Aircraft Loans in Georgetown, TX: Plan Your Purchase Before Takeoff

Buying a plane is a big decision. I'll help you understand the credit bar, what lenders review and the full cost of owning an aircraft.

In short

An aircraft loan is financing secured by the airplane you buy. Approval is borrower specific, and the minimum credit score is 680. Lenders generally weigh the aircraft, its records, your intended use and your overall financial strength.

Reviewed by Scottie Campbell, NMLS #1610726 · Last updated October 18, 2026

What does it take to get an aircraft loan?

An aircraft loan is secured by the airplane, and approval is borrower specific. The minimum credit score is 680. Beyond that, lenders generally look at the aircraft's make, model, age, condition and records, how you plan to use it, your income, assets and down payment, and whether you can secure the required insurance. Terms vary by lender and by aircraft.

Key takeaways

An aircraft loan is secured by the airplane, and approval is borrower specific.
The minimum credit score is 680.
Lenders generally review the aircraft, its logbooks, your intended use and your overall finances.
A pre-buy inspection, a title search and insurance are standard parts of most aircraft purchases.
A Total Cost Analysis should include hangar, insurance, inspections, fuel and maintenance reserves.

Whether it's your first airplane or a step up, aircraft financing works differently from anything else you've borrowed for. I'm Scottie Campbell, Mortgage Advisor and founder of Waymaker Mortgage Company, and I like to start with education. Once you know what lenders look for and what the aircraft will cost to own, you can make the call with confidence.

Aircraft Financing, in Plain Terms

An aircraft loan finances the purchase of a plane, with the aircraft serving as collateral. It's a specialty corner of lending, quite frankly, and it doesn't follow mortgage rules. The lender sets the guidelines, the aircraft itself carries a lot of weight in the decision, and approval is borrower specific. The one firm number I'll give you up front: the minimum credit score is 680. Everything else depends on you and the airplane.

Why the Credit Bar Is Higher

Aircraft are high-value assets with specialized maintenance needs and a smaller pool of buyers than cars or boats. That's why lenders start at 680 and look closely at your overall financial strength. If you're below 680 today, that's not the end of the story. Can't do it now doesn't mean can't do it ever. I'll build you a Mortgage Action Plan with the specific steps to strengthen your profile before you shop.

What Lenders Commonly Look At

Every lender is different, but these questions come up often:

  • The aircraft: make, model, year, total time, engine time and overall condition
  • The records: complete logbooks and maintenance history
  • Intended use: personal flying, business travel, or a mix
  • Your finances: income, assets, existing debts and the down payment you plan to bring
  • Insurance: whether you can secure coverage that satisfies the lender, which can depend on your experience in that type of aircraft

Personal Use or Business Use?

Some buyers own an aircraft personally. Others buy through a business entity, especially if the plane will be used for work. Ownership structure can affect how the loan is set up and documented, so it's worth deciding early. For tax questions, loop in your CPA; I'll focus on making the financing line up with whatever structure you choose.

Inspections, Title and Insurance

These are standard parts of most aircraft purchases:

  • Pre-buy inspection: an independent inspection before you commit, much like a home inspection but for the airframe, engine and avionics
  • Title search: confirms clear ownership and any existing liens through the FAA aircraft registry
  • Insurance: lenders generally require hull and liability coverage before funding

None of this is meant to slow you down. It protects your investment.

Budget for Ownership, Not Just the Purchase

The loan payment is just the beginning. A real Total Cost Analysis for an airplane includes hangar or tie-down fees, insurance, annual inspections, fuel, routine maintenance and a reserve for larger items like engine overhauls. What that means for you is a clear yearly number, so you can fly with confidence instead of crossing your fingers.

When rates come up, here's my standard answer: Your rate depends on your scenario and the day's market. Reach out and I'll price it for real.

Where I Fit In

I'm a Mortgage Advisor, and you're talking to the owner of Waymaker Mortgage Company. My role with aircraft financing is to help you understand the landscape, organize your file and point you toward lending that fits your situation, honestly and without pressure. If it turns out a different path makes more sense, I'll tell you that too. It's never a no. It's always a how.

My job is to educate and empower you. Your job is to decide. Whether you fly out of Georgetown, TX or somewhere else, text me the aircraft you're considering and how you plan to use it, and we'll take the next step together. Here to serve.

Information on this page is general and educational. It is not a commitment to lend or an offer of credit. Programs, guidelines and eligibility change and depend on your full scenario. Waymaker Mortgage Company, NMLS 2440476. Equal Housing Lender.

Quick facts

Loan type
Secured by the aircraft
Minimum credit score
680
Approval
Borrower specific
Common steps
Pre-buy inspection, title search, insurance
Ownership
Personal or business entity

Is this loan right for you?

Who it's for

  • Pilots and buyers with a credit score of 680 or higher
  • Business owners who use an aircraft for work travel
  • Buyers who want to understand the full cost of ownership before committing

Who it may not fit

  • Borrowers below a 680 credit score today
  • Buyers who haven't budgeted for hangar, insurance and maintenance

Pros and cons

Pros

  • The aircraft is the collateral, not your home
  • Works for personal or business ownership
  • A clear starting point: 680 minimum credit score
  • Standard inspections and title work protect your investment

Trade-offs to weigh

  • Higher credit bar than most recreational loans
  • Older aircraft and incomplete records can complicate approval
  • Ownership costs go well beyond the monthly payment

Frequently asked questions

What credit score do I need for an aircraft loan?

The minimum is 680. Approval is borrower specific, so lenders also weigh your income, assets, debts and the aircraft itself. If you're under 680 today, I'll map out the steps to get there.

How much do I need to put down on an airplane?

It varies by lender, aircraft and borrower, so I won't guess at a number here. Bring me the aircraft you're considering and your financial picture, and I'll help you understand what lenders are likely to ask for.

Can I finance an older aircraft?

Often, yes, but older aircraft may get a closer look at condition, maintenance records and value. Complete logbooks and a solid pre-buy inspection go a long way.

Can I buy a plane through my business?

Many buyers do. Ownership through an entity can change how the loan is set up and documented, so decide on structure early and involve your CPA for tax questions.

What rate can I get on an aircraft loan?

Your rate depends on your scenario and the day's market. Reach out and I'll price it for real.

Related loan programs

Last updated October 18, 2026 · Reviewed by Scottie Campbell, NMLS #1610726. This page is educational and not a commitment to lend; program details change — ask for current figures.

Ready to talk about your aircraft loans?

Tell me a little about your situation and I'll walk you through the real numbers — your down payment, your monthly payment, and your smartest next step. No cost, no obligation.

Scottie Campbell, NMLS #1610726 · Waymaker Mortgage Company LLC, NMLS #2440476. Equal Housing Opportunity. Rates and figures referenced are examples only and subject to change until locked.
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