Updated . Educational only — not tax, legal, or lending advice. Confirm figures with your CPA, the state revenue department, and a lender before you close.
Affordability Is Cash After the Payment
You can afford an aircraft when you can pay the loan, the insurance, the hangar, and a maintenance reserve from income you can document, with cash left over. The calculator on the homepage computes the loan. You add the rest.
- Price. Use the contract, not a wish.
- Down payment. Cash you have. Personal-use pistons are often quoted around 15–20% down; leaseback and training use often require more (AOPA Aviation Finance, September 11, 2026). The 10–25% band is an envelope, not a promise.
- Tax rate. The base state’s rate from the state hub. In California, do not reduce the taxable price by a trade-in.
- APR and term. From a written quote, or labeled as an assumption. See 2026 rate context.
- Balloon. Only if you have a real plan for the leftover. Read balloons.
If the payment fits only when you assume the airplane will rent, you cannot afford it yet. Rental income is a separate underwriting conversation with higher down payment and harder covenants.
Questions buyers actually ask
What APR should I type if I have no quote?
Type a range, not a single hopeful number. In January 2026 AOPA described specialty quotes in the low 6 percent range. Your quote can be higher. Label the run as an assumption.
Does a large down payment always save money?
It lowers interest and may lower the rate. It also ties up cash you may need for an engine or a medical. The calculator shows the interest. It does not know your emergency fund.