AirVenture is where pilots buy aircraft. FLYING Finance is where pilots finance them. Soft pull pre-approval in 2 business days. Rates starting from 6.37% on turboprops and 6.46% on certified piston.
AirVenture is the only place on earth where a pilot walks in looking at airplanes and walks out with a purchase agreement. It happens every year — at the show, at a static display, at a dealer's booth, at a dinner conversation that turns serious. The deals move fast. The financing needs to move faster.
Starting your pre-approval before Oshkosh means you arrive at the show already knowing your number. That changes every conversation you have on the flight line.
FLYING Finance is the aircraft financing operation of Firecrown Media — the same company that publishes FLYING Magazine, AvBuyer, AVweb, Kitplanes, and Plane & Pilot. We're at Oshkosh because our audience is at Oshkosh. If you're planning to make a move this summer, get pre-approved now. There's no cost, no credit impact, and it takes 2 business days on a complete file.
The bonus depreciation clock is ticking: the OBBBA permanently restored 100% bonus depreciation in 2025. Aircraft placed in service by December 31 of your fiscal year qualify. An aircraft you're financing at Oshkosh can be on your books and fully depreciated before year end. Consult your CPA — but don't wait until September to start the process.
Every aircraft category will be represented at AirVenture 2026. Here's how each one finances — rate, down payment, and what the monthly payment looks like at current prices.
Certified piston is the most active financing category at every Oshkosh. A 2020 Cirrus SR22 at $480K finances at $3,032/mo at 15% down, 20 years, 6.46%. A late-model Cessna 182 at $395K is $2,495/mo. Lender competition for certified piston is the highest of any category — if you're looking at a 172, Archer, or SR22, your approval timeline is the shortest on the show floor. Certified piston guide →
Oshkosh is where a lot of piston pilots talk themselves into their first turboprop. A 2022 TBM 940 at $3M is $18,817/mo at 6.37%. A Pilatus PC-12 NGX at $4.5M is $28,226/mo. Engine program enrollment (TBM Maintenance Program, PT6 on wing) is the key collateral factor. Turboprop approvals take 3–5 days — start the process before you walk the static display. Turboprop guide →
The LSA and MOSAIC category will have strong representation at Oshkosh 2026 — MOSAIC's new aircraft certification provisions take effect July 24, 2026, exactly at show week. A CubCrafters Carbon Cub SS at $350K is $2,292/mo at 6.92%. A Bristell RG MOSAIC at $280K is $1,834/mo. S-LSA airworthiness certificate is required for the 6.92% rate. MOSAIC/LSA guide →
Homebuilt Central at Oshkosh is the largest gathering of experimental aircraft on earth. EAB aircraft finance at 7.46%. A completed Van's RV-10 at $200K is $1,365/mo. A factory-assist Sling TSi at $340K is $2,321/mo. Build documentation is the collateral — your build log, DAR letter, and phase 1 completion are what a lender is actually reviewing. EAB/kitplane guide →
Rates as of mid-2026 for qualified borrowers. Your rate is quoted after soft-pull pre-qualification — these are the starting points by category.
15% down, 20-year term at current rates. Illustrative — your rate is quoted after pre-qualification.
| Aircraft | Market price | Down (15%) | Loan | Est. monthly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Cessna 172SP Skyhawk6.46% certified piston | $220,000 | $33,000 | $187,000 | $1,390 |
| 2020 Cirrus SR22 G66.46% certified piston | $480,000 | $72,000 | $408,000 | $3,032 |
| CubCrafters Carbon Cub SS6.92% LSA | $350,000 | $52,500 | $297,500 | $2,292 |
| 2022 Piper M3506.46% certified piston | $1,300,000 | $195,000 | $1,105,000 | $8,213 |
| 2022 TBM 9406.37% turboprop | $3,000,000 | $450,000 | $2,550,000 | $18,817 |
An aircraft bought at Oshkosh in July and placed in service before December 31 qualifies for 100% bonus depreciation in the year of acquisition. The math is compelling.
| Aircraft | Acquisition price | Year-1 deduction | Tax savings @ 37% | After-tax cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cirrus SR22T — business useCertified piston · 6.46% | $700,000 | $700,000 | $259,000 | $441,000 |
| Piper M350 — business useCertified piston · 6.46% | $1,300,000 | $1,300,000 | $481,000 | $819,000 |
| TBM 940 — business useTurboprop · 6.37% | $3,000,000 | $3,000,000 | $1,110,000 | $1,890,000 |
| Pilatus PC-12 NGX — business useTurboprop · 6.37% | $4,500,000 | $4,500,000 | $1,665,000 | $2,835,000 |
The One Big Beautiful Budget Act permanently restored 100% bonus depreciation effective July 4, 2025. An aircraft purchased at Oshkosh in July, financed, and placed in service for its business purpose before December 31 qualifies for the full first-year deduction. "Placed in service" means actively flown for business — not just purchased. Finalize your entity structure before closing, not after. Consult your CPA before the transaction closes.
Start your pre-approval before you leave for Oshkosh. Know your number before you walk the flight line.
FLYING Finance is part of Firecrown Media — publisher of FLYING Magazine, AvBuyer, AVweb, and Kitplanes. These resources are written for the pilot making a purchase decision at or around Oshkosh.
"AirVenture is where pilots make decisions. I'm here to help you make the right one — before you land at Wittman. Ask me about any aircraft, any rate, any timeline."