How helicopter finance works
Helicopters are financed by specialist aviation lenders, usually secured on the helicopter. Lenders consider the model, age, hours flown and maintenance status, and whether it's for private or commercial use.
Interest is worked out monthly at one twelfth of the annual rate. Lenders may calculate interest differently (some charge it daily), so your actual payments can differ slightly.
Worked example
A £500,000 helicopter with a £100,000 deposit means borrowing £400,000. At 8% over 10 years, the payment is £4,853.10 a month, £582,372.45 in total.
Running costs
Helicopters have high running costs, including scheduled maintenance, insurance, hangarage and fuel. Include these in your budget.
Inputs for the helicopter loan calculator
Helicopter price
The price of the helicopter.
Deposit
Your deposit.
Interest rate (per year)
The annual interest rate on your loan. The rate shown is only an example, so enter the rate from your quote.
Term
How many years you'll repay over.
CALCULATOR QUESTIONS
Helicopter loan calculator questions
Who lends for helicopters?
Specialist aviation finance providers, usually with the helicopter as security.
Does commercial use change the finance?
It can. Lenders assess commercial operators on the business's income as well as the helicopter.
What affects the terms?
The model, age, hours, maintenance history and your finances.
Does this include running costs?
No. Maintenance, insurance, hangarage and fuel are extra.