How to Finance Flight School

Financing your flight training is one of the biggest hurdles new students come across. There are many factors to consider when determining what financing option will work best for you. Can you make payments while flight training? Can you get a co-signer? Will you need an unsecured loan?

Everyone has different answers to these questions and so the best option varies for each person. To help you figure out which option is best for you, please contact us.

Our Financing Partner -

Stratus Financial was founded by FAA Certificated Flight and Ground Instructors passionate about helping others achieve their aviation dreams.  We know it’s not just about achieving your dreams (because we looked up in the sky every time, we heard an airplane too!), but funding your family’s dreams as well.  That’s why Stratus was created, because with Stratus, the sky is no longer the limit.

Your Aviation Dreams Start Here

You’re not just a number, and it shows with Stratus.  We look beyond the typical FICO scores and look at you as a whole aviator.  We want to set you up for success before you even apply with us! 

We offer exceptional lending packages, including:

• The best rate you’ll get anywhere to go from zero to hero!

• Full financing for your entire flight training and more

• Affordable payment options, including deferment for 12 months while you complete your training AND find a job.

• Pay your loan off any time you want with no consequences or penalties whatsoever.

Stratus Has You Covered For Resources For Your Aviation Career

• Counseling with our team of flight instructors and ground instructors to support you through flight training, check rides and interviews with airlines.

• Resume reviewing, editing, and building

• AMA Phone Calls with Pilots in the 121 and 135 Industry – What It’s like, How They Got Their Job, etc.

We look forward to helping you achieving your aviation dreams and seeing you in the sky!

Additional Financing Options

Secured Loan

For some people, a secured loan may be the best option. A secured loan has relatively low-interest rates and comes in many different forms.

HELOC Loan

If you have more than 20% equity in your home, you may qualify for a home equity line of credit or HELOC. A HELOC is a convenient and often inexpensive way to borrow money. You don’t have to get a HELOC from the company that services your mortgage. You can shop around with any number of lenders. 

401(k) Loan

Technically, 401(k) loans are not true loans, because they do not involve either a lender or an evaluation of your credit history. They are more accurately described as the ability to access a portion of your own retirement plan money. 

Unsecured Loan

For students with limited financing options, the best option may be to take out an unsecured loan. By nature, these loans have higher interest rates than secured loans but do not necessarily require any assets to get approved.

Personal Loan

A personal loan is money you borrow for just about any purpose, including debt consolidation, an unexpected medical bill, a new appliance, a vacation, or even a student loan.

You pay the money back — including interest — in monthly installments over time; usually two to five years. Most personal loans are unsecured, meaning they are not backed by collateral. Learn More