Can I fly with an expired annual?
Updated · Wingman AeroCare, KFNL
Short answer: No. Under 14 CFR 91.409(a), no person may operate an aircraft unless it has had an annual inspection within the preceding 12 calendar months. There is no grace period for an annual. The only legal way to fly an aircraft with an expired annual is with a special flight permit (ferry permit) issued by the FAA under 14 CFR 21.197, usually to fly it to a place where the inspection can be done.
When exactly does an annual expire?
Annuals run on calendar months. The inspection is good through the last day of the 12th calendar month after the month it was signed off.
| Annual signed off | Last day you may fly |
|---|---|
| March 2, 2026 | March 31, 2027 |
| March 29, 2026 | March 31, 2027 |
| November 15, 2026 | November 30, 2027 |
Look for the date in the most recent airframe logbook entry that certifies an annual inspection under 14 CFR 43.11. A 100-hour inspection does not count; only an annual (or an inspection for the issuance of an airworthiness certificate) satisfies 91.409(a).
Is there any grace period?
Not for the annual. The 10-hour overfly allowance in 14 CFR 91.409(b) applies only to 100-hour inspections, and only to reach a place where the inspection can be done. Owners sometimes confuse the two.
How do I get a special flight permit?
A special flight permit allows an aircraft that may not currently meet applicable airworthiness requirements, but is capable of safe flight, to be flown for specific purposes. One of those purposes under 14 CFR 21.197(a)(1) is flying to a base where repairs, alterations, or maintenance are to be performed.
The general process:
- Contact the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) responsible for where the aircraft is located.
- Apply using FAA Form 8130-6, describing the purpose, route, crew, and any operating limitations.
- Usually, a certificated mechanic inspects the aircraft and makes a logbook entry stating it is safe for the intended flight.
- The FAA issues the permit with any conditions, such as day VFR only, no passengers, or a specific route.
Plan ahead. Permits take time, and the FSDO decides whether to issue one.
What are the consequences of flying with an expired annual?
- Enforcement risk. Operating contrary to 91.409(a) can lead to FAA enforcement action against the pilot, which can include certificate action and civil penalties.
- Insurance. Many aircraft insurance policies require the aircraft to have a current airworthiness status. A claim from a flight with an expired annual may be denied. Read your policy.
- Pilot responsibility. Flying without a current annual violates 91.409(a) no matter how good the aircraft looks, and under 14 CFR 91.7(b) the pilot in command is responsible for determining whether the aircraft is in condition for safe flight.
What about an aircraft that has been sitting for years?
An aircraft that has been parked with an expired annual is legal to keep, just not to fly. Bringing it back into service means a full annual, and long-idle aircraft often need more than a routine inspection: corrosion inside engine cylinders, deteriorated fuel and oil hoses, dried seals, old tires, and expired batteries are common. If the aircraft has been inactive for a long time, expect the first annual to cost more than usual, and consider a borescope inspection and engine evaluation. See what a borescope inspection shows.
How do I avoid letting it lapse?
- Put the due date on your calendar with a reminder two months ahead.
- Book your annual several weeks before it is due, especially in spring.
- If you use a maintenance tracking service or managed program, have them track the annual alongside ADs and other recurring items.
How Wingman handles it
Wingman AeroCare at Northern Colorado Regional Airport (KFNL) performs annual inspections with an A&P mechanic holding Inspection Authorization doing the inspection and the sign-off. Annuals are typically booked a few weeks ahead, so call (970) 292-0719 for the next open slot before your due date. Our Managed Maintenance Program adds scheduling and AD/SB tracking to the tail number so due dates do not slip. If your annual has already expired, contact us and we will talk through the options for getting your aircraft inspected.