Affordable Flight School Financing Options

Financing & Payment Plans That Work for You

Essence Flight School payment options

Understanding Flight School Cost at Essence Flight Academy – Financing & Payment Plans That Work for You

At Essence Flight Academy in Van Nuys, California, we’re passionate about helping aspiring pilots achieve their aviation goals — without letting money get in the way. Flight students need to carefully plan for the financial aspects of their training, as flight training finance is a key consideration for anyone pursuing a career in aviation. Whether you’re starting with your Private Pilot License (PPL) or working toward a Commercial Pilot Certificate or Instrument Rating, we offer two flexible payment options designed to make flight training accessible and affordable.

we provide both third-party flight school loans and interest-free installment plans — so you can choose the method that works best for your budget and lifestyle. In addition to these options, you may also be eligible for free money such as scholarships and grants that do not need to be repaid.

Option 1: Flight School Financing Through Stratus Financial & Lending Partners

Stratus Financial – Our Primary Lending Partner

We’ve partnered with Stratus Financial, one of the leading financial institutions specializing in aviation education loans. Stratus was founded by experienced pilots who understand the cost and commitment of flight training. Their mission is to provide students with simple, transparent, and effective financing so you can stay focused on your career in aviation.

Why Choose Stratus Financial?

✅ Up to 100% financing available, including tuition, books, examiner fees, and living expenses

✅ No prepayment penalties, allowing you to pay off your loan early without fees

✅ Flexible repayment terms with affordable monthly payments

✅ Pilot-focused underwriting that understands your career potential, not just your credit score

✅ Student support team ready to walk you through the entire loan process

Whether you’re training full-time or part-time, Stratus has custom solutions to fit your needs. You can apply online, and most applicants receive a decision within days.

APPLY WITH STRATUS FINANCIAL

Additional Financing Options

While Stratus Financial is our primary lender, we also work with a secondary financial institution to give students even more flexibility and options.

Option 2: In-House Monthly Installment Plan (No Interest)

For students who prefer to avoid loans, we offer a zero-interest, in-house payment plan that allows you to pay as you progress through your training. This option is perfect for those who want predictable, flat monthly payments without any interest or credit check requirements.

How Our Installment Plan Works:

$2,500 down payment required to begin your training

Remaining tuition is divided into equal payments, based on how long your program takes, we do not collect more than $2,500.

No interest, No hidden fees

Pay-as-you-train model lets you manage your budget while earning your license

This plan is ideal for students who are self-funding their education or want to avoid debt while working toward their pilot goals.

CALL US NOW TO DISCUSS FINANCING

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the basic requirements I need to apply for a loan?

You must be 18 years of age, a US citizen or a lifetime permanent resident (green card), and you must have a bank account in the United States to apply

How long will it take to get my loan approved?

We conditionally approve you within 1 business day and typically fund loans within 2-3 weeks, depending on how quickly you provide responses.

How long does it take after I have submitted all the needed documents after Conditional Approval?

If all documents are complete and no additional document or information is needed, we can process the documents and prepare the final documents for you and your co-borrower’s signature within 1-2 business days. Once we receive the signed loan documents, we can fund the loan within 3 business days.

Will there be a penalty for paying off the loan early in the future?

You may prepay the loan in whole or in part without penalty.

Will my credit score impact my application?

When you apply with the loan company, they obtain a soft pull of your credit, which does not negatively impact your credit score. If your loan is approved, they will make a hard inquiry of your credit.

Can I apply for a loan by myself without a job at the time of attendance of the program?

Yes you can, if you can show you have enough liquid assets to pay the loan.

Are there any prerequisites to apply for a loan? For example, is it a prerequisite to have a co-signer?

The Loan Application Form is all that’s needed to apply for a loan. Once you have filled it out, they will determine if the information you provided would require you to have a co-borrower to qualify.

Launching Your Career as a Commercial Pilot

Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll be ready to launch your career as a commercial pilot with confidence. The aviation industry is actively seeking qualified commercial pilots, offering a wealth of job opportunities and competitive salaries. Many airlines provide attractive compensation packages and benefits, making this a rewarding and stable career choice.

To get started, research job openings, connect with other pilots and aviation professionals, and consider joining organizations like the Airline Pilots Association to expand your network. With the right training, financing, and a proactive approach to your career, you’ll be well-positioned to achieve your goals and thrive as a pilot in the dynamic world of aviation.

✈️ Get Started with Essence Flight Academy Today

At Essence Flight Academy, we believe that becoming a pilot shouldn’t be reserved for the wealthy. We’re committed to helping you find a realistic and affordable path to achieve your aviation dreams — right here at Van Nuys Airport, one of the busiest general aviation airports in the country.

Compared to ATP Flight School and most flight schools, Essence Flight Academy offers more accessible and affordable options for flight students, without the highly competitive entrance requirements or long-term contractual commitments. Our aviation training is designed to provide high-quality instruction and comprehensive support for all flight students, ensuring you have the resources needed to succeed.

Whether you choose a custom loan through Stratus Financial or our interest-free monthly payment plan, we have the tools to help you succeed.

Schedule Your Complimentary in-person Flight Training Consultation at Essence Flight Academy

What to Expect During Your Complimentary Consultation:

Career Guidance

Explore training paths from Sport Pilot to Airline Transport Pilot based on your goals.

Customized Training Plan

Get expert advice on the program that fits your schedule, needs, and budget.

Facility Tour

Visit our modern training center, view our aircraft fleet, and experience the Redbird MCX Full Motion Simulator.

Financing Options

Learn about affordable payment plans and financing solutions.

Q&A Session

Receive clear answers to all your flight training and aviation career questions.

BOOK NOW

Your Aviation Journey Starts Here

Let’s Get You in the Sky

There’s a reason so many future pilots choose Essence Flight Academy. Whether your goal is to fly for fun, build a professional career in aviation, or simply explore what flight training is all about—we’re here to help you take that first exciting step with clarity and confidence.

Our expert instructors, cutting-edge Redbird MCX full motion simulator, and structured training programs make the path to becoming a pilot smoother, more affordable, and more rewarding than ever before.

REQUEST A CALL BACK

Call us now to speak directly with a flight advisor and get your questions answered

IN-PERSON CONSULTATION

Book a free in-person consultation at our Van Nuys location—come meet the team, tour the aircraft, and get a feel for your future cockpit.

ENROLLMENT FORM

Fill out our quick enrollment form to reserve your spot and begin training right away.

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