How Stratus Flight Training Financing Works
- Payment timing depends on the approved written loan terms
- Approved funding amount depends on the lender
- Priority scheduling in our accelerated program
- Flexible pace (train as much as you want)
- Unused-fund treatment is governed by the current agreement
How it works
- Schedule a meeting with us to customize your plan
- Choose a training program
- Apply online
- Approved & Funded
- Start training
Compare Before You Apply
Review the complete training and funding picture before choosing a loan.
Financing Programs
Program budgets may include a planning cushion for weather, extra practice, or individual needs. The approved amount and permitted uses are lender-controlled.
Unused-fund treatment is governed by the current lender and training agreements. Confirm it in writing before signing.
Zero to Flight Instructor Instrument (Recommended)
Best fit for most airline career path students.
Flight Hours Included: 285
Estimated Length: 9 – 12 months
Financed: $85,000
Certificates: Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, Flight Instructor Airplane, Flight Instructor Instrument
Zero to Flight Instructor
A strong path if you want instructor training without the instrument portion bundled.
Flight Hours Included: 275
Estimated Length: 8 – 12 months
Financed: $79,000
Certificates: Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, Flight Instructor Airplane
Zero to Commercial
We do not recommend this plan. There are few jobs for commercial pilots without a flight instructor certificate. However, this may be a good fit if you already have an opportunity lined up.
Flight Hours Included: 260
Estimated Length: 6 – 9 months
Financed: $68,000
Certificates: Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot
Private Pilot Only
Get your PPL without committing to the full career track.
Flight Hours Included: 80
Estimated Length: 2 – 4 months
Financed: $25,000
Certificates: Private Pilot
Loan Payment Options
Rates, term length, payment timing, deferment or interest-only availability, fees, and repayment obligations depend on approval and the current written Stratus agreement. Review the lender disclosure before signing.
More Details
What Stratus Finance Programs Cover
The programs cover usual training costs.
- Flight hours
- Flight & ground instruction
- Written test prep
- FAA written tests
- Examiner fees
- Initial materials (iPad, Foreflight, kneeboard, headset)
Deferred Payments
Deferment is not guaranteed. If offered, its duration and conditions are controlled by the current written loan agreement.
Faster and Cheaper than a Part 141 College Program
You don’t need a four-year aviation degree to become an airline pilot. In many cases, a non-aviation degree is the smarter long-term choice.
As a Part 61 school, our training costs are typically lower than college-based Part 141 programs. That often makes financing more attainable and keeps the focus on consistent, high-quality training — not semesters.
Because you’re not bound by an academic calendar, you could be eligible for the airlines in as little as three years.
Priority Scheduling
If you finance, you’re not waiting behind the crowd. Finance students get first choice on the schedule and are placed into our accelerated program. The goal is simple: keep you flying regularly, keep you progressing, and help you finish efficiently.
Get back what you don’t use
A funded training balance may include a planning cushion. Any return, credit, refund, or other treatment of unused funds is controlled by the current lender and training agreements; verify the process in writing before signing.
Can I pay it off early?
Prepayment rights and any related fees depend on your current written Stratus agreement.
How much can I train?
Your training pace depends on aircraft, instructor, weather, proficiency, program schedule, and any lender requirements. Confirm minimum or maximum activity requirements in writing.
Is there a time limit to finish?
Any completion deadline depends on the current program and loan agreements. Confirm the applicable deadline before signing.
What interest can I expect?
Interest rates depend on the applicant, co-signer if any, loan structure, and current lender offer. Use the approved written disclosure rather than a historical range.
Other Financing Options
If you don’t think Stratus is a good fit, we have other options.
Schedule a Meeting
Want help choosing the right program and payment plan?
Schedule a meeting with our Chief Instructor and we’ll help plan around your goals, your schedule, and the timeline you want.
