Piston aircraft loans for purchases, refinances and upgrades
One request, many lenders. Jaken Aviation shops your loan across banks, credit unions and specialty aviation lenders so you can compare real rate, term and down-payment options — not a single take-it-or-leave-it quote.
- Market rates (September 2026)
- 6.99%–9.99%
- Terms (singles)
- Up to 20 yrs
- Down payment
- From 15%
- Pre-qualification
- 1–3 business days
Questions first? (833) 264-7776
Get your aircraft loan options
Free, no-obligation. A financing specialist replies within 1–3 business days.
Prefer to talk? Call (833) 264-7776
Loan programs
| Program | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase loans | Buying a certified single or twin | From 15% down on post-1960 singles; terms up to 20 years |
| Refinance | Lower the rate or payment, shorten the term, exit a balloon | Break-even math matters — closing costs vs monthly savings |
| Cash-out refinance | Owners with equity who want to fund upgrades | Sized from appraised value × lender LTV, minus payoff |
| Engine overhaul & avionics | Financing a major maintenance event or panel | Often done through a cash-out refinance or dedicated loan |
| Twin-engine loans | Seminole, Baron, Seneca, 310 and cabin-class twins | 15–30% down, about 10–15 year terms |
| Experimental & light-sport | Completed E-AB aircraft and LSAs | Fewer lenders; rates typically start a bit higher than certified |
| Partnerships & LLCs | Co-owners financing an aircraft together | LLC borrower with personal guarantees is common |
| Turbine step-ups | Piston owners moving to a turboprop or jet | Jaken Aviation also arranges turboprop and jet financing |
What a typical aircraft loan costs per month
Example: a $250,000 aircraft with 15% down ($37,500) leaves a $212,500 loan. Monthly principal and interest at three rates across the current market range:
| Term | 7.00% APR | 7.75% APR | 9.00% APR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 years (120 mo) | $2,467/mo $83,577 interest | $2,550/mo $93,527 interest | $2,692/mo $110,523 interest |
| 15 years (180 mo) | $1,910/mo $131,302 interest | $2,000/mo $147,538 interest | $2,155/mo $175,457 interest |
| 20 years (240 mo) | $1,648/mo $182,902 interest | $1,745/mo $206,184 interest | $1,912/mo $246,360 interest |
Loan amount $212,500. Principal and interest only; excludes insurance, taxes and fees. Illustrative, not a quote.
Run your own numbers with the loan calculator, or check current rate ranges.
Borrower and aircraft requirements
- Credit: 680+ typical minimum; 720–730+ for the best pricing. Below that, expect more down or a co-borrower.
- Income and reserves: documented income that supports the payment plus ownership costs, and liquid reserves after closing.
- Down payment: 15% (post-1960 singles), 20% (pre-1960), 15–30% (twins).
- The aircraft: airworthy with a current annual, clean FAA title, complete logbooks, airframe under about 10,000 hours, and a satisfactory pre-buy.
- Insurance: hull coverage at least equal to the loan, with the lender named as loss payee.
The full checklist, including documents, is on the aircraft loan requirements page.
Want numbers for your specific aircraft?
Share the aircraft and timeline — a financing specialist will come back with rate, term and down-payment options.
How the process works
- Apply & consult. Tell us the aircraft, the price and your timeline. A specialist reviews your goals with you.
- Get matched. Your request goes out to a national network of banks, credit unions and specialty aviation lenders.
- Underwriting. Your file is packaged and submitted to the best-fit lender, typically 1–2 weeks once there is a purchase agreement.
- Approval & closing. We coordinate lender, escrow and seller through closing — usually 2–4 weeks from application.
Frequently asked questions
How do piston aircraft loans work?
An aircraft loan is a secured installment loan: the lender funds most of the purchase price, records a lien against the aircraft with the FAA, and you repay principal and interest monthly. As of September 2026, lenders publish piston rates of about 6.99%–9.99% APR with terms up to 20 years on singles.
What types of aircraft can be financed?
Most certified piston singles and twins from Cessna, Piper, Beechcraft, Cirrus, Diamond, Mooney and others, plus many completed experimental and light-sport aircraft. The aircraft generally needs to be airworthy with current inspections, clean title, complete logbooks and an airframe under about 10,000 hours.
What is the minimum down payment?
Published guidelines call for about 15% down on single-engine aircraft built after 1960, 20% on older aircraft, and 15–30% on twins. A larger down payment can improve pricing and lowers the monthly payment.
How long does approval take?
Pre-qualification typically takes 1–3 business days. With a signed purchase agreement, underwriting and approval usually take 1–2 weeks, and most transactions close 2–4 weeks from application.
Who makes the loan?
Jaken Aviation, which handles financing requests from this site, is a brokerage — it matches your request with banks, credit unions and specialty aviation lenders in its network. The lender makes the credit decision and funds the loan.
Can I get pre-qualified before choosing an aircraft?
Yes. Pre-qualifying first tells you a realistic price range, down payment and payment, which narrows your search and strengthens your offer.
Jaken Aviation is a loan brokerage, not a direct lender, and does not make credit decisions. All loans are subject to lender credit approval, aircraft eligibility and market conditions. Rates, terms and LTVs shown on this site are illustrative and not a commitment to lend.