Don't Let Funding Ground Your Career.
Financing makes it possible to start training now, finish faster, and get hired before the pilots still waiting to save up.
Why Finance Your Training?
Fly Sooner
Start training this month instead of waiting years to save the full amount.
Finish Faster
Financed students complete programs at significantly higher rates than those paying out of pocket.
Get Hired Faster
Every year you delay is a year of seniority — and income — you can never get back.
ROI in 3–5 Years
Median airline pilot salary: $226,600/yr. Your training investment pays for itself fast.
How to Fund Your Training
Founded by FAA-certified flight and ground instructors, Stratus understands aviation in a way traditional lenders don't. They evaluate you as a whole aviator — not just a credit score.
check_circleAviation-specific lender, built by pilots
check_circleApproval decision within 1–2 hours
check_circleFunding within 3 business days
check_circle12-month payment deferment while you train
check_circleUnused funds returned to minimize debt
check_circleNo prepayment penalties
HELOC
Use your home equity — typically the lowest interest rate available. Requires 20%+ equity in your home.
Personal / Credit Union Loans
AOPA Finance, local credit unions, and online lenders offer unsecured loans for flight training with competitive rates.
Scholarships & Grants
AOPA Foundation ($1M+/yr), EAA, Women in Aviation International, and FAA workforce grants up to $1M are available.
VA / GI Bill®
Covers Commercial, Instrument, Multi-Engine, and CFI training at Part 141 schools. See our full VA Benefits page.
Learn about VA Benefits→Pay-as-You-Go
No debt, but significantly slower — and data shows self-funded students are far more likely to drop out before completing.
Pros & Cons of Financing
thumb_up Pros
checkStart flying immediately — not years from now
checkHigher program completion rates vs. self-funding
checkSeniority is everything — earlier start = higher lifetime earnings
checkPayments deferred until after training is complete
checkMedian airline captain salary exceeds $226,600/yr
thumb_down Cons
closeLoan interest increases your total cost
closeDebt obligation exists even if you don't complete training
closeEarly regional pay ($90K–$150K) is lower than major airline pay
closeMedical disqualification could leave debt without a flying career
Financing Unlocks the Take-Off Program
Financed students are eligible for our flagship career track — the fastest, most structured path from zero experience to career pilot.
FAQ
Can I get approved with less-than-perfect credit?expand_more
How quickly can I get funded?expand_more
What happens if I don't finish training?expand_more
Do I need a co-signer?expand_more
Ready to Get Started?
Apply with Stratus in minutes. Get an approval decision within hours.