Use the calculator below to estimate the monthly payment and total interest on an aircraft loan, and — if you're a business buyer — a rough first-year bonus-depreciation tax benefit. Everything runs in your browser; no numbers are sent anywhere.
What this estimate includes — and doesn't. The payment is principal and interest only. It does not include sales/use tax (paid at closing — see tax by state), insurance, maintenance, hangar, or reserves. For the full picture, use our true cost of ownership guide.
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Get Pre-QualifiedHow to Use the Calculator
Four inputs drive the result:
- Aircraft price — the purchase price you're negotiating.
- Down payment — most lenders want 15%–25%. A larger down payment lowers both the loan amount and, often, your rate.
- Interest rate — enter a realistic figure for your aircraft and credit. Our 2026 rate ranges help you pick one.
- Term — longer terms lower the monthly payment but raise total interest. Watch how the "total interest" cell jumps as you extend the term.
The Math Behind the Payment
The calculator uses the standard amortizing-loan formula. Your monthly payment (M) is:
M = P × [ r(1+r)n ] ÷ [ (1+r)n − 1 ]
where P is the loan amount, r is the monthly interest rate (annual rate ÷ 12), and n is the number of monthly payments (years × 12). Early payments are mostly interest; later payments are mostly principal. That's why refinancing or extra principal payments early in the loan save the most — see how to refinance an aircraft loan.
Rate vs. Term: A Worked Comparison
Using a $400,000 loan at 7.0%, here's how the term changes the trade-off:
| Term | Monthly payment | Total interest |
|---|---|---|
| 10 years | ~$4,644 | ~$157,300 |
| 15 years | ~$3,596 | ~$247,300 |
| 20 years | ~$3,101 | ~$344,300 |
Stretching from 15 to 20 years drops the payment by about $495/month but adds roughly $97,000 in interest over the life of the loan. Neither is "right" — it depends on whether you're optimizing monthly cash flow or lifetime cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this calculator's payment my actual payment?
It's an estimate of principal and interest based on your inputs. Your actual payment depends on the rate a lender approves, the exact term, and any fees. It also excludes insurance, tax, and operating costs. Use it to compare scenarios, then get pre-qualified for real numbers.
How much should I put down?
Most aircraft lenders want 15%–25% down. More down lowers your loan amount and can improve your rate by reducing loan-to-value risk. Business buyers sometimes put less down to preserve capital, since financing doesn't reduce the depreciation deduction.
What rate should I enter?
Use a realistic rate for your aircraft class and credit. In mid-2026, well-qualified buyers of newer pistons and turboprops see the mid-to-upper 6% range; older aircraft and weaker credit run higher. See our aircraft loan rates page for current ranges.
How does the tax benefit estimate work?
If you check the business-buyer box, it applies 100% bonus depreciation to the business-use share of the price, then multiplies by your marginal tax rate to estimate first-year tax reduction. It's a simplified illustration — real deductions depend on qualification, other limits, and later recapture. Confirm with a CPA.
Does a longer term really cost that much more?
Yes. Extending the term lowers your monthly payment but increases total interest, often by tens of thousands of dollars. The calculator's "total interest" cell makes the trade-off visible — try switching between 15 and 20 years.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for planning only and is not a loan offer, quote, or tax advice. Actual rates, payments, and tax outcomes depend on lender approval, market conditions, and your specific circumstances. Jaken Aviation is a brokerage, not a direct lender.