Mission Details
Ten detailed aircraft ferry case studies
These longer case studies show how aircraft category, route environment, timing, documentation, weather, and handoff requirements can change the planning approach from one ferry mission to the next.
Case Study 1
Transatlantic Phenom 300 Delivery
Client: Henrik — Oslo, Norway
Aircraft: Embraer Phenom 300E (light business jet)
Route: From the U.S. delivery center in Melbourne, Florida, to Oslo Gardermoen Airport (ENGM), via stops in Newfoundland, Iceland, and Scotland.
Mission type: International / cross-border
Planning profile
Henrik purchased this high-performance jet for European corporate travel. We managed extensive international coordination including export certificates, EASA compliance, overwater survival equipment verification, and North Atlantic Tracks planning. The multi-day journey started with a red-eye departure to align with favorable winds. We dealt with icing risks near Greenland by precise altitude management and used the Phenom’s advanced anti-ice systems. Fuel planning was critical for the long legs; real-time satellite weather helped us optimize. The aircraft arrived in pristine condition with full documentation for Norwegian registration.
Client response
“AFS turned what could have been an overwhelming transatlantic delivery into a smooth, professional experience. Their detailed planning, constant updates, and expertise with oceanic routing gave us complete confidence. The jet performed flawlessly upon arrival, and I was able to put it into service immediately. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them for any complex international move—they truly treat your aircraft as their own.”— Henrik L.
What similar clients should prepare
- Oceanic routing expectations, desired delivery window, and acceptable technical-stop plan
- Export/import paperwork status, registration transition timeline, and receiving-party contacts
- Survival equipment, oxygen, anti-ice, avionics, and long-leg performance considerations
- Insurance territory confirmation and pilot/crew approval requirements for international operation
- Crew-rest, handler, customs, and fuel coordination preferences for each planned stop
- Post-arrival documentation, registration, and aircraft acceptance instructions
Case Study 2
Post-Purchase Delivery: Daher TBM 910 Turboprop
Client: Alexander — Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Aircraft: Daher TBM 910 (single-engine turboprop)
Route: From the delivery center in Vero Beach, Florida, to Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) with stops in Nashville and Denver.
Mission type: Post-purchase / broker delivery
Planning profile
Alexander, an experienced turbine pilot, purchased his new TBM 910 for mountain operations. We conducted a thorough factory handover, verifying the Garmin G3000 avionics, autopilot modes, and bleed-air systems. The 1,800+ NM multi-day journey required careful high-altitude planning and oxygen system checks. We navigated a strong jet stream on the second leg, adjusting altitudes for optimal true airspeed and fuel burn. A minor squawk on the environmental control system was resolved quickly with manufacturer guidance during our Denver stop. The aircraft arrived impeccably prepared, with full documentation and a detailed post-flight report.
Client response
“The expertise in turbine transitions and mountain routing made this delivery better than I could have managed solo. AFS is the gold standard.”— Alexander P.
What similar clients should prepare
- Factory or seller handover contact, delivery packet, aircraft documents, and discrepancy list
- Turbine transition expectations, avionics configuration, oxygen, pressurization, and bleed-air notes
- Mountain destination considerations, airport elevation, hangar access, and arrival timing preferences
- Insurance named-pilot or turbine-experience requirements before the delivery window
- Fuel, weather, and altitude preferences for long cross-country legs
- Detailed receiving instructions for keys, logs, fuel status, and post-flight reporting
Case Study 3
South American Maintenance Ferry: Beechcraft King Air 250
Client: Diego — Santiago, Chile
Aircraft: Beechcraft King Air 250
Route: Round-trip from Santiago to a specialized shop in São Paulo, Brazil.
Mission type: International / cross-border
Planning profile
Diego required avionics and engine work on his King Air. We managed Mercosur permits, cross-border insurance, and mountainous terrain routing over the Andes. Southbound legs used known mountain passes with careful performance calculations. We encountered seasonal winds and adjusted accordingly. Both deliveries included thorough pre- and post-maintenance checks.
Client response
“Navigating South American airspace and paperwork is complex, but AFS managed it all seamlessly. Their attention to weather, permits, and aircraft condition minimized risks and downtime. The King Air returned better than ever, and their updates kept me fully informed. Truly reliable partners for international operations.”— Diego M.
What similar clients should prepare
- Shop work scope, release timing, inspection status, and post-maintenance discrepancy notes
- Border crossing expectations, permits, customs contacts, and insurance territory confirmation
- Mountain route preferences, alternates, fuel-stop strategy, and weather sensitivity
- Systems or avionics changes made during maintenance that affect the return flight
- Owner, shop, and receiving-party contact roles for both outbound and return legs
- Any required handoff reports, logbook entries, or maintenance documents to transfer
Case Study 4
Emergency Repositioning: Diamond DA62
Client: Natalie — Raleigh, North Carolina
Aircraft: Diamond DA62 (twin diesel)
Route: From Raleigh-Durham (RDU) to a specialized engine shop in Cincinnati, then return after urgent repairs.
Mission type: Maintenance / recovery repositioning
Planning profile
Natalie faced an unexpected prop strike incident requiring immediate ferry. We mobilized quickly, arranged insurance coordination, and planned the trip with extra safety margins. The DA62’s efficient diesel engines performed flawlessly on both legs. We managed busy Class B airspace around multiple cities with professional radio work. The return flight included post-repair systems validation.
Client response
“Rapid response during a stressful time. They minimized downtime and kept everything transparent.”— Natalie W.
What similar clients should prepare
- Urgent maintenance-shop contact, engine or propeller issue summary, and aircraft movement approval status
- Insurance claim or insurer coordination contact if the repositioning is tied to a damage event
- Any operating limitations, maintenance notes, or conservative route restrictions for the aircraft
- Desired downtime limits and whether timing is urgent, flexible, or dependent on shop availability
- Pickup and return handoff contacts, keys, parking, and hangar access instructions
- Post-repair systems validation expectations and what should be reported after the return leg
Case Study 5
Complex Multi-Leg International: Pilatus PC-12 NGX
Client: Sophia — Nassau, Bahamas
Aircraft: Pilatus PC-12 NGX (single-engine turboprop)
Route: From a U.S.
Mission type: International / cross-border
Planning profile
dealer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Nassau International with overwater legs. Sophia purchased the PC-12 for island-hopping and island operations. We handled Bahamas import paperwork, ditching equipment verification, and life raft installation. The mission included precise fuel planning for the overwater segments and coordination with ATC for the Windward Passage route. Minor adjustments for tropical moisture and convective activity kept the flight smooth. The aircraft was delivered with a full pre-buy style inspection report and operational familiarization.
Client response
“Expertise with island operations and overwater safety gave us complete peace of mind. Exceptional service.”— Sophia L.
What similar clients should prepare
- Overwater equipment status, life raft/ditching gear expectations, and aircraft equipment list
- Island import, customs, permit, handler, and arrival coordination contacts
- Fuel planning assumptions, alternates, reserves, and acceptable route options
- Convective-weather timing preferences and flexibility around tropical systems
- Insurance territory, pilot approval, and any special operating requirements for the region
- Receiving-party instructions for documents, aircraft security, and operational familiarization
Case Study 6
Domestic High-Altitude: Lancair Legacy
Client: Marcus — Denver, Colorado
Aircraft: Lancair Legacy (experimental high-performance)
Route: From a builder in California to Denver’s high-elevation airport.
Mission type: Aircraft ferry / repositioning
Planning profile
Marcus needed support for his fast experimental. We reviewed builder logs, performance data, and density altitude operations. The western mountain crossing used favorable winds but required vigilant monitoring. Owner-assist elements included owner familiarization.
Client response
“AFS understood the nuances of experimental aircraft and high-altitude flying perfectly. Their thorough preparation and supportive approach made the delivery educational and safe. The Legacy performs beautifully at home. Excellent service overall.”— Marcus C.
What similar clients should prepare
- Builder logs, operating limitations, performance data, and experimental-aircraft documentation
- High-density-altitude destination information and any owner experience goals for the trip
- Avionics, EFIS, autopilot, engine-monitoring, and fuel-management details specific to the aircraft
- Insurance requirements for experimental aircraft and any pilot-qualification limitations
- Terrain, weather, fuel-stop, and runway suitability considerations for the western route
- Post-arrival tie-down, hangar, and aircraft-care preferences at the new base
Case Study 7
Post-Purchase Delivery: Cirrus SR22T
Client: Michael — Scottsdale, Arizona
Aircraft: Cirrus SR22T (turbocharged piston single)
Route: From the factory in Duluth, Minnesota, to Scottsdale, AZ (with a stop in Oklahoma City).
Mission type: Post-purchase / broker delivery
Planning profile
We handled the post-purchase delivery after Michael bought his new SR22T. Comprehensive pre-flight review included verifying the Garmin Perspective+ avionics suite, oxygen system, and parachute system. Weather planning involved monitoring a developing low-pressure system over the Midwest. The 1,200+ NM journey took two days with smooth legs. We managed a minor alternator indication issue with proactive troubleshooting at our stop. Michael was thrilled with the aircraft arriving in perfect condition, fully fueled and detailed.
Client response
“AFS made my first aircraft purchase seamless. The detailed updates and professionalism gave me total confidence.”— Michael R.
What similar clients should prepare
- Factory delivery or seller handoff contact, aircraft acceptance documents, and delivery timing
- Avionics, oxygen, CAPS/parachute system, and equipment notes relevant to the ferry
- Weather flexibility for Midwest or cross-country systems that may affect schedule
- Fuel-stop preferences and destination handoff requirements
- Insurance approval or pilot information needed before departure
- Post-arrival expectations for fuel status, aircraft condition, detailing, and document transfer
Case Study 8
Maintenance Repositioning: Beechcraft King Air 350i
Client: Patricia — Calgary, Alberta
Aircraft: Beechcraft King Air 350i (twin turboprop)
Route: Round-trip from Calgary International (YYC) to a specialized avionics shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Mission type: Maintenance / recovery repositioning
Planning profile
Patricia needed her corporate King Air ferried for Pro Line Fusion upgrades and hot-section inspection. We coordinated tightly with the Canadian and U.S. authorities for border crossings and arranged de-icing support for the winter departure. The southbound leg benefited from tailwinds, while the return faced icing conditions—we elected to climb above the freezing level and used the aircraft's excellent anti-ice systems effectively. Both deliveries included comprehensive systems testing and logbook endorsements. The King Air returned with enhanced capabilities for Patricia's executive team.
Client response
“Professional coordination across borders and through harsh winter weather exceeded expectations. My aircraft felt brand new again.”— Patricia K.
What similar clients should prepare
- Corporate aircraft authorization, crew/pilot approval requirements, and insurance territory details
- Shop work scope, avionics upgrade notes, inspection status, and return-to-service timing
- Winter operations planning, de-ice availability, anti-ice system status, and airport support
- Canadian/U.S. border coordination, customs contacts, and document readiness
- Executive team schedule sensitivity and acceptable delivery windows
- Handoff contacts for logs, aircraft security, fuel status, and post-maintenance reporting
Case Study 9
Alaskan Bush Repositioning: De Havilland Beaver
Client: Thomas — Anchorage, Alaska
Aircraft: De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver (amphibious)
Route: From a restoration facility in Vancouver, Canada, to a remote bush base near Anchorage.
Mission type: Aircraft ferry / repositioning
Planning profile
Thomas’s classic Beaver needed gentle ferry after float and engine upgrades. We focused on tailwheel/short-field proficiency and remote survival gear. The coastal route involved precise weather timing to avoid coastal fog and turbulence. We coordinated Canadian and U.S. border procedures smoothly. The aircraft was delivered with notes on local operating quirks.
Client response
“AFS respected the heritage of this Beaver while applying modern safety standards. Their knowledge of Alaskan and Canadian bush flying was evident throughout. Communication was frequent and clear, and the plane arrived ready for rugged use. I highly recommend them for specialized, high-stakes moves.”— Thomas E.
What similar clients should prepare
- Float or amphibious configuration details, restoration work summary, and aircraft limitations
- Remote-area routing expectations, survival equipment, and weather minimum preferences
- Canadian and U.S. border coordination contacts and destination bush-base instructions
- Tailwheel, short-field, or vintage-aircraft handling considerations that affect pilot fit
- Fuel, coastal-weather, alternate, and diversion planning assumptions
- Owner notes about aircraft quirks, storage, tie-down, water operations, or local procedures
Case Study 10
Global Epic: TBM 960 to New Zealand
Client: Liam — Auckland, New Zealand
Aircraft: Daher TBM 960
Route: Extensive Pacific delivery from Florida with multiple island and Australian stops.
Mission type: International / cross-border
Planning profile
Liam’s new TBM required world-class planning for the longest legs. We managed all permits and fatigue protocols.
Client response
“AFS orchestrated a true global delivery with unmatched professionalism. Every detail—from fuel to permits to updates—was perfect. The TBM arrived ready for New Zealand skies. We are grateful for their world-class service.”— Liam K.
What similar clients should prepare
- Long-range ferry configuration, fuel-system modifications, and performance planning details
- Multi-country permit, customs, handler, and import coordination timeline
- Crew-rest, fatigue-management, and technical-stop preferences for the global route
- Survival equipment, overwater planning, satellite tracking, and communication expectations
- Insurance territory and pilot approval requirements across all planned countries
- Final delivery, registration, document transfer, and New Zealand receiving-party instructions
