From the first rivet to the final inspection, Flying Finance provides the capital to turn your garage project aspirations into a high-performance reality.
You built it or bought it kit-built. The lender needs to understand it. EAB aircraft finance at 7.46% — and the documentation that matters most isn't your tax return. It's your build log.
The experimental amateur-built category is the most technically creative segment in general aviation — Van's Aircraft RVs, Zenith CH601/750, Kitfox, Rans, Sling 4 and TSi, Carbon Cub (kit-built), and thousands of one-off custom designs. The aircraft are often as capable as certified counterparts at a fraction of the acquisition cost. The financing conversation is different from every other category, and most of the difference comes down to one thing: the build log.
For a certified aircraft, the FAA airworthiness certificate is the documentation that tells the lender what they're financing. For an EAB aircraft, the build log is that document. If your build log is complete, organized, and signed off correctly, you have a financeable aircraft.
EAB aircraft finance at 7.46% — higher than the 6.46% certified piston rate and the 6.92% LSA rate. The premium reflects the lender's view of experimental aircraft as a distinct collateral category: smaller secondary markets, more variable build quality, and less standardized maintenance history than certified aircraft. None of that means EAB aircraft are bad collateral — it means the documentation quality matters more per dollar of aircraft value than in any other category.
FLYING Finance works with lenders who specialize in EAB transactions and understand the build documentation requirements. We've placed RV-7s, RV-10s, Zenith 750s, Kitfox 7s, Sling TSis, and custom-design experimental aircraft. The documentation package you bring to the application is the most important variable in an EAB financing transaction.
Van's Aircraft RV-7, RV-8, RV-9, RV-10, RV-12, and RV-14 represent the largest EAB community in GA — tens of thousands flying worldwide. Lenders with EAB experience typically know RV aircraft well. The RV-10 (four-seat, ~$180K–$280K) and RV-7 (two-seat, ~$80K–$160K) are the most commonly financed RV types. Build quality varies widely — build log completeness and DAR signoff quality are the key differentiators at underwriting.
Sling Aircraft USA's factory-assist program in Torrance, California produces some of the most thoroughly documented EAB builds available — detailed build logs, factory-sourced components, and consistent inspection history. A factory-assist Sling TSi at $320K–$380K is a premium EAB transaction with documentation quality that approaches certified aircraft. See the Sling page for full details.
CubCrafters offers both S-LSA (factory-built, 6.92%) and EAB (kit-built, 7.46%) Carbon Cub variants. Kit-built Carbon Cubs — typically the EX or EX-3 models — carry experimental certificates and the 7.46% EAB rate. Build documentation quality on CubCrafters kits tends to be strong because the company provides comprehensive assembly guides and customer support. Lenders familiar with CubCrafters kit builds price them appropriately.
Kitfox Series 7, Rans S-21 Outbound, and Zenith CH750 represent the utility EAB segment — short field performance, Rotax or Continental power, and designs optimized for backcountry operations. Market values are lower than RV or Sling ($60K–$150K typical) but these aircraft are very financeable with correct EAB documentation. FLYING Finance has placed Kitfox and Rans transactions and knows the collateral profile.
The more complete your documentation package, the stronger your collateral position and the faster your approval. Missing build log entries are the single most common reason EAB transactions slow down at underwriting.
"EAB financing is about the build documentation as much as the borrower profile. I know what lenders need, what build log gaps cost you, and how avionics drive collateral value on experimental aircraft. Ask me anything."
Looking to buy an experimental or amateur built aircraft?
We understand the resale value of Van’s RV, Zenith, Lancair and other EAB airframes.
In connection with AircraftforSale.com, we actively support resale values by providing necessary comparisons for appraisers.
