Flight Simulator Financing · Full-Motion · Fixed-Base · Frasca · Redbird · Elite
Flight simulators are purpose-built training assets — and they finance like them. Whether you are a flight school acquiring a new Frasca 142 for IFR training or an operator upgrading from a fixed-base to a full-motion device, FLYING Finance structures simulator loans the way aviation lenders think about training equipment.
Equipment we finance
Frasca International has manufactured FAA-approved training devices since 1958. Their AATD and FTD products are among the most lender-familiar simulator collateral in the market.
Redbird Flight Simulations builds some of the most widely deployed FAA-approved training devices in U.S. flight schools. Strong residual value and broad lender familiarity.
Other FAA-approved ATDs and FTDs are financeable on equipment lending terms. Contact us with the specific manufacturer, model, and FAA approval level before applying.
Flight simulator loans are equipment loans, not aircraft loans. Terms differ: shorter maximum amortization, higher minimum credit score, and lender appetite varies significantly by FAA approval category.
How simulator financing works
Lenders distinguish between FAA-approved devices (BATD, AATD, FTD, FFS) and non-approved consumer simulators. Approved devices have documented residual value and a defined resale market among flight schools. Non-approved devices are consumer electronics to a lender. The approval level determines which lenders have appetite and at what terms.
Unlike aircraft, simulators do not have FAA registration numbers. Lenders document the equipment via manufacturer invoice, FAA Letter of Authorization (LOA), and serial number. For used devices, a current LOA or equivalency letter from the manufacturer is required. Confirm your LOA status before applying.
Flight schools financing simulators for their fleet are evaluated on business income and operational revenue. Individual pilots financing home simulators are evaluated on personal income. Both are financeable; the documentation path differs. Contact us to confirm which underwriting track applies to your situation before you apply.
Simulators depreciate faster than aircraft. Maximum terms are typically 5–7 years rather than 20 years. Down payment requirements are higher (20% vs. 15%) because residual value curves down more steeply. Plan for a shorter loan with a higher monthly payment relative to the loan amount compared to an aircraft purchase.
Common questions
Yes. FAA-approved ATDs and FTDs from manufacturers including Frasca and Redbird finance on equipment lending terms through lenders familiar with training device collateral. The key requirement is that the device holds a current FAA Letter of Authorization. Rates start at 6.46% for well-qualified borrowers on devices above $50,000, with terms up to 7 years and 20% minimum down.
No. Individual pilots, partnerships, and independent operators can finance simulators as well as flight schools. The underwriting path differs: flight schools are evaluated on business income and operational revenue, while individual buyers are evaluated on personal income. Both are eligible. Contact us before applying to confirm which documentation track applies to your situation.
Maximum terms on FAA-approved simulator equipment are typically 5–7 years, depending on the device value and lender. This is significantly shorter than aircraft financing (up to 20 years) because simulators depreciate faster than aircraft. A Frasca AATD financed at $150,000 over 7 years at 6.46% produces a monthly payment of approximately $2,230.
The practical minimum is $25,000 for FAA-approved equipment through specialty lenders. Below that, consumer equipment financing or personal loans are more appropriate. Most flight school-grade simulators (Redbird MCX, Frasca 141/142) exceed this threshold. Contact us with the specific device and price before applying.
Yes, with conditions. Used FAA-approved simulators are financeable if they carry a current LOA or equivalency letter. Some lenders require a manufacturer inspection or recertification for older devices. The collateral documentation path for a used simulator is more involved than for new equipment — contact us with the make, model, year, and current LOA status before pursuing a used device.
Avionics and equipment upgrades to existing simulators can sometimes be folded into a refinance of the original equipment loan or structured as a separate equipment loan if the upgrade value is sufficient. Contact us to discuss the specific upgrade, the current loan status, and whether a combined or standalone structure makes more sense for your situation.
Related resources
A simulator investment is rarely standalone — it is usually part of a broader fleet or training platform strategy.
Apply for simulator financing
Simulator & Equipment Financing Application
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[FORM EMBED HERE — preserve existing Gravity Forms or form embed]Amelia · FLYING Finance AI specialist
"Simulator financing is one of the more specialized categories we work in — lender selection, LOA status, and equipment category all matter. Ask me anything about Frasca, Redbird, or any FAA-approved training device."
Whether it is for a flight school operation or charter operation, simulators enhance training even in poor weather.
We Understand Aircraft Simulator Financing.