Financing Your Training
Several aviation specific lenders and funding programs are available to help you pay for your training. Explore your options and find the right fit for your situation.
The Return on Investment Speaks for Itself
A professional pilot career offers one of the best returns on investment of any top tier profession. Unlike most careers where student loans take many years to repay, most professional pilots entering the airlines can pay off their full training investment within two years.
The total cost of training from zero experience to airline ready typically ranges from $80,000 to about $125,000. Once at the airlines, regional first officers now earn $85,000 or more in their first year, and the median airline pilot salary reaches $226,600 per year.
AeroStar does not endorse or guarantee any specific lender. The financing options listed on this page are third party providers that offer aviation specific loan products. We encourage you to research each option, compare terms, and choose the one that best fits your financial situation.
Aviation Financing Options
The following lenders offer loan products designed specifically for flight training. AeroStar provides these as referral options for your consideration.
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
- Line of credit up to $100,000
- No down payment required
- No loan minimum
- 24 to 84 month repayment terms
- 1 business day decision
- 2 to 3 business days to funding
- Can be used for any certificate or type rating
- Interest accrues only on the amount advanced
- Minimal paperwork
- Foreign students eligible (case by case)
A flexible line of credit, not a traditional student loan. Pay the school directly as you progress through each certificate.
Founded by FAA Certified Instructors
- Full financing for entire flight training
- Up to 100% of training cost
- 12 month deferment option while training and job searching
- No prepayment penalties
- Looks beyond FICO scores
- Soft credit pull initially
- Underwriting within 1 to 2 hours
- Funding within 3 business days
- Part 61 and Part 141 eligible
- Counseling support through training, checkrides, and airline interviews
Designed by pilots for pilots. Includes mentoring from flight instructors and airline pilot career support throughout the training process.
We Fly Aviation Lending Program
- Fixed rate line of credit
- $5,000 to $30,000
- Online access to transfer funds to your account
- Can be used at any flight school
- Not a student loan, more flexible
- Applications processed within 24 hours
- $299 processing fee (can be paid from loan proceeds)
- South Florida based credit union
A straightforward fixed rate line of credit. Transfer funds to your checking account online and pay the flight school directly as you train.
Other Ways to Fund Your Training
Beyond third party lenders, several assistance programs and payment options may be available to you.
- GI Bill
AeroStar’s Part 141 Instrument, Commercial, and CFI courses are GI Bill approved. The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers up to $17,097 per academic year for vocational flight training. Note that the GI Bill does not cover Private Pilot training at vocational schools. You must already hold a Private Pilot License to use GI Bill benefits for advanced ratings. Contact AeroStar admissions to confirm eligibility for your specific course.
- Veterans Assistance
VA funding programs available for qualifying veterans. Contact AeroStar admissions to confirm eligibility for your specific course.
- Career Source
Work Improvement Act funding through Career Source may be available for eligible students. Contact your local Career Source office for details.
- College Financial Aid
Financial aid may be available through approved colleges and universities for students enrolled in degree programs with flight training components.
- AeroStar Installment Plans
AeroStar offers tuition installment plans. Full tuition must be paid prior to scheduling simulator dates and sessions.
- AOPA Scholarships
The AOPA Foundation awards over $1 million in scholarships annually, ranging from $2,500 to $14,000. Available for primary certificates, advanced ratings, and more. AOPA membership required. Apply at AOPA.org
Accepted Payment Methods
AeroStar accepts multiple payment methods for tuition and fees. Installment plans are available to help manage costs over the course of your training.
- Credit card
- Money order
- Cashier's check
- Wire transfer
*Cash and personal checks are not accepted.
Installment Plans
Tuition payments can be made in installments provided full tuition is paid prior to scheduling simulator dates and time.
This allows you to spread payments across the duration of your training while ensuring your simulator sessions are locked in when you are ready for them.
Contact admissions to discuss a payment schedule that works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I finance my entire training from zero to airline?
It depends on the lender. AOPA Finance offers a line of credit up to $100,000 that can be used for any certificate or type rating. Stratus Financial also offers full financing for entire training programs. We Florida Financial caps at $30,000, which may cover individual certificates but not a full zero to airline program. Compare each option based on the total cost of the training path you are planning.
Do I need a co-signer?
It depends on your credit profile and income. Each lender evaluates applicants individually. Stratus Financial looks beyond traditional FICO scores and considers your overall profile as an aviator. AOPA Finance reviews credit history, income, and total unsecured debt. A co-signer may improve your approval chances and potentially secure better terms with any lender.
Can international students get financing?
AOPA Finance states that foreign students are eligible to apply, though each loan is reviewed on a case by case basis and the loan term cannot exceed the length of the student visa. Other lenders may have different eligibility requirements for non-U.S. citizens. Contact each lender directly to confirm your eligibility before applying.
What is the difference between a loan and a line of credit?
A loan provides a fixed amount upfront that you repay over a set term. A line of credit gives you access to a pool of funds that you can draw from as needed. With a line of credit, you only pay interest on the amount you have actually used, not the total amount available. Both AOPA Finance and We Florida Financial offer lines of credit, which can be advantageous for flight training since costs are spread over time as you progress through each course.
Does AeroStar offer its own financing?
AeroStar offers tuition installment plans that allow you to spread payments over the course of your training. Full tuition must be paid before simulator sessions are scheduled. AeroStar does not offer its own loan products. The lenders listed on this page are independent third party financing providers offered as referral options.
Can I use financing for type rating courses?
AOPA Finance states their line of credit can be used for any flight training school or program, including type ratings. Stratus Financial supports Part 61 and Part 141 training programs. We Florida Financial’s line of credit can be used at any flight school. Confirm specific type rating eligibility directly with each lender before applying.
Can I defer payments while I am training?
Stratus Financial offers a 12 month deferment option that covers your training period and initial job search. AOPA Finance charges interest monthly on the amount advanced, but the repayment structure is based on the term you select (24 to 84 months). Each lender handles deferment and grace periods differently, so ask about these terms before committing.
Is there a penalty for paying off a loan early?
Stratus Financial explicitly states there are no prepayment penalties. You can pay off the loan in whole or in part at any time without penalty. Check with AOPA Finance and We Florida Financial for their specific prepayment terms.
Does AeroStar endorse any of these lenders?
No. AeroStar Training Services does not endorse, guarantee, or receive compensation from any lender listed on this page. These are independent financing providers listed as referral options for your convenience. All loan decisions, terms, and conditions are determined by the individual lender.