Quick highlights
- Deferred payment options (focus on training first)
- Training can be 100% covered
- Priority scheduling in our accelerated program
- Flexible pace (train as much as you want)
- Get back what you don’t use (or keep it as rental credit)
How it works
- Schedule a meeting with us to customize your plan
- Choose a training program
- Apply online
- Approved & Funded
- Start training
Financing Programs
Each program is structured with an additional 25–50% cushion beyond estimated training needs, helping account for weather delays, extra practice, or unique circumstances along the way.
At completion, 100% of any unused funds are returned to you — or you may choose to keep them on account for aircraft rental.
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
Typical loan terms range from 10 to 15 years. Rates may be fixed or variable, depending on your selection and approval. Some plans offer up to one year of deferred payments or up to two years of interest-only payments.
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
Some payment plans allow deferred payments. This way you can get through all or most of the training program before beginning payments.
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
Once financed, a training balance is added to your account with a built-in cushion to cover extra training if needed. If you train efficiently — such as splitting time during time building or using lower-cost aircraft — you can reduce overall costs.
Any funds not used for training costs are returned to you, or you may keep them on account for aircraft rental.
Can I pay it off early?
Yes. Unless you enter into a different agreement with Stratus.
How much can I train?
As much as you’d like. Your pace depends on you, but financing is built for momentum. To complete the programs on time, you will need to train at least five times per week.
Is there a time limit to finish?
Yes. Programs must be completed within 36 months. This is a requirement by Stratus.
What interest can I expect?
We cannot answer this. This depends on your credit, if you have co-signers, and other usual financing components. We’ve seen interest rates vary wildly depending on the student. From 10% to 25%.
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.
