NAFA member Adam Meredith, President of AOPA Aviation Finance Company, shares five tips when financing your aircraft.
1. Be Organized
Aircraft financing requires documentation similar to mortgage financing. Having easy access to W2’s, tax returns, paystubs, business tax returns and K1’s will help move the process along quickly. The number one reason for delay in approval is missing documents.
2. Full disclosure
Fill out the application with as much detail as possible. You will need to provide documentation in the form of tax returns, bank statements, etc to verify income and down payment.
3. Understand your credit and financial picture
Being aware and able to explain any past issues on your credit report will help limit additional underwriting questions. Using free credit tracking services is a good way to understand what might show up on your credit report.
4. Calculate your ability to afford the loan
Make sure you have added the expected monthly payment to your current debt payments. Most lenders are not only going to want to see that you can handle the monthly payment but can also afford the operational and insurance costs on top of your current obligations.
5. Determine Ownership Structure
Having an understanding of how you want the aircraft to be registered will help the approval and closing process go smoothly. LLC or corporate ownership adds additional complexities to the closing. Establishing these entities early on in the process helps keep things moving during the final stages.
Competitive rates and terms. Custom financing options. Helpful and responsive reps. Three good reasons to turn to AOPA Finance when you are buying a turboprop or turbine airplane. If you need a dependable source of financing with people who are on your side, just call 800.62.PLANE (75263) or click here to request a quote.
This article was originally published by AOPA Aviation Finance Company on February 5, 2019.
