One of the most common ways students fund professional flight training in the US is through pilot training loans.
While the idea of taking out a loan can feel daunting, understanding how these loans work can help you assess whether they are the right option for your training goals and personal circumstances.
How do pilot training loans work?
Pilot training loans are designed to help individuals fund the cost of training at an approved flight training school.
In most cases, the lender pays funds directly to the school, often through scheduled disbursements aligned with the training program. Repayments are then made to the lender under agreed terms, which may include deferred or interest-only periods while training is underway, depending on the provider.
Loan terms vary based on the lender, the total cost of training, and the applicant’s financial profile. At Skyborne, we partner with Sallie Mae and Stratus Financial to provide access to pilot training loan options that can help fund training. Final loan terms and costs are determined by the lender based on the individual applicant’s financial background.
What do pilot training loans usually cover?
When applying for pilot training loans, it helps to start with your flight school’s cost of attendance (COA). This is an estimate of what a full year of training may cost, and it is often listed on a school’s website or included in your financial aid offer.
The COA usually includes training-related expenses such as tuition, fees, books, and materials. Depending on the type of loan, the flight school may also be required to certify the loan amount.
Who can apply for pilot training loans?
Eligibility requirements differ by lender, but most evaluate factors such as credit history, income, debt-to-income ratio, and residency status. Many applicants, particularly those early in their careers or with limited credit history, may require a qualified co-signer.
Lenders also generally require that training be completed at an approved flight training institution. They typically work with specific academies and programs that meet their underwriting, accreditation, and program criteria.
How do repayments work?
The student is solely responsible for repayment of the loan. All loan terms – including interest rate repayment schedule, deferment options, and any applicable fees – are determined directly between the student and the lender.
Repayment structures vary between lenders. Some loans allow repayment to begin after training is complete, while others may require smaller payments during training, followed by full repayment later.
Before committing, it’s important to understand interest rates and repayment timelines to ensure you are choosing the most suitable route.
Planning your funding approach
Pilot training loans are often used alongside other funding methods, such as savings or installment-based payment plans. Many students choose a blended approach to help manage upfront costs while keeping longer-term repayments manageable.
Speaking with both a lender and the flight school can help clarify how loan funding aligns with your training schedule.
At Skyborne, we may offer eligible graduates the opportunity to progress into paid Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) roles when positions are available. These roles, subject to operational needs and availability, can help instructors earn flight hours and gain experience while receiving compensation.
Funding pilot training at Skyborne
Skyborne works with established lending partners, such as Sallie Mae and Stratus Financial, to support students training in the US.
To explore funding options at Skyborne, visit: https://skyborne.com/us/finance-funding/
For questions about training or applications, visit: https://skyborne.com/us/contact-skyborne-today/
