The Lender Built For Aircraft Owners
For 50 years, Scope Aircraft Finance has helped aircraft buyers secure the right loan and move through the process fast - so they can get airborne with confidence.
Designed for Aviation.
Built for Service.
In 1975, Scope was created to give aircraft buyers access to specialized lending expertise traditional banks couldn’t offer. As aviation evolved, so did we.
Today, Scope is a wholly owned division of Park National Bank, uniting the strength of a $12.7B financial institution with a team built entirely around aviation-only lending. No distractions. No competing priorities. Just aircraft financing done right.
Why Partner With Scope
Aircraft financing isn’t like other lending — and it shouldn’t be treated like it is.
We remove the friction buyers feel when they work with lenders who don’t understand aviation.
Direct Access to Decision-Makers
When you work with Scope, you’re talking directly to the bank — not brokers, not middle layers, not handoffs. Expect clear answers, fast
decisions and one consistent point of contact from quote to closing.
In-House Approvals, Funding & Servicing
Underwriting, approvals, document prep, title coordination, escrow communication, insurance
requirements - everything happens under one roof. That means fewer delays, fewer surprises and a smoother closing.
Aviation Only Lending
We don’t dabble in aircraft loans - it’s all we do. Our lenders understand logbooks, aircraft age/value nuances, mission profiles and the timing pressures surrounding every deal. When complexities arise, we navigate them quickly and confidently.
Personalized Financing for New & Used Aircraft
From Cirrus and King Air to TBM, PC-12, and light jets — we’ve financed them all. Whether you’re purchasing, upgrading or refinancing, Scope structures loans around your aircraft, your goals and your timeline.
50 Years of Proven Reliability
Founded in 1975, Scope is the oldest non-manufacturer-affliated aircraft lender in the country. For five decades, aircraft owners and dealers have returned to us when it’s time to upgrade, expand or close quickly.
What We Offer
Aircraft loans starting at $200,000 and up, serving individuals, business and corporations purchasing new or used aircraft.
Competitive Rates
Loan Structures Tailored To Your Mission
Down Payments As Low As 15%
Refinancing Options
Direct Access to Your Lender
Our Process
From Application to Closing—Simple, Transparent and Fast
1. Gather Information
Submit your application, financial documentation and aircraft details.
2. Underwriting & Approval
We review financials and aircraft details and obtain approval on your timeline
3. Closing
We coordinate every detail:
- Tttle Review
- Escrow coordination
- Loan document preparation and circulation
- Advocating on your behalf through the closing process
4. After Closing
You receive executed documents, monthly billing options and ongoing support from the same team — the one who knows your aircraft and your story.
A post-closing title search confirms proper recording.
Lending products are subject to credit application and approval; not all applicants will qualify.
A Team That Speaks Both Financing and Flying
A team built to help connect you to your aviation dreams
Mike Smith
President
Mike has been active in the banking industry since 2006 and has specialized in aircraft lending since 2011. He earned degrees in Aviation and Business from Ohio University and holds both Commercial Pilot and Flight Instructor certifications. Mike is the immediate past President of the Ohio Regional Business Aviation Association and currently serves on the NBAA Business Aviation Management Committee. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the National Aircraft Finance Association.
Alaina Joseph
Vice President, Senior Lender
Alaina joined the Scope team in 2019. With over 15 years in financial services including roles as a CPA at a Big Four Accounting firm and commercial lender, Alaina is passionate about supporting clients in an industry that connects people and helps them reach their destinations, wherever business or life takes them. Alaina is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the National Aircraft Finance Association Light Aircraft Roundtable.
Brian Finley
AVP, Lender
Brian got his start in aviation in 2011 by pumping fuel into airplanes while earning his degree in Aviation Management and a minor in Entrepreneurship from Bowling Green State University. He is now an instrument-rated private pilot and remote pilot, and previously worked for an aircraft OEM in finance, contracts and sales.
Jessica Neptune
Customer Experience Manager
Jess is a Customer Experience Manager, where she has spent more than 10 years at Scope Aircraft Finance, helping clients navigate aircraft financing transactions with confidence and ease.
Graduating from The Ohio State University with a degree in Aviation Management, her passion for aviation began as a student pilot during her college years. Prior to joining Scope, Jess gained industry experience with both an FBO and a flight department—experiences that helped shape her customer-focused approach to aviation.
She currently serves as President of ORBAA, Ohio Regional Business Aviation Association.
Alec Baldosser
Credit Manager
Alec joined Scope as a Credit Analyst in 2020. He earned a degree in Actuarial Science from Ashland University, where he led the Eagle Investment Group in managing a portion of the university's endowment portfolio. In 2026, Alec earned the Credit Risk Certification (CRC), a professional designation that demonstrates advanced expertise in commercial credit analysis and risk management.
Akash Patel
Loan Administrator
Akash Patel joined Scope Aircraft Finance in 2022 as a Credit Analyst and transitioned to the Loan Administration team in 2026. In his current role, he supports aircraft financing transactions by coordinating closings, processing payoffs, managing collateral documentation and working closely with customers and industry partners to help ensure a smooth and efficient transaction process. His experience across both credit and loan administration provides him with a well-rounded perspective on aircraft lending and a strong commitment to delivering exceptional client service.
Akash brings a strong blend of aviation and finance experience, holding a Master's degree in Financial Economics and a Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science from Ohio University, where he also earned a Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management with minors in Business Administration, Communications and Finance.
Will Pitt
Lender
Will joined the Scope team in 2023 after graduating from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Finance. Will combines his financial background with a passion for aviation to help clients achieve their aircraft ownership goals while supporting the broader general aviation industry.
He is an active member of the NBAA YoPro and ORBAA communities. Outside of work, Will enjoys traveling with friends and maximizing travel rewards through the "points game”.
Kim Hocke
Loan Administrator
Kim joined Scope in 2022 and supports the team with her strong background in operations processing. Dedicated and quick to learn, she is known for her willingness to assist with any task.
Connor Shoenleben
Credit Analyst
Connor is a soon to be graduate of The Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business, where he will earn his degree in Finance. He values the connections and community that have shaped his path both personally and professionally, and he brings that same relationship-driven approach to his work with clients and colleagues. He’s also an avid traveler, always looking forward to the next destination and the new perspectives that come with it. He joined Scope in 2026.
Connor Rogers
Credit Analyst
Connor joined Scope in 2026 as a Credit Analyst. He earned his finance degree from Indiana Wesleyan University (2023–2026). He's a licensed private pilot since 2025, and currently working toward his instrument rating.
Macinsey Cooper
Loan Administrator
Macinsey joined the team as a Loan Admin 2026 and supports the operational side of aircraft lending. She is dedicated to maintaining accuracy, staying organized and providing dependable support to both colleagues and customers. Macinsey takes pride in contributing to the success of her team and enjoys being part of the aviation finance industry.