1–2 hours
Initial underwriting decision
1 day
Final loan documents, once paperwork is in
3 business days
Funding after everyone signs
Soft pull
Applying will not affect your credit score
WHY WE CHOSE STRATUS
A lender built for pilots, by pilots.
Stratus Financial was founded in 2020 by FAA-certified flight and ground instructors to help students keep training when funding gets in the way.
01
More than a credit score
Stratus looks past the FICO credit score alone and considers you as a whole future aviator, including your income while in school, your assets and a co-borrower.
02
Your whole training path
Lending packages cover training from your first lesson through Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot and beyond, so you can plan your full career path.
03
No prepayment penalty
Pay your loan off in whole or in part at any time without a penalty. Stratus also connects borrowers with industry mentors as they move up.
HOW IT WORKS
From application to your next lesson in six steps.
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Apply online
Complete the Stratus application through our school link. It takes a few minutes.
Processing
Stratus reviews your application and lets you know which documents to send.
Underwriting
An initial decision usually comes back within one to two hours.
Approval
Final loan documents are typically ready within one day of receiving your paperwork.
Funding
Funds are sent within three business days after all parties sign.
Start flying
Book your next lesson with us and keep your training moving.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
Have these ready before you apply.
Gathering your documents first is the fastest way to get approved. A co-borrower, such as a parent, sibling or friend, is recommended and can strengthen your application.
✓ United States citizen or permanent resident*
✓ Pay stubs from the past two months
✓ Bank statements from the past two months
✓ Driver’s license
✓ Employer name and phone number for verification
✓ First- or second-class medical certificate
✓ Pilot certificate, if you already hold one
✓ Co-borrower (recommended)
✓ Subject to credit check and underwriting
*Applicants who are not United States citizens need Transportation Security Administration (TSA) verification.
FINANCING QUESTIONS
Common questions
Questions about your training plan or total cost? We are happy to walk through it with you.
What does Stratus consider when approving a loan?
Stratus looks at the borrower and co-borrower’s FICO credit score, current income while in school and available assets. They consider two of these three factors, depending on your financial situation.
How quickly can I be approved?
Initial underwriting usually takes one to two hours. Once all documents are in, final loan documents are prepared within one day, and the loan funds within three business days after everyone signs.
Is there a penalty for paying the loan off early?
No. You may repay the loan in whole or in part at any time without a penalty.
Will applying hurt my credit score?
No. Stratus uses a soft credit pull when you apply.
READY TO TAKE FLIGHT?
Apply in minutes through our school link.
Applying through our link connects your loan to your training at 4 One Air. Prefer to read first? Download the full Stratus program overview.
STRATUS FINANCIAL
(855) 301-3335
stratus.finance
4 ONE AIR
(616) 344-6767
Loans are made by Stratus Financial LLC, not by 4 One Air. All loans are subject to credit check, underwriting and approval by the lender, and the lender sets rates and terms. Timelines shown are typical and not guaranteed.