Financing

Getting Started with Flight Training Financing

What is flight school financing?

Flight school financing is a loan designed specifically for pilot training costs, including aircraft rental, instructor time, and related fees. Instead of paying for each lesson individually, you finance your training program up front and repay it in fixed monthly installments while you fly. Both Flight Training Finance and Stratus Financial offer this type of loan to AAT students.

Why does AAT partner with two financing companies instead of one?

Every student’s financial picture is different. Flight Training Finance and Stratus Financial have different eligibility requirements, underwriting approaches, and loan structures, so offering both gives you a better chance of finding a program that fits your credit history, income, and citizenship status. We’re happy to point you toward whichever partner is the better fit once we know a bit about your situation.

Which AAT programs can I finance?

Financing is available for sport pilot, private pilot, instrument rating, commercial pilot, and CFI/CFII training. If you’re working toward a specific certificate or rating, talk to us about structuring a financed training program around it.

Eligibility and Credit

What credit score do I need to qualify?

There’s no single minimum score that guarantees approval with either lender. Both look at your full credit history, not just your score, including how long you’ve had credit, whether you’ve paid on time, and how much other debt you’re carrying. If your credit history is thin or you have some past issues, a co-borrower can significantly strengthen your application.

Do I need a co-borrower or co-signer?

It depends on the lender and your individual financial profile. Neither Flight Training Finance nor Stratus Financial requires a co-borrower for every applicant, but adding one, typically a parent or spouse, can improve your approval odds and may help you qualify for a larger loan amount or better terms.

Can I apply if I don’t currently have a job?

Yes, in some cases. If you can demonstrate sufficient liquid assets or another reliable source of funds to cover the monthly payments, a lack of current employment isn’t necessarily disqualifying. Each lender evaluates this differently, so it’s worth applying and letting them assess your specific situation.

Do you offer financing to international students?

Financing eligibility varies by lender. Some programs are limited to U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a U.S. bank account, so international students should check directly with each financing partner about current eligibility before applying.

Rates, Terms, and Repayment

What interest rates and repayment terms are available?

Rates and terms depend on the lender, your creditworthiness, and how the loan is structured, so we can’t quote a single number that applies to everyone. In general, your monthly payment is tied to how many lessons per week you plan to fly, faster training schedules come with shorter repayment terms, and slower schedules stretch payments out over more months. Apply directly with Flight Training Finance or Stratus Financial for a personalized rate quote.

Is there a penalty for paying off my loan early?

No. Both of our financing partners allow early payoff without a prepayment penalty, and you’ll typically be refunded any unearned interest.

What happens if I don’t use all of my financed training funds?

If you finish your certificate or rating with money left over, you generally have a few options: use the remaining funds toward additional flight time or advanced training, or apply unused funds toward reducing your loan balance. Exact policies vary by lender, so confirm the details with your financing company before you enroll.

What if I need more funds than I originally financed?

If you use up your financed training budget before completing your program, you may be able to apply for additional financing once a portion of your existing loan is paid down. We recommend building a reasonable cushion into your original training program to reduce the chances of running short.

Can I stop training and get a refund on unused funds?

Yes. With both partners, any training funds that haven’t been used for lessons you’ve already received are refundable if you decide to stop training. You should never be on the hook for flight training you didn’t actually get.

The Application Process

How long does approval take?

Timelines vary by lender. Some can issue a conditional approval within a single business day, while final funding may take a couple of weeks depending on how quickly you submit documents. Ask us or your chosen lender for a current estimate before you plan your start date.

How do I apply for flight training financing through AAT?

Reach out to us and let us know which program you’re planning to finance, private pilot, instrument, commercial, or CFI, and we’ll help you get in touch with the right partner. From there, you’ll complete a loan application directly with Flight Training Finance or Stratus Financial, and once you’re approved, we’ll work with you to structure your training agreement.

Do I apply through AAT or directly with the lender?

You apply directly with the financing company, but we’re involved throughout the process. Once your training program is priced out with us, that information gets sent to your lender to finalize your loan documents, so you can start flying as soon as everything is signed.

Can I switch flight schools after I’m financed?

If you’re financed through one of our partners and later want to train elsewhere, you’ll generally need to close out your current financed program before applying with a new school. Contact your lender directly to understand the process and timeline, since it varies by company.

Choosing a Financing Partner

What’s the difference between Flight Training Finance and Stratus Financial?

Both companies finance flight training specifically, but they differ in underwriting approach, eligibility criteria, and how funds are disbursed. Flight Training Finance has a long track record specifically in flight school lending with structured repayment terms tied to your training schedule. Stratus Financial is built around a fast conditional approval process and pays your school directly once you’re funded. We recommend applying with the one that seems like the better fit based on your credit and citizenship status, or reaching out to us so we can point you in the right direction.

Can I apply with both financing partners?

There’s nothing stopping you from applying with both to compare offers, though most students find that one option clearly fits their situation better once they see the terms. If you’re not sure where to start, ask us and we can walk you through what each partner typically looks for.

Who do I contact with questions about my loan once I’m approved?

Once you’re approved and funded, your loan, payments, and account questions are handled directly by your financing company, not AAT. We’re always here to help with anything related to your actual flight training, scheduling, and progress toward your certificate.