THIS ISN’T AN EXPENSE.
IT’S AN INVESTMENT.
The average airline pilot earns $5 million to $10 million+ over the course of their career. Regional first officers are starting at $80,000–$120,000. Major airline captains routinely earn $300,000–$500,000+ per year.
Your total training investment? A fraction of your first year at the airlines. The single best return on investment you will find anywhere.
SEE YOUR PROJECTED CAREER EARNINGSAVERAGE CAREER EARNINGS
$5M – $10M+
Over a full airline pilot career (mandatory retirement at 65)
REGIONAL FO STARTING
$80K–$120K
Year one at the airlines
MAJOR CAPTAIN
$300K–$500K+
Per year at seniority
Your flight training investment pays for itself within the first 1–2 years at the airlines. Every year after that is pure return. The question is not whether you can afford to train — it is whether you can afford not to.
A CO-SIGNER CHANGES EVERYTHING
Here is what most aspiring pilots do not realize: nearly every flight training loan — whether it is ELMSelect financing, Stratus Financial, or any other lender — requires or strongly prefers a co-signer. This is not a setback. It is the single most important step you can take to get approved, lock in the best rates, and start training.
A co-signer is someone who believes in your future — a parent, spouse, family member, or trusted friend with established credit. Their signature does not just help you get a loan. It unlocks the door to a career where you will be earning six figures within 2–3 years and potentially $300,000–$500,000+ per year as a major airline captain.
THE CONVERSATION THAT CHANGES YOUR LIFE
Sit down with the person who has always believed in you. Show them the numbers — the career earnings, the job security, the demand for pilots. When they see that their signature today leads to your $10 million career tomorrow, it is not a hard conversation. It is an exciting one. You are not asking for a favor — you are inviting them to invest in your future.
CO-SIGNER RELEASE IS AVAILABLE
Many lenders offer co-signer release after you have made a set number of on-time payments and meet credit requirements. Your co-signer commitment is temporary — but the career it helps launch lasts a lifetime.
Higher Approval Rates
A co-signer with established credit dramatically increases your chances of approval — turning a “maybe” into a “yes.”
Lower Interest Rates
Strong co-signer credit often qualifies you for the lowest available rates, saving thousands over the life of the loan.
Higher Loan Amounts
With a co-signer, lenders are willing to fund 100% of your training — so nothing stands between you and the cockpit.
Better Repayment Terms
Co-signed loans often come with more flexible repayment options, including deferred payments while you train.
*Age is a contributing factor to lifetime career earnings.
A co-signer signature today unlocks a career that pays for itself within the first 1–2 years at the airlines. Every year after that is pure return.
FOUR PATHS. ONE GOAL.
Every situation is different. That is why we offer multiple financing options — so you can find the path that works for your budget, your timeline, and your life.
FIND YOUR PATH
I’M A VETERAN
You have served your country — now let your benefits serve your career. Through our affiliation with Dodge City Community College, eligible veterans can use their GI Bill® benefits to cover flight training costs. You may also combine VA benefits with other financing options to cover any remaining balance.
I WANT TRADITIONAL STUDENT LOANS
ELMSelect financing gives eligible students access to college-connected education loan options for flight training. To access ELMSelect financing, you will enroll through our affiliated college degree pathway with Dodge City Community College — which also earns you college credits while you train. A qualified co-signer dramatically increases your approval odds and gets you the best available rates.
I WANT AN AVIATION-SPECIFIC LOAN
Stratus Financial was built from the ground up for aspiring pilots. They understand aviation career trajectories and earning potential, which means they evaluate your application differently than traditional lenders. A co-signer significantly improves your approval chances and rate.
I WANT A SIMPLE PAYMENT PLAN
Our in-house Custom Payment Plan divides your total training cost into fixed monthly payments with zero interest and no third-party lender. No credit check. No co-signer. Paid in full by graduation.
EVERY DAY YOU WAIT IS A DAY YOU’RE NOT EARNING
Airline pilots at the major carriers earn $300,000–$500,000+ per year. Every month you spend thinking about training instead of doing it is a month of that income you will never get back.
Talk to your family. Find your co-signer. Call our admissions team. We will help you find the financing option that works — and get you in the air.