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How to Finance Your Airplane Dream

Exercise the same level of rigor in finding the right support services as you do the right aircraft.

Traditional aircraft-specific lenders, those dedicated to aviation financing exclusively, understand the market and provide terms that withstand the test of fluctuations in the economy. [Adobe Stock]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Financing a private aircraft is a specialized process, a hybrid of car and home loans but often faster, requiring lenders with specific expertise due to the diverse range of aircraft types.
  • Loan terms, rates, and approval are highly dependent on factors such as the aircraft's age, maintenance history, intended utilization, and the borrower's financial standing.
  • It is crucial for buyers to choose dedicated aircraft-specific lenders over general banks, as they offer specialized market knowledge, longer terms, avoid cross-collateralization, and navigate complex aviation legalities more effectively.
  • Prospective buyers should thoroughly vet lenders by asking detailed questions about all fees, prepayment terms, reporting requirements, and how different usage scenarios (like partnerships or leasebacks) impact the loan.
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Purchasing a private aircraft differs vastly from other big-ticket-item transactions you’ve likely completed, and the differences may surprise you. First, for some context, we’ll discuss private aircraft financing, covering piston singles through light jets—aircraft mostly flown/ operated by the owner.

The private aircraft loan process is best described as a hybrid between buying a car and a house. Aircraft lenders will examine some of the same criteria as a home mortgage lender, including credit and income, but the analysis is generally performed much more quickly than a home mortgage.  Depending on the size of it, an aircraft loan can be approved within a week or two and close as quickly as a few days thereafter.

Jim Blessing

Jim Blessing is president of AirFleet Capital with more than 25 years of aircraft finance experience, specializing in serving clients in the owner-flown piston, turboprop, and light jet segments. He is a pilot and lifetime member of AOPA, EAA, and the Seaplane Pilots Association, and is a prior director and officer of the National Aircraft Finance Association.

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