How Much Can Flight Training Businesses Get in SBA Loans?
393 SBA loans totaling $126.2M have been approved for flight training businesses (NAICS 611512). The average approved SBA loan is $321K, which is 6% below avg the $340K national average. 139 active lenders fund this industry with a 13.4% default rate on the matured 2018-2021 loan cohort.
At 13.4%, Flight Training sits below the 15.4% all-industry SBA default rate (charged-off as a share of resolved loans) — moderate default risk relative to other SBA industries. Lenders price this risk into rate and structure, which is why matching the file to the right lender matters.
NAICS 611512 (Flight Training) received 393 SBA loans worth $126.2M across 5+ states. Average loan $321K, average term 103 months, 13.4% default rate (resolved-loan basis).139 active SBA-approved lenders fund this industry. Most flight training loans use the SBA 7(a) program. There are approximately 1,145 U.S. establishments in this industry (Census 2022).
Is SBA Lending Growing for Flight Training?-12% decline
Which SBA Program Do Flight Training Businesses Use Most?
What Is the Best SBA Loan for Flight Training?
The most widely used SBA program for flight training businesses — flexible terms, multiple use cases
Where Are Flight Training SBA Loans Most Common?
Top SBA Lenders for Flight Training
These banks have funded the most SBA loans for flight training businesses (NAICS 611512). PeerSense routes deals to lenders with proven appetite in your industry.
| # | Lender | Loans | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wells Fargo Bank National Association(SD) | 28 | $838K |
| 2 | Bank of Hope(CA) | 23 | $205K |
| 3 | Bank of America, National Association(NC) | 19 | $1.2M |
| 4 | U.S. Bank, National Association(OH) | 18 | $4.7M |
| 5 | JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association(OH) | 16 | $2.2M |
Flight Training Industry Context
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How Does SBA Lending Work for Flight Training Businesses?
Across all SBA loan programs, 393 loans have been approved for businesses classified under NAICS 611512 (Flight Training), representing $126.2M in total capital deployed. The average approved loan of $321K is 6% below avg the national SBA average of $340K, with typical repayment terms of 103 months.
SBA lending for flight training has contracted approximately 12% over recent fiscal years. This shift may reflect changing market conditions, industry consolidation, or tightening credit standards in this sector. However, 139 lenders remain active, maintaining competitive options for qualified borrowers.
The overwhelming majority of SBA lending for flight training uses the 7(a) program, which provides the most flexibility — covering working capital, equipment purchases, partner buyouts, debt refinancing, and business acquisitions up to $5M with terms up to 25 years.
PeerSense specializes in matching flight training business owners with the capital sources most likely to approve their specific deal structure. As an advisory firm (not a lender), we structure your deal across our network of 500+ SBA-approved lenders to find the best terms — our referral fee is established upfront and paid at closing. No retainers.
Frequently Asked Questions — Flight Training SBA Loans
What is the average SBA loan size for flight training businesses?
Which SBA loan program is best for a flight training business?
How many lenders fund SBA loans for flight training?
What states have the most SBA lending for flight training?
How does PeerSense help flight training businesses get SBA loans?
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Data aggregated from SBA loan records (1992–2025). Flight Training defined by NAICS code 611512. Not financial advice. PeerSense is a capital advisory firm, not a lender. Consult a lending professional before making financial decisions.