Access aircraft-backed lending without selling your private jet, turboprop, or helicopter. TLN structures confidential capital against the verified market value of your aircraft, based on FAA registration, engine programs, ADs compliance, and avionics status.
Private aircraft represent some of the most significant capital assets owned by individuals and closely held business entities. A light jet like the Cessna Citation CJ4 carries a current market value of $3–$5 million; a Gulfstream G650ER can represent $50 million or more. These are assets with well-established secondary market structures, professional appraisers, dedicated auction platforms, manufacturer valuations, and sophisticated broker networks, that provide a clear basis for collateral assessment.
Yet aircraft ownership is also extraordinarily capital-intensive. Annual maintenance, hangar costs, insurance, crew salaries, and fuel represent significant ongoing costs that fall on the owner regardless of use. Owners who need to access capital quickly, for a business opportunity, a real estate transaction, a tax obligation, or another investment, face the challenge of an asset that is highly liquid in relative terms but still subject to longer transaction timelines than traditional financial assets. Many aircraft owners hold other high-value assets as well, and those who also own automobiles can access liquidity from a luxury vehicle without selling, where select vehicles may be reviewed alongside an aircraft-backed arrangement.
Aircraft-backed lending provides an alternative: structured private capital against the verified market value of the aircraft, without triggering a sale, without disrupting the aircraft's operational status, and without the extended timeline of a brokered sale. TLN's aviation lending program is built on a deep understanding of the factors that matter in the turbine aircraft market, engine programs, avionics specifications, ADs compliance, maintenance tracking, and the FAA registration infrastructure that governs title and lien positions.
The process is designed to move at the speed that sophisticated aircraft owners and their advisors expect. Initial review typically within one business day. Funding timing depends on verification, documentation, and closing requirements. No personal financial statements required. No credit checks. The aircraft speaks for itself.
None of the following is required to submit. TLN conducts its own research, valuation, and verification on every asset. When these items happen to be available, they strengthen the valuation basis and can support a faster review and stronger preliminary terms:
TLN reviews a wide range of turbine aircraft from recognized manufacturers. Not exhaustive, all aircraft reviewed on individual merits.
Cessna Citation CJ-series (CJ1+, CJ2+, CJ3+, CJ4), Embraer Phenom 100/300, HondaJet Elite, Eclipse 550, Pilatus PC-24, and similar single-pilot certified or crew-operated light jets. These aircraft have established broker markets and comprehensive appraisal data from VREF, AVAC, and manufacturer guidance. Engine program enrollment is particularly important in this category.
Cessna Citation XLS+/Latitude, Learjet 60XR/70/75, Hawker 800XP/850XP/900XP, Beechcraft Premier, Embraer Phenom 300E, Bombardier Challenger 300/350, and Citation Sovereign/Longitude. This segment represents the most liquid portion of the pre-owned business jet market. Aircraft in this category frequently change hands through established broker channels with active comparable sales data.
Gulfstream G550/G650/G650ER/G700, Bombardier Global 5500/6500/7500, Dassault Falcon 8X/10X, Embraer Legacy 650/Lineage, and other large cabin aircraft representing significant capital values. These aircraft carry complex avionics suites, sophisticated cabin systems, and require detailed maintenance records to support accurate valuation. Pre-purchase inspection results are particularly important at this level.
Beechcraft King Air series (C90, B200, B350, 360), Pilatus PC-12 NGX, TBM 940/960, Daher TBM, and Piper Meridian/M600. Turboprops represent one of the most cost-effective private aviation options and maintain strong secondary market liquidity. Engine time since overhaul (TSOH) or time since new (TSN) for PT6 and other popular engine series are primary valuation factors alongside maintenance tracking completeness.
Airbus (H125, H135, H145, H160, EC155), Bell (407GXi, 429, 412EPI, 505), Leonardo (AW109, AW139, AW189), MD Helicopters, and Sikorsky (S-76D, S-92). Turbine helicopters with current component tracking, ADs compliance, and favorable time remaining on life-limited parts receive strongest consideration. Rotor system time remaining is as important as engine program status in this category.
Significant vintage aircraft, Golden Age classics, warbirds with documented restorations, and high-value experimental aircraft, may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Rare, thoroughly documented examples from manufacturers like Beechcraft (Staggerwing, D18S), Lockheed, and Douglas with recent condition inspections and clear title may qualify for individual review regardless of category.
Aircraft valuation for lending purposes requires deep aviation market expertise, not generic asset depreciation schedules. TLN reviews aircraft against current broker market data, VREF and AVAC appraisal guidance, comparable pre-owned transactions, and the specific maintenance and configuration factors that professional aviation buyers evaluate when making purchase decisions.
FAA Registration & Title: FAA N-registration and a clear title from the Aircraft Registry in Oklahoma City are helpful but not required to submit. TLN conducts its own research and verification independently, so registration and title documentation in hand is optional and does not automatically disqualify the aircraft, and foreign-registered aircraft can be reviewed as well. TLN coordinates title searches through aviation title specialists, and an existing lien, encumbrance, or prior chattel mortgage does not automatically disqualify the aircraft. The outstanding balance is factored into the capital structure, subject to underwriting and to the requested capital and the aircraft's verified value supporting it. The FAA Aircraft Registry provides the legal framework for perfecting aviation liens (Aircraft Chattel Mortgages) that secure TLN's interest during the loan term.
Engine Programs: Perhaps the single most significant value differentiator for jet and turboprop aircraft is engine program enrollment. Aircraft enrolled in JSSI Total Care, Honeywell MSP Gold, Pratt & Whitney TAP Elite, Williams ESP Gold, or OEM-sponsored programs carry comprehensive, transferable engine coverage that dramatically increases market liquidity and buyer confidence. On-program aircraft can command premium pricing of 10–20%+ over identical off-program aircraft. TLN's loan-to-value ratios reflect this directly.
Airworthiness Directives (ADs): FAA ADs are mandatory regulatory actions requiring specific inspections, modifications, or part replacements. Outstanding non-compliant ADs represent both regulatory violations and safety concerns, and are significant negative factors in any aircraft's valuation and marketability. TLN's review process includes confirmation of AD compliance status from current maintenance records.
Avionics & Interior: The avionics suite significantly affects an aircraft's market value and appeal. Modern glass panel installations (Garmin G5000/G6000/G7500, Honeywell Primus Epic, Collins Pro Line Fusion), current ADS-B Out compliance, SATCOM data link, Wi-Fi connectivity, and IFR-certified GPS navigation all contribute to market positioning. Interior condition and cabin configuration are similarly reviewed, a recent interior refurbishment can meaningfully increase a pre-owned aircraft's market value.
For aircraft without a recent (within 12 months) comprehensive inspection, TLN may require a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) by a qualified maintenance provider before finalizing loan terms. A PPI typically includes a full records review, operational test of all systems, borescope inspection of engines, and a physical inspection of the airframe, avionics, and interior.
TLN can coordinate PPI arrangements with qualified maintenance facilities through its network of aviation advisors. The cost of the PPI is typically borne by the borrower and may be structured into the loan if requested. Results of the PPI directly inform the final capital offer.
Aircraft lending in the United States is governed by the Federal Aviation Act, which provides for perfection of aviation liens through the FAA Aircraft Registry. TLN coordinates with aviation title and escrow specialists to ensure proper Aircraft Chattel Mortgage filing, title search completion, and registration of TLN's security interest prior to funding.
This process, which differs significantly from vehicle or vessel title procedures, requires coordination among aviation counsel, the FAA Aircraft Registry, and any existing lienholders. TLN's team manages this process efficiently to minimize the time between loan agreement execution and funding.
For many aircraft-backed arrangements, the aircraft continues in normal operation during the loan term, with TLN holding a first-priority Aircraft Chattel Mortgage as its security interest. Specific operational parameters, including geographic operating restrictions, minimum insurance coverage, and required maintenance intervals, are addressed in the loan agreement. Charter operations during the loan term may be structured with appropriate provisions for revenue and operational oversight.
Share your aircraft N-number, make/model/year, total time, engine program status, and available maintenance records. Our team responds within hours.
Our aviation specialists review against current market data and issue a preliminary capital offer. Initial review typically within one business day. PPI or additional records may be requested for larger transactions.
Aviation counsel confirms FAA title and files the Aircraft Chattel Mortgage. Loan agreement executed. Funding timing depends on verification, documentation, and closing requirements.
Submit your aircraft details for a confidential review. No credit check. No obligation. Initial review typically within one business day.