Rates reviewed September 27, 2026
Aircraft loan rates, September 2026
Published piston aircraft loan rates are about 6.99%–9.99% APR. Benchmarks moved up this month: the Fed raised rates on September 16, 2026 and Prime is now 7.00%.
Published rate ranges
| Source | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AOPA Aviation Finance — piston aircraft | 6.99%–9.99% | Published range for piston aircraft loans |
| FLYING Finance — certified piston | from 7.01% | Starting rate, updated Sept 21, 2026 |
| FLYING Finance — MOSAIC light-sport | from 7.71% | Starting rate, updated Sept 21, 2026 |
| FLYING Finance — experimental / kit | from 7.78% | Starting rate, updated Sept 21, 2026 |
Where your file is likely to price
These bands are illustrative — our reading of where common borrower profiles fall inside the published range, not a lender's rate sheet.
≈7.0%–7.75%
Strongest files
- • Credit 730+
- • 20%+ down
- • Newer, popular certified single
- • Loan size well above minimums
≈7.75%–8.75%
Typical qualified buyers
- • Credit 700–730
- • 15–20% down
- • Mainstream single, complete logs
- • Standard 15–20 year term
≈8.75%–10%+
Higher-risk profiles
- • Credit 680–700 or thin file
- • Older aircraft, twins, experimentals
- • Small loans or long terms
- • Higher LTV
Monthly payments at today's rates
A $250,000 aircraft with 15% down ($37,500) leaves a $212,500 loan. Computed payments (principal and interest):
| Term | 7.00% APR | 7.75% APR | 8.50% APR | 9.50% APR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 years (120 mo) | $2,467/mo $83,577 interest | $2,550/mo $93,527 interest | $2,635/mo $103,664 interest | $2,750/mo $117,464 interest |
| 15 years (180 mo) | $1,910/mo $131,302 interest | $2,000/mo $147,538 interest | $2,093/mo $164,163 interest | $2,219/mo $186,916 interest |
| 20 years (240 mo) | $1,648/mo $182,902 interest | $1,745/mo $206,184 interest | $1,844/mo $230,090 interest | $1,981/mo $262,887 interest |
Loan amount $212,500. Principal and interest only; excludes insurance, taxes and fees. Illustrative, not a quote.
Need a different amount? Use the loan calculator. Want to know what drives these numbers? Read how aircraft loan rates work and 8 ways to lower your rate.
What moves your rate
- Credit score: 680 floor; best pricing around 720–730+.
- Down payment / LTV: more equity lowers lender risk.
- Aircraft: age, type (single vs twin vs experimental), records and marketability.
- Loan size and term: very small loans and the longest terms can price higher.
- Benchmarks: fixed rates track Treasury yields; variable rates usually float over Prime.
The only way to know your rate is to price your actual file with lenders. That's what the form here does — no credit check to submit.
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Aircraft loan rate FAQs
What are aircraft loan rates right now?
As of September 2026, published piston aircraft loan rates run about 6.99%–9.99% APR (AOPA Aviation Finance), with FLYING Finance quoting certified piston loans from 7.01%. Your rate depends on credit, down payment, loan size, term and the aircraft.
Did aircraft loan rates go up in 2026?
Yes. The Federal Reserve raised its target range to 3.75%–4.00% on September 16, 2026, the first increase since 2023, and the Prime Rate moved to 7.00%. Earlier in 2026 some lenders quoted rates in the low 6% range; that is no longer typical.
How much does half a percentage point change my payment?
On a $212,500 loan over 20 years, the difference between 7.75% and 8.25% is about $66 per month, or roughly $15,870 over the life of the loan.
Are aircraft loan rates fixed or variable?
Most piston aircraft loans are fixed-rate and fully amortizing. Some lenders offer variable or adjustable structures, usually priced off Prime; those can start lower but carry rate risk. See the fixed vs variable guide for scenarios.
What credit score gets the best aircraft loan rate?
Most aviation lenders want 680+, and the best pricing typically starts around 720–730+. One lender publishes a tier below 730 priced at its base rate plus 2 points, which shows how much credit tier matters.
How often are these rates updated?
This page was last reviewed on September 27, 2026. Rates move with benchmarks and lender appetite, so treat these ranges as a starting point and get a current quote for your specific aircraft.
Sources: Federal Reserve (Sept 16, 2026), AOPA Aviation Finance, FLYING Finance, FRED 10-year Treasury. Rates are illustrative, not a quote or commitment to lend.
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