Aircraft Financing Guides
Practical guides for piston aircraft buyers and owners — from how loans are priced to title, closing, insurance, taxes and what ownership really costs.
Start here: how aircraft loans work · loan requirements · current rates · advanced guides
Finance Basics
Essential knowledge for understanding aircraft financing
Aircraft Financing 101
Complete beginner's guide to financing your first piston aircraft
Understanding Aircraft Loan Rates
What determines your interest rate and how to get the best deal
Down Payment Strategies
How much to put down and where to find the funds
Loan Terms Explained
Understanding loan duration and monthly payment impacts
Credit Score Requirements
Credit requirements for aircraft loans and improvement tips
First-Time Aircraft Buyer Guide
Everything first-time buyers need to know before financing
Aircraft Loan vs Cash Purchase
Pros and cons of financing versus paying cash
Refinancing Your Aircraft Loan
When and how to refinance for better rates or terms
Co-Signers and Guarantors
Using co-signers to improve loan approval chances
Process & Documentation
Navigate the aircraft purchase and financing process
Pre-Approval Process
How to get pre-approved and start shopping with confidence
Pre-Buy Inspection Checklist
What to look for during a pre-purchase inspection
Aircraft Title and Escrow
Understanding title searches and escrow services
Reading Aircraft Logbooks
How to evaluate maintenance records and logbooks
FAA Registration Guide
Step-by-step guide to registering your aircraft
Aircraft Lien Searches
Protecting yourself with thorough lien searches
Closing Process Explained
What to expect during the final closing
Insurance Requirements
Insurance coverage needed for aircraft financing
Ownership Costs
Understanding and planning for aircraft ownership expenses
Annual Inspection Costs
Budgeting for annual inspections by aircraft type
Engine Overhaul Financing
Planning and financing major engine overhauls
Avionics Upgrade Financing
Financing modern avionics and equipment upgrades
Hangar vs Tie-Down Costs
Comparing storage options and costs
Aircraft Depreciation & Tax
Understanding depreciation and tax benefits
Operating Cost Breakdown
Complete breakdown of aircraft ownership costs
Partnership & Special Topics
Alternative ownership structures and special considerations
Partnership vs Sole Ownership
Pros and cons of shared aircraft ownership
LLC Ownership Structure
Benefits of owning your aircraft through an LLC
MOSAIC & Light-Sport Aircraft Financing
What the 2025–2026 MOSAIC rule changes mean for buying and financing light aircraft
Understanding SMOH and TBO
Engine time metrics and their impact on value
Aircraft Appraisal Guide
How aircraft appraisals work and why they matter
Seasonal Buying Guide
Best times of year to buy and sell aircraft
Reference
Checklists and definitions
Aircraft Loan Requirements (2026)
Credit, down payment, term, aircraft and document requirements in one checklist
Aircraft Financing Glossary
Plain-English definitions of loan, title, tax and maintenance terms
Advanced Guides
In-depth guides on loan structure, taxes, insurance, partnerships and more
Cost of Ownership by Model
Annual and per-hour budgets for 70+ aircraft
Beginner Aircraft Guides
Comprehensive guides for buying your first aircraft, organized by aircraft type
Beginner Guides Hub
Browse all beginner aircraft guides organized by manufacturer and type
Cessna 172 Buyer's Guide
The world's most popular aircraft - perfect for first-time buyers
Piper Archer Buyer's Guide
Stable, economical, and ideal for transitioning pilots
Beechcraft Bonanza Buyer's Guide
Premium single-engine aircraft with excellent performance
Cirrus SR22 Buyer's Guide
Modern composite aircraft with advanced safety features
Diamond DA40 Buyer's Guide
Modern composite family aircraft with exceptional efficiency
Cirrus Vision SF50 Buyer's Guide
The world's first single-engine jet - for experienced pilots
Experimental Aircraft Guides
Kitfox, Vans RV-10, and other homebuilt aircraft options
Want numbers for your specific aircraft?
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Additional Resources
Aircraft Loan Calculators
Use our free calculators to estimate payments, affordability, and more.
Explore Calculators →Aircraft by Manufacturer
Browse loan information for specific Cessna, Piper, Beechcraft, and other aircraft.
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