Ep.14: Beyond Standard Ops: Ferry Operators - Operational Realities & Compliance with Matthew Gee
In this episode, we sit down with Matthew Gee — Head of Flight Operations at Six West Aviation and Founder of MG Aviation Consultancy. With Matthew, we explore the unique world of Ferry Operations: their structure, challenges, and the special conditions that set them apart from standard operations. He walks us through the ins and outs of this niche sector, the essential relationship between Airworthiness and Maintenance, the training and skill sets required for ferry pilots and Maintenance Check Flights, and the regulatory framework that governs these activities in Europe.
We also discuss why every ferry project is truly one of a kind — and how two identical aircraft flying the same route can still present completely different operational experiences and challenges. This episode is packed with flight operations insights you won’t want to miss. Enjoy!
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About Matthew Gee
Matthew began his aviation career as a teenager at his local airfield, progressing from aircraft refueling to air traffic control assistance and later to Operations Manager for one of the UK’s largest flight training schools. He went on to work in airline Operations Control before moving into the aircraft leasing sector, where he managed ferry flight services for a major technical services provider. Today, Matthew leads MG Aviation Consultancy, offering aviation auditing, expert witness services, and specialised consultancy. He is a qualified lead and senior auditor, an accredited IBAC IS-BAO (OP, FW, SRQ) and IS-BAH auditor, and a member of both the Expert Witness Institute (MEWI) and the National Expert Witness Agency (MEWA). Chapters
00:00 – Coming up….
01:53 – Intro & How Matthew started in aviation
16:55 – The “Ferry Operator” structure and dynamic: how it differs from standard operations
23:05 – The importance of applicable regulations for ferry operators
27:29 – Working with different CAMOs and maintenance organizations
29:59 –Company pilots, contract pilots, or both - Key differences and challenges
31:40 – Pilot training: NCC, MCF, and Part 91 operations
39:02 – Standard Operating Procedures and contracted pilots
41:40 – OEM requirements, maintenance check flights, and liability
43:43 – The airworthiness–flight operations relationship and information exchange
48:10 – Permits to Fly and Certificates of Airworthiness
53:38 – Ferry operations and maintenance personnel on board
54:58 – The evolution of aircraft transitions
58:23 – Thoughts on the “zero incidents” goal
01:03:57 – MG Aviation Consultancy: services, mission, quality, and audits
01:12:18 – IS-BAO and regulatory audits
01:21:24 – Current issues in aviation
01:24:22 – Advice for aviation professionals
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