FLYING Finance
Whether you are budgeting for a piston single or a light jet, simply enter your target purchase price, expected down payment, and loan term to see your numbers. As a trusted, US-based team serving pilots nationwide, we are ready to help you secure your aircraft loan approval.
How long can you finance a plane?
Most certified aircraft loans run up to 20 years. Lenders cap the term with an age-plus-term rule: the aircraft’s age plus the loan term usually can’t exceed 23–30 years, so older aircraft get shorter terms, often 10–15 years. Turboprops and jets flown under Part 91 can also reach 20 years; Part 135 charter use is capped at 15. Find your term and rate in 4 questions →
Aircraft loan rates are priced as a spread over Treasury benchmarks — not mortgage rates. Today, rates start at 6.39% for certified piston, 6.53% for turboprop and jet aircraft, 7.16% for LSA and MOSAIC, and 7.23% for experimental. Your actual rate depends on aircraft type, loan amount, term, and credit profile. The four biggest drivers: credit score, down payment percentage, aircraft age, and intended use.
Most aircraft loans require 15% down for standard transactions — new or recent certified aircraft, personal use, strong credit profile. Vintage airframes, commercial and charter use, and turbine aircraft over 20 years old typically require 20-25%. Experimental and LSA aircraft generally fall in the 15-20% range. The aircraft's age and intended use matter more than the purchase price. A higher down payment often unlocks a better rate.
Maximum amortization is 20 years for most certified aircraft. Lenders apply an age-plus-term formula: the aircraft's age plus the loan term typically cannot exceed 23-30 years depending on the lender. A 2022 Cirrus SR22 qualifies for a full 20-year term. A 2004 King Air 350 may be capped at 10-12 years with one lender but 15 with another in our network. Shorter terms mean higher monthly payments but less total interest paid.
You might have some questions about financing an aircraft, and thats okay!
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The rate for the loan will be dependent on your credit worthiness. Using our aircraft loan calculator, you’ll be able to adjust the interest rate and amortization to determine what your monthly payment could be.
The short answer is “probably not.” Most banks don’t understand aviation financing or how to underwrite planes. We have access to capital markets that do understand airplanes, and want to get you approved to fly.
Financing an airplane is much closer to financing a home than it is financing a car, an RV, or a boat. The documentation process and underwriting process cause for it to often times be frustrating, but by using our online application and high-touch service, we make the process much more enjoyable.
Using our online aircraft financing application, you can easily find out if you qualify for a loan. Be prepared for any aircraft purchase over $125,000 to provide tax statements, bank statements, and other proof of credit worthiness.
Talk to a specialist
Every aircraft and every buyer is a little different. Tell us how to reach you and a FLYING Finance specialist will follow up to talk through your aircraft, your numbers and your timing.
Prefer to call? (702) 757-1176
Related market data: see aircraft loan rates vs. the 5-year Treasury, piston aircraft transaction index and aircraft market data hub, updated from primary sources.
| Loan amount | 10 years | 15 years | 20 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | $1,161 | $899 | $775 |
| $250,000 | $2,903 | $2,247 | $1,938 |
| $500,000 | $5,805 | $4,494 | $3,876 |
| $1,000,000 | $11,611 | $8,988 | $7,753 |
Principal and interest only, at an illustrative 7.0% fixed rate. Your rate depends on credit, aircraft and term. See today's aircraft financing rates.