Flight Training Financing
Your Aviation Dreams Are Within Reach
INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE AVIATION CAREER
Flight training can be quite expensive, but it’ll more than pay for itself once you start your career in aviation. There are also many different options available to help you fund your dreams. Explore flexible financing options, scholarships, and payment plans designed for aspiring pilots.
How much does flight training cost?
At Pureflight, we believe in complete cost transparency so you can plan your path to the cockpit with confidence. Our program costs are as follows:
- Helicopter Program: $99,065
- Airplane Program: $72,652
These comprehensive programs take you from zero experience to a certified commercial pilot, including all required flight hours, ground instruction, materials, and testing fees. Your investment covers everything you need to start your professional aviation career.
FLIGHT TRAINING FINANCING IN OREGON
You can apply for a loan with a private lender to help finance flight training.
AOPA Finance offers a line of credit that can be used to pay for any flight training or program. You can apply for a loan directly on their website.
Flight Training Finance provides flexible flight training finance options with a simple application process. Apply for a loan directly on their website.
Alternatively, you can also apply for a line of credit with your bank or local credit union, which you can use to pay for your training.
FLIGHT TRAINING SCHOLARSHIPS | A LITTLE HELP GOES A LONG WAY
There are several aviation scholarships available to aspiring pilots. Scholarships are a great way to significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs, whether you’re just starting your flight training or working toward advanced ratings. Below are some of the best scholarship opportunities we recommend our students apply for.
- AOPA: Every year, the AOPA Foundation awards over $1 million in scholarships to its members.
- EAA: Through its EAA Aviation Foundation, the EAA offers several scholarships to flight students, awarding over $135,000 every year.
- NBAA: The NBAA Charities scholarship program offers close to $100,000 every year in scholarships and awards to both students and working professionals.
- Whirly Girls: For 2026, Whirly Girls is offering over $560,000 in 28 scholarships for 50 women.
- Women in Aviation: WIA has created over 75 scholarships to award more than $550,000 in 2026.
- Scholarships.com Aviation Directory: Browse aviation scholarships with regularly updated opportunities and deadlines.
FINANCING FLIGHT TRAINING WITH A STUDENT LOAN
Completing your pilot training as part of a program at an educational institution opens the doors to student loans like Sallie Mae and federal student loans. We partner with Klamath Community College to provide helicopter and airplane training as part of their Associate Degree in Aviation Sciences program.
FLIGHT TRAINING FINANCING FAQS
Do I need good credit to finance my flight training?
Not necessarily. While some lenders like AOPA Finance and Flight Training Finance do consider credit scores, each lender has different requirements. Some financing options focus more on your employment history and income rather than credit alone. We recommend applying with multiple lenders to see what rates and terms you qualify for.
Can I combine scholarships with financing?
Yes! Many students use a combination of scholarships, loans, and personal savings to fund their training. Scholarships can significantly reduce the total amount you need to finance, lowering your monthly payments and overall costs.
What if I need to pause my training?
Life happens, and we understand that. If you’re using private financing, you’ll need to check your specific loan terms regarding payment obligations during training breaks. If you’re enrolled in our partnership program with Klamath Community College and using student loans, federal loans offer deferment options while you’re enrolled at least part-time.
Can international students get financing?
Most U.S.-based flight training lenders require borrowers to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. However, international students enrolled in our Klamath Community College partnership program may have access to certain private student loan options. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
Still have questions?
Meritize Lending, LLC, NMLS ID 1661035 (NMLS Consumer Access https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/)
Meritize Financial, Inc. NMLS ID 1986399 (NMLS Consumer Access https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/)
Terms and Conditions apply. Meritize branded loan products are educational loans issued by Meritize Lending, LLC**. Meritize reserves the right to modify or discontinue products and benefits at any time without notice. To qualify, a borrower must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or hold an Employment Authorization Document and meet Meritize’s underwriting requirements. If approved for a loan the actual loan amount, term, payment, and APR amount of loan that a customer qualifies for may vary based on credit determination, state law and other factors. Meritize does not warrant or guarantee any claims made herein, including, but not limited to, gaining admission to a program, concerning the quality or financial strength of any educational institution, securing funding or obtaining employment. Our final loan offer may differ as a result of the school chosen and the associated cost of tuition. Not all schools are eligible for funding. Meritize does not offer educational loans in the following states: IA, IN, KY, ME, MI, ND, NV, SD, VT, WI, WV, WY, PR. All rights reserved.
**For residents of SC, loan is made by Meritize Financial, Inc.