STRATUS FINANCIAL PARTNERSHIP

Flight Training Financing Built by Pilots, for Pilots

Cover up to 100% of your flight training with flexible student loans, deferred payments while training, and fast 24-hour approvals.

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Loan Requirements

5/5 ratings on Google

Bird Dog student pilot celebrating checkride success in Fort Worth, Texas

Accelerate Your Pilot Career with Stratus Financial

At Bird Dog Flight Services, we believe financial hurdles should never ground a passionate aviator. We have partnered with Stratus Financial—an aviation-focused lender created and operated by commercial pilots—to provide our students with seamless, swift access to comprehensive flight school funding. Whether you are earning your Private Pilot License, accelerating through the LOFT Career Pilot Program, or completing your CFI/CFII certifications, our personalized training at Hicks Airfield in North Fort Worth is more accessible and affordable than ever.

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100% Full Program Coverage

< 24h Fast Pre-Approval

DEFERRED Pay When You Fly

5–15 YRS Flexible Term Lengths

Why Choose Stratus Financial for Flight Training?

Lending solutions designed specifically around real-world flight timelines, FAA checkride milestones, and airline career progression.

100% Full Program Coverage

Finance your complete flight training journey from zero flight hours through Private, Instrument, Commercial, and CFI/CFII instructor ratings.

Deferred Payments Until You Work

Focus 100% on your checkrides without financial stress. Opt for deferred or interest-only payments while training, starting full repayment only after earning income as a pilot.

Fast 24-Hour Approvals

Complete a streamlined online application with soft credit pull options and get pre-approved in as little as 24 to 48 hours.

Co-Borrower Friendly

Add a parent, spouse, or sponsor as a co-borrower to unlock lower interest rates, maximize your borrowing capacity, and increase approval odds.

No Prepayment Penalties

Pay off your loan early anytime without fees or penalties as your professional pilot career advances and your compensation grows.

Transparent & Flexible Terms

Choose from competitive fixed or variable interest rates with customized loan terms from 5 to 15 years tailored to your monthly budget.

Financing Overview

Flexible Financing Built for Your Needs

We partner with Stratus Financial to offer competitive, flexible loan terms that cover individual ratings or our entire professional pilot track.

A student pilot at Bird Dog Flight Services in the cockpit during career training

Repayment Terms

Typical Repayment Terms

Choose a payment structure that fits your training timeline and budget.

12–84 Months of Financing

Short-Term Long-Term

Check all Terms

Covered Programs

Covered Flight Programs

Estimated training times based on your program goals.

LOFT Career Pilot Program
6–9 Months
Private Pilot License (PPL)
2–4 Months
Instrument Rating
2–3 Months
Commercial Pilot License
4–6 Months
CFI / CFII Certifications
1–2 Months

100% of flight hours, ground school, and simulator time covered.

Training Pathway

Your Step-by-Step Path to Becoming a Licensed Pilot

1. Online Pre-Qualification

Complete a simple 10-minute online application with soft credit pull options to view your customized loan eligibility without impacting your credit score.

2. Custom Loan Structuring

Select your preferred loan term (5 to 15 years), full program or modular coverage, and choose deferred or interest-only payment structures.

3. Fast Underwriting & Review

Submit simple verification documents (paystubs, bank statements, FAA medical) for rapid evaluation—most decisions are issued within 24 to 48 hours.

4. Direct Flight Account Disbursement

Approved funds are placed into a dedicated student flight account and disbursed directly to Bird Dog Flight Services as you complete flight lessons and ratings.

5. Take to the Skies

Schedule your flight blocks with your dedicated Bird Dog flight instructor at Hicks Airfield in Fort Worth and start building logbook hours immediately.

Before You Start

Flight Training Prerequisites

Stratus Financial provides pilot-centric underwriting designed to make aviation accessible. Preparing these essential items ahead of time ensures a smooth, expedited approval process.

Questions about medical certificates or eligibility? We will assist you during your onboarding.

Stratus Loan Requirements Prerequisites - Bird Dog Flight Services

Start From Zero Experience

One-on-one personalized mentorship

Student pilot reviewing training documents and checklists at Bird Dog Flight Services in Fort Worth

Resources & Downloads

Stratus Financial Resources & Downloads

Download our official financing brochures and guides to explore 100% coverage options, deferred repayment structures, and the fast-track application process.

Bird Dog & Stratus 1-Page Summary Flyer (PDF)

The Stratus Advantage Pilot Program Guide (PDF)

Student Direct Application QR Code Sheet (PDF)

Comprehensive Flight School Financing Brochure (PDF)

Take Flight Today

Don't Let Funding Delay Your Aviation Career

Pre-Qualify in Under 10 Minutes with Stratus Financial

Your personalized, one-on-one training experience at Bird Dog Flight Services is ready. Get pre-approved online today and take your first step toward the cockpit.

Apply Online with Stratus Financial

Soft credit check available Fast 24-hour pre-approval turnaround

Confident student pilot in cockpit during flight lesson at Bird Dog Flight Services in Fort Worth

Bird Dog × Stratus

Direct flight account funding

FINANCING QUESTIONS

Flight Training Financing FAQs

Clear answers about student loans, repayment deferral, credit requirements, and application timelines.

Eligibility & Credit

Stratus Financial evaluates applicants holistically based on credit history, income, and debt-to-income ratio. While students with solid credit histories receive the most competitive interest rates, adding a creditworthy co-borrower (such as a parent or spouse) significantly improves approval odds and unlocks the best terms.

Yes! In fact, having a co-borrower is strongly encouraged—especially for students training full-time or transitioning into aviation. A co-signer helps reduce borrowing costs and expands your eligible loan amount.

You can apply and receive pre-approval before your medical exam. However, obtaining your FAA Medical Certificate (1st, 2nd, or 3rd Class depending on your career pathway) is required prior to final loan disbursement.

Repayment & Loan Terms

Stratus offers flexible repayment structures, including deferred payment and interest-only options during your active flight training period. Full principal and interest repayments can be deferred until you graduate and start working as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) or commercial pilot.

No. There are never any prepayment penalties. You can make lump-sum payments or pay off your loan in full at any time without fees as your airline or charter pilot salary increases.

Loans are offered in flexible term lengths ranging from 5 to 15 years with competitive fixed or variable interest rates designed to fit your monthly cash flow.

Coverage & Disbursements

Yes. Stratus Financial can cover 100% of your training costs across all Bird Dog programs—including the LOFT Career Pilot Program, Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, and CFI/CFII certificates, plus gear and study materials.

Approved loan proceeds are deposited into a secure student training account and disbursed directly to Bird Dog as you complete flight hours and training modules. You only draw funds as you fly.

Have specific questions about financing?

Contact Stratus Financial directly or reach out to our team at Bird Dog.

Apply with Stratus