Single-engine piston aircraft are the backbone of general aviation and the gateway to ownership for many pilots. Whether you're dreaming of a Cessna 172 for weekend trips, a Piper Archer for training, or a high-performance Cirrus SR22, understanding the nuances of piston aircraft financing is your first step.

What Lenders Look for in Piston Aircraft

Lenders view modern piston aircraft as reliable assets. They typically look for:

  • Good Condition: A clean airframe, well-documented maintenance logs, and no damage history are crucial.
  • Engine Time: Aircraft with low- to mid-time engines (SMOH) are preferred and command better financing terms.
  • Avionics: While not always a deal-breaker, a modern avionics suite (e.g., Garmin G1000) adds significant value and makes the aircraft more attractive to lenders.

Typical Loan Structures for Piston Aircraft

For qualified buyers, financing for piston aircraft is very accessible. Typical structures include:

  • Loan-to-Value (LTV): Expect LTVs of 80-90%, meaning a 10-20% down payment is standard.
  • Amortization: 15 to 20-year amortization periods are common, which keeps monthly payments manageable.
  • Interest Rates: Rates are highly competitive, especially for newer models (less than 20 years old) and buyers with strong credit.

Finance Your Dream Aircraft

Whether it's a Cirrus, Cessna, or Piper, we have access to lenders who specialize in financing piston aircraft. Let us find the right loan for you.

Get a Piston Aircraft Quote

Financing Popular Models

Financing a Cirrus SR22

As one of the most popular modern aircraft, the Cirrus SR22 is highly financeable. Lenders appreciate its safety features (like the CAPS parachute system), modern avionics, and strong resale value. You can expect excellent rates and terms when financing a late-model SR22.

Financing a Cessna 172 or 182

The Cessna 172 is a classic training and personal aircraft. Its long history and reliability make it a safe bet for lenders, though they will pay close attention to the age, condition, and engine time of older models.

Financing a Piper Archer or Seminole

Piper aircraft are also highly regarded. Whether it's a single-engine Archer for personal use or a twin-engine Seminole for multi-engine training, lenders are very comfortable with these models, provided the maintenance history is complete and the pre-buy inspection is clean.