At The Aircraft Lenders, we hear the same question from almost every buyer at the start of the process: “What do you actually need from me?”
Much of the friction in the financing process stems from the back-and-forth requests for documents that were omitted from the borrower’s initial submission package.
Below is everything we’ll ask for, broken into three buckets: the aircraft, you personally, and your business (if applicable). With aircraft financing, personal financials are always needed, even when applying for a business loan. Pull these together early, and we can move from application to closing without unnecessary delays.
The Full Checklist at a Glance
Print it, save it, check it off — however you like to work.
Click to Download Checklist | Click to Download App | Click to Download Biz Debt Schedule
| Status | Category | Document | Notes | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ☐ | Aircraft | Spec sheet or for-sale listing link | If pre-approval, provide target make/model and price instead | Verifies aircraft specifics and value — both aircraft and borrower are vetted |
| ☐ | Aircraft | Purchase agreement | Submit once available — not required to begin | Defines buyer, seller, purchase price, aircraft, and closing timeline |
| ☐ | Personal | Completed application form (we will provide our fillable PDF form) | A fully completed application reduces follow-up questions | Details personal information, aircraft and mission, pilot credentials, assets and debts. Authorizes us and our lenders to process your loan application. |
| ☐ | Personal | Liquidity verification (bank/brokerage statements) | Full statements only — no screenshots; within 30 days if possible | Verifies available funds for down payment plus a cushion |
| ☐ | Personal | Federal Tax Returns — 2–3 years, all pages and statements | 2 years for personal loans; 3 years for commercial loans | Verifies income — aircraft lenders are cash-flow lenders |
| ☐ | Personal | W-2s — 2–3 years (if applicable) | To match the tax returns supplied above | Verifies income breakdown from each job and applicant |
| ☐ | Personal | Prior year’s W-2 (if applicable) | Required even if prior year’s return isn’t filed yet | Verifies ongoing W-2 income |
| ☐ | Personal | Most recent paystub (if applicable) | From all jobs, if more than one | Verifies continuing employment and income |
| ☐ | Personal | Driver’s license (color copy) | — | Verifies identity and address |
| ☐ | Business | 3 years of K-1s from business tax returns | For businesses owned less than 20% | Verifies ownership percentage, guaranteed payments, and distributions |
| ☐ | Business | 3 years of Business Tax Returns (for businesses owned 20% or more) | All pages and statements; 3 years for commercial loans | Verifies cash flow and solvency in your businesses |
| ☐ | Business | Prior Year Financial Statements (if return not yet filed) | Through year-end | Verifies prior-year cash flow with no return yet on file |
| ☐ | Business | Current Year Interim Financial Statements | Through most recent quarter-end, if possible | Verifies current P&L, liquidity, and long-term liabilities |
| ☐ | Business | Debt schedule | Form provided by The Aircraft Lenders | Verifies details of any long-term liabilities your businesses carry |
| ☐ | Business | Business bank statements | Verifies balances and activity | Verifies cash on hand, activity, and reserves for operating capital |
A Few Tips From Our Underwriting Desk
- Don’t wait for a perfect file. Start the application with what you have. Many of these documents can roll in over the first few days.
- Statements need to be complete. A screenshot of an account balance doesn’t give us what we need — we’re looking for the full statement, every page.
- If you’re not sure whether something applies to you, send it anyway. Or ask us. It’s easier to clarify upfront than to backtrack later.
Ready When You Are
Whether you’ve already got a tail number picked out or you’re still narrowing down what fits your mission and budget, The Aircraft Lenders is built to move at your pace. Gather what you can from the list above, and reach out — we’ll handle the rest. Contact: info@theaircraftlenders.com or call 862-277-5277 and we would be happy to chat with you and give you a soft quote.
Updated: June 23,2026
Author: Susan Weeden, Director, Aviation Finance, The Aircraft Lenders
