I'm not an A&P, and I don't play one on TV. But, this past summer I was contemplating a ferry permit when my alternator was toast. The mechanic at the other airport had a friend who was a DAR, but I would have had to pay him to fly to where I was. The mechanic strongly hinted that the plane was safe to fly and off I went. However, hat was only about 1 1/2 hours in the air, and it was a plane that I know well.
I guess what has to happen is an A&P needs to sign it off as safe for the intended flight and a DAR issues the permit. No passengers are allowed and there are other limitations such as VFR only and no flying over congested areas.
For a flight from Washington to Texas, there's no doubt that I'd get the permit. Good luck!
