The short answer
Get an airplane loan in six steps: pre-qualify, find the aircraft, submit a full application with the airplane's details, complete a pre-buy inspection and appraisal, bind insurance, and close through escrow — where the lender's lien records and you take delivery.
The Step-by-Step Process
- Get pre-qualified so you know your budget and likely rate, and look credible to sellers.
- Find the aircraft and sign a purchase agreement with an inspection contingency.
- Submit a full application with your financials and the aircraft's specs, logs, and history.
- Complete the pre-buy inspection and appraisal — usually lender-required on a used aircraft.
- Bind insurance — coverage must be in force before funding.
- Close through escrow — funds wire, the lien records with the FAA, and you take delivery.
See our full how aircraft loans work guide.
What You'll Need
- Personal financial statement and recent tax returns (business returns if buying through an entity)
- Bank/brokerage statements showing the down payment and reserves
- Pilot certificate and, for higher-performance aircraft, a training plan
- The purchase agreement and the aircraft's specs and logbooks
- An insurance quote you can bind at closing
Figures in this article are illustrative for the 2026 market and are not offers of credit. Jaken Aviation is a licensed aircraft financing brokerage — a division of Jaken Finance Group — and does not make loan decisions. All financing is subject to lender approval. Tax and legal information is general; consult a qualified professional.
Related Questions
How long does it take?
Often a few weeks from application to funding, depending on how quickly the pre-buy and appraisal can be scheduled. Turbines and jets take longer.
Do I need a broker?
Not required, but a brokerage shops your loan across many lenders on one application and can find better fits than applying to banks one at a time.
Can I get pre-qualified before I find an airplane?
Yes — that's the recommended first step. It tells you your budget and rate and makes your offers stronger.
Get Pre-Qualified for Aircraft Financing
Tell us about your purchase and we'll compare offers across our national lender network.
Get Pre-Qualified