Buying an aircraft typically sets you back at least $100,000. If you don’t have that kind of money up front, there are several ways to finance it. However, you might not be able to get financing to cover the cost of ownership, which can run even higher than your monthly loan repayments.
There are a few ways you can pay for a new aircraft, including aviation loans, aircraft leases and personal loans.
Aviation loan
When it comes to aviation loans, there are two types of lenders: those that specialize in aircraft financing and lenders that offer a range of loan products and services. Lenders that specialize in aviation financing also typically offer other products you might need when buying an aircraft, like insurance.
Typically, both types of aviation loan providers use your aircraft as collateral. You can usually borrow between 70% and 100% of your aircraft’s value with rates starting around 4%. Terms typically go as long as 20 years.
Aircraft lease
Rather than buying an aircraft, you can often lease it from an aircraft owner. You won’t have to pay as much or be solely responsible for maintenance expenses — which can add up. But you won’t own the aircraft outright.
All aircraft leases are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Personal loan
You might be able to cover part or even all of the cost with a personal loan if you’re buying an aircraft — especially a smaller, used model. Personal loans typically run from $5,000 to $50,000, though it’s possible to find funding up to $100,000 through some providers like SoFi. Rates typically start around 4% APR.
Generally, you need good to excellent credit to qualify for larger personal loans. Terms are also typically shorter on personal loans, often ranging from three to seven years. Shorter terms generally mean higher monthly repayments.
It depends on the type of aircraft you’re interested in and whether you’re buying new or used. Most fall into the $100,000 to $500,000 range regardless of what type you buy. However, you can find some for as little as $25,000 and upwards of $1 million.
Here’s the price range you can expect for different types of aircrafts:
Light sport aircraft
$25,000 to $400,000
Single-engine aircraft
$50,000 to $600,000
Multi-engine aircraft
$90,000 to $1 million
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Additional costs to consider when buying an aircraft
You’ll have more than your loan or lease payments to be concerned about when buying an aircraft. Take these other costs into consideration before hitting the skies:
Aviation insurance. Just like with a car, you need to buy aviation insurance to fly an aircraft. This can set you back around $100 or $200 a month.
Hangar fees. Paying to store your plane also has a monthly cost. Renting a hangar can run anywhere from $40 to $500 a month, depending on the location.
Maintenance and inspections. Annual inspections and maintenance can range from $600 to $3,000 — and sometimes even more depending on the condition of your aircraft.
Fuel. Fuel can be one of the highest costs of owning or leasing an aircraft. How much you spend depends on how often you fly and which airport you use. You can typically spend between $4 and $7.50 a gallon, averaging out at around $5 per gallon.
5 tips to get a good deal on an aircraft
Thinking of investing in your own set of wings? Here are a few pointers to find the best deal out there:
Always take a test flight. Especially if you’re buying used. You won’t know if you’re comfortable with the aircraft unless you’ve sat in the pilot’s seat.
Have it inspected before you buy. Getting a professional third-party inspection can help ensure against having to make any surprise repairs immediately.
Make sure all costs fit your budget. The cost of buying the plane is only part of the monthly and annual expenses you’ll have to fork over.
Hire a lawyer. Aviation is highly regulated and can be a legal nightmare without an expert to help you navigate the paperwork.
Use a consultant. A consultant or broker can help you find the type of aircraft you’re interested in and walk you through the financing process, especially if it’s your first time buying an aircraft.
Bottom line
Buying an aircraft is less expensive than getting a private jet — at least up front. But additional costs like insurance and maintenance can sometimes cost you more than the aircraft itself. You can learn more about how financing works by visiting our guide to personal loans.
Frequently asked questions
Training courses and a pilot certificate can cost around $8,500 to $10,000.
Yes. Like with car loans, many lenders allow you to get preapproved and lock in rates and terms for between 30 and 90 days before signing any documents. This gives you some leverage to negotiate down the price when you shop around.
It depends on your lender and the type of loan you have.
Some might charge a fee to make up for the interest payments they’ll lose when you pay the loan back early. Others might only charge prepayment penalties during the first few years. And some might not charge any at all.
Anna Serio is a lead editor at Finder, specializing in consumer and business financing. A trusted lending expert and former certified commercial loan officer, Anna's written and edited more than 1,000 articles on Finder to help Americans strengthen their financial literacy. Her expertise and analysis on personal, student, business and car loans has been featured in publications like Business Insider, CNBC and Nasdaq, and has appeared on NBC and KADN. Anna holds an MA in Middle Eastern studies from the American University of Beirut and a BA in Creative Writing from Macaulay Honors College at Hunter College, CUNY.
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