Cost to ferry VFR RV-6 from CA to IN ?

[cfiidon]

In my past commercial endeavors, I have always been amazed at what people expect to pay. If you can find someone who is a private pilot and wants to do something for fun, then by all means go that way.

If you want to hire someone who is a professional pilot, then be prepared to pay for that service. A day rate of $250 plus expenses is well within the boundaries of fair and reasonable.

Think of what it takes to achieve the level of competence you are contracting for the person to do, while being at some risk and away from home.

Now, the four to five day estimate is a little high, but not absurd, just cautious.

My 2 cents...

Don

[SuperDave]

PM me or call me at eight one three six eight four three three eight six and I might be able to make you an offer you can't refuse.

[Stdlibelle]

Quite a few things that I haven't thought of have been brought up. Never would have thought to ask about the insurance.

[Stdlibelle]

Originally Posted by cfiidon

In my past commercial endeavors, I have always been amazed at what people expect to pay. If you can find someone who is a private pilot and wants to do something for fun, then by all means go that way.

If you want to hire someone who is a professional pilot, then be prepared to pay for that service. A day rate of $250 plus expenses is well within the boundaries of fair and reasonable.

Think of what it takes to achieve the level of competence you are contracting for the person to do, while being at some risk and away from home.

Now, the four to five day estimate is a little high, but not absurd, just cautious.

My 2 cents...

Don

I agree the rate of $250 a day is very reasonable. Just four to five days seemed high. I drove the distance in 1979 when the speed limit was an enforced 55 mph and made it in under 3 days

[BobTurner]

As others have said,
1. To do it right the pilot needs at least a commercial license and second class medical;
2. Talk with your insurance agent.

[rjbob]

I have a business ferrying aircraft.
$250/day + expenses is about half what a professional pilot will charge.
I require the plane have at least liability insurance with a hold-harmless contract. But hull insurance is highly recommended. I am known at several insurance companies.

As an RV owner, I reduce my rate...California to Indiana would normally be a 2 day fee (1 day flying + 1 day traveling)

But for a fellow RV owner, I would flat rate it to one day. I keep my 7 in Phoenix in the Winter so I'll already be in the Lower 48. The only exception to this rate would be if through no fault of mine, a mechanical malfunction waylays me for an extended time...and even then I would reduce my rate for RVers.

Over 150 planes ferried with references.
Good luck,
Bob

[Dbro172]

I just flew my RV-9A from San Diego, CA to Moorhead, MN in early February. It cost me about $650, which included two nights in motels (one due to weather) it was 12 hours in the air over a 48 hour period. Great memorable trip.

[cfiidon]

Ken,

I wasn't chastising you personally for seeking the best deal. Everyone wants to understand the market and get the best deal.

If you hire a professional pilot, expect to add him/her to your insurance coverage. Most agencies will do that. However, most people don't understand that your insurance will cover YOU when someone authorized is flying your airplane. If something happens they will cover YOU, and then turn around and seek damages from the authorized pilot. Subrogation is the term.

If I were to fly your aircraft, I would want to be a NAMED INSURED on your policy. That way we are both entitled to insurance protection should something happen.

An insurance expert on the forum may chime in and correct me if I'm wrong. I have personal knowledge of an instructor offering a BFR for a customer in an Arrow. The pilot landed a wee bit short of a runway during the BFR having performed an unexpected move. The insurance company paid for the damage, and then sued the instructor for the cost. They lost, but the cost to defend was huge.

Do ferry pilots carry insurance? I think it would be hugely expensive to do so. Maybe a ferry pilot will chime in and let us know.

I apologize in advance for the thread drift...

Don

[BobTurner]

Originally Posted by cfiidon

Ken,


If you hire a professional pilot, expect to add him/her to your insurance coverage. Most agencies will do that. However, most people don't understand that your insurance will cover YOU when someone authorized is flying your airplane. If something happens they will cover YOU, and then turn around and seek damages from the authorized pilot. Subrogation is the term.

If I were to fly your aircraft, I would want to be a NAMED INSURED on your policy. That way we are both entitled to insurance protection should something happen.


Don

This is exactly correct. A post above mentioned a "hold harmless" contract. Unless the ferry pilot is a named insured (NOT flying under an "open pilot" clause) such a contract will invalidate most insurance policies, which typically require that you do nothing to prevent the insurance company from recovering their loss.
The cost to add an experienced pilot as a named insured is usually not much.
Talk to your agent, get it in writing!

[Nickb145]

Where in california is the RV6? I am from the SFO area and I would say a reasonable charge is $250/day since I have my commercial certificate.


I have almost 90hrs flying our RV8! I'm Instrument current as well.