Last reviewed: October 2026 · Flight Permit Guides
Short answer
A special flight permit allows an aircraft to fly when it does not fully meet normal airworthiness rules, but is still safe for a specific flight. The classic case is a ferry flight to a maintenance base. It is often called a “ferry permit”. In some African countries the term is also used loosely for unusual flights, such as medevac, survey or state flights, that need extra approval.
Two meanings to keep apart
| Meaning | What it covers | Who usually issues it |
|---|---|---|
| Airworthiness special flight permit | Ferry to maintenance, delivery, export, flight test or evacuation from danger when the aircraft is not fully airworthy | The state of registry’s aviation authority |
| Special-purpose flight approval | Medevac, humanitarian, survey, photography, dangerous goods, state or diplomatic flights | The aviation authority of each country flown into or over, sometimes with other government bodies |
Tell your coordinator which one you mean. Using the wrong term causes delays.
When does an aircraft need one?
- Ferrying an aircraft with an open defect to a maintenance base
- Flying an aircraft with an expired inspection to where it can be done
- Delivery or export flights before full certification
- Moving an aircraft away from danger, such as a storm or unrest
- Flights with extra fuel tanks or above normal weight for a ferry
A special flight permit is not a landing permit
The special flight permit deals with the aircraft’s condition. You still need landing and overflight permits for each country on the route. Some countries ask to see the special flight permit before they approve their own permit. Plan both together.
Read overflight vs landing permits in Africa for the difference between those two.
What to send
- Aircraft type, registration and serial number
- Reason for the flight and the defect or limit involved
- Engineering statement that the aircraft is safe for the flight
- Route, dates and crew details. Normally only essential crew fly.
- Registration, insurance and any existing airworthiness documents
Typical conditions
Special flight permits often limit the flight. Common conditions include no passengers, day flights only, set weather limits and a fixed route. Read the conditions before you plan the flight.
How AAES helps
AAES coordinates the country permits that go with a special flight, and checks what each authority needs to see. See our special flight permits service, landing permits and overflight permits.
FAQs: special flight permits
What is a special flight permit?
It allows an aircraft that does not fully meet airworthiness rules to make a specific safe flight, such as a ferry to maintenance.
Is a special flight permit the same as a ferry permit?
Often, yes. “Ferry permit” is a common name for the same approval.
Who issues a special flight permit?
Usually the aviation authority of the country where the aircraft is registered.
Do I still need landing and overflight permits?
Yes. Each country on the route still needs its own permit.
Can passengers fly on a special flight permit?
Usually not. Most permits allow essential crew only. Check the permit conditions.
Need 24/7 flight support in Kenya or across Africa?
AAES supports permits, flight planning, dispatch, Jet A-1 fuel coordination, ground handling, cargo support and concierge services.
Email: sales@aaes.aero
Phone: +254 725 284 509