hoping the person you hire treats your new investment with the care it deserves.

You’re not alone.

At Craver Aeronautics, we’ve helped countless owners who’ve found themselves overwhelmed at this exact point. Our goal is to simplify the process, protect your aircraft, and provide the experience and professionalism the rest of the buying journey often lacks.

What should you look for in a reputable ferry service?
How can you avoid common pitfalls like underinsured flights, last-minute fees, and inexperienced pilots? You need a ferry service that’s not only experienced but also transparent, reliable, and insured properly. Here’s why Craver Aeronautics is different.

Choosing a Reputable Ferry Provider: What to Watch Out For

The sad reality is that not all ferry providers are as reliable as they claim. Some may be “cheaper” or advertise as “fully insured,” but upon closer inspection, it becomes clear they’re not meeting industry standards. One of the most common issues we see is operators relying on renters (non-owners) insurance, which does not cover commercial ferry services. To learn more about this unfortunate scenario, read our article here.

Renters insurance is a policy meant for pilots flying aircraft they don’t own—usually in non-commercial situations, like flight school or rentals. However, when it comes to ferrying aircraft for compensation, this coverage isn’t valid. If something goes wrong during the ferry, your aircraft could be left uninsured.

To understand more about why renters insurance doesn’t work for ferry flights, check out our detailed article on this topic. In short, ferrying requires a specialized approach in the domestic market—one that we follow every time at Craver Aeronautics. We coordinate directly with your insurer to ensure that we’re added as a named pilot on your policy before the ferry begins. This ensures that the aircraft is fully covered during the entire flight—no loopholes, no surprises.

Our Pricing Philosophy: Why We Give Conservative Estimates

A common concern among first-time ferry customers is cost. While it’s natural to want to keep costs as low as possible, cutting corners on ferry pricing can come back to haunt you. Many operators quote low initial prices to win your business but tack on unexpected fees later. These can include costs for:

• Weather delays

• Fuel surcharges

• Overnight stays

• Additional pilot fees

At Craver Aeronautics, we take a different approach. Our goal is to provide clear, conservative price estimates from the start. We carefully factor in:

• Distance

• Weather conditions

• Fuel requirements

• Layovers or delays

Our transparent pricing ensures that you won’t receive any unwanted surprises when the final invoice arrives. You’ll know exactly what to expect—and we will always aim to come in under budget if circumstances change for the better.

Included With Every Ferry: Free Aircraft Transition Training

For many new aircraft owners, one of the most important aspects of ferrying isn’t just getting the plane delivered—it’s getting comfortable flying it. Whether you’ve bought your first plane or upgraded to a more complex aircraft, transitioning into a new plane can be daunting.

That’s why aircraft transition training is included at no additional cost with every ferry we perform.

This isn’t just a quick “check-the-box” training session—it’s an in-depth, thorough familiarization flight that covers:

• Aircraft systems walkthrough

• Preflight checks for your specific aircraft model

• Operational tips and tricks for handling your new plane

• Insurance sign-offs and any necessary flight hours to satisfy your insurer’s requirements

The transition training is part of our daily rate—you won’t see extra charges for training hours, and we’ll make sure you’re confident before flying solo.

What You Can Expect With Craver Aeronautics

When you choose Craver Aeronautics, here’s what you can expect every step of the way:

✅ Upfront Planning

• Route planning optimized for time, safety, and cost

• Fuel stop and overnight logistics planned in advance

• Clear, conservative price estimates with no hidden fees

✅ Professional Coordination

• Named pilot coverage with your insurance provider

• Pre-flight safety checks and maintenance readiness review

• FAA-compliant ferry logs and documentation

✅ In-Flight Communication

• Real-time updates on routing and weather conditions when requested

• Notifications of any delays or detours

• Daily updates for long-distance ferries

✅ Safe Delivery + Training

• Secure handoff of your aircraft upon delivery

• Detailed post-flight debrief and squawk list to answer any questions

• Comprehensive transition training included as part of the daily rate

A Smart Investment in Your Aircraft’s Future

Many aircraft owners are surprised to learn that ferry costs typically range between 1–4% of the aircraft’s total value. For a $200,000 aircraft, that’s between $2,000 and $8,000—a small price to pay to ensure your aircraft arrives safely, legally, and professionally.

The risk of hiring an inexperienced, uninsured, or underinsured ferry service could end up costing you far more in repairs or lost value, not to mention the emotional toll of dealing with potential accidents or delays.

Summary: What Sets Craver Aeronautics Apart

• Transparent, conservative pricing with no surprises

• Industry-standard insurance compliance—we work directly with your insurer

• Experienced, professional pilots who are dedicated to safe ferry operations

• Aircraft transition training included at no additional cost

• Clear communication throughout the ferry process

When you trust someone with your aircraft, you want to be sure they’re treating it with the utmost care and respect. Craver Aeronautics ensures that your new aircraft will arrive safely, securely, and ready for you to enjoy.

Ready to schedule a ferry or ask questions?

Contact Us today or use our Request a Quote to get started.

Bonus Reading:
👉 Why Renters Insurance Doesn’t Cover Aircraft Ferry Flights