How To Pay For Flight School
Investing in flight training is a major step toward becoming a professional aviator, and understanding your financing options is essential. At Cirrus Aviation, we make it easier for aspiring pilots to start, and finish, their training by offering access to reputable financing partners and IRS-approved education benefits.
Whether you are beginning your Private Pilot License or pursuing an accelerated pathway to a professional aviation career, our team is here to help you navigate every step of the financial process.
Sallie Mae Airline Career Loans
Cirrus Aviation is an approved training provider for Sallie Mae’s Aviation and Airline Career Training Loans, designed specifically for students entering professional flight programs.
Sallie Mae offers flexible financing options to help you pursue your aviation training with confidence, making it easier to invest in your future as a pilot.
Benefits include:
- Competitive interest rates with variable and fixed-rate options.
- Loan amounts that can cover the full cost of training, including multi-certification tracks.
- No origination fees or prepayment penalties.
- Deferred payment options while in training.
- Flexible repayment plans after program completion.
- Fast online application process with quick credit decisions.
What Sallie Mae loans can cover:
- Flight training tuition.
- Aircraft rental, simulator time, and instructor fees.
- Ground school, books, and training materials.
- Required FAA written, oral, and practical exam fees.
- Required equipment (depending on program structure).
Students can apply online in minutes and begin training as soon as their loan is approved. Our admissions team can assist you with program selection and documentation needed for your application.
529 Plan Eligible
Our flight training programs are IRS Qualified tuition program (QTP) “529 Plan” eligible, meaning students may use their 529 Plan to cover qualified flight training expenses, including:
- Flight training tuition.
- Aircraft rental and simulator fees required for the program.
- Ground school.
- Books, charts, and training materials.
- FAA written and practical exam fees.
A 529 Plan is a tax-advantaged way to save for education, money in the account grows tax-free and can be withdrawn tax-free when used for approved educational costs.
We’re Here to Help
Financing pilot training does not need to be overwhelming. Cirrus Aviation’s admissions and financial guidance team is available to walk you through loan options, payment structures, and eligibility requirements for both Sallie Mae financing and 529 Plan benefits.
If you need assistance determining which option is best for your situation, or if you are ready to begin your application, we are here to help.