Most brokers see a variable W-2 and average it. I look at your MPG, your seat, your seniority date, and where your income is headed — then match your file to lenders whose programs actually reflect that picture.
"Elliott did amazing work for my wife and me. He was on top of every detail, extremely responsive, and very helpful throughout. You can't go wrong working with Elliott."
"Elliott is awesome — super responsive and makes the process easy and painless. Particularly good if you work in aviation and have a complicated income situation."
"Elliott was available for phone and text over five months and walked through every option — conventional, high balance, jumbo, HELOC, bridge loan. I'm confident we secured the best mortgage for our needs due to his dedication and communication."
Every commercial pilot has an MPG — a contractual floor, not a guess. Most underwriters don't read CBAs. They average two years of W-2s — and that consistently fails pilots who upgraded equipment, completed probation, or moved seats in the last 24 months.
"When I look at a pilot's file, I'm not averaging numbers — I'm reading a career. Your seniority date, your equipment, your seat. That context is what separates an approval from a decline."
The same file — same income, same credit, same career — can be declined at one lender and approved at another based entirely on how that institution underwrites aviation W-2s. As an independent broker, I bring your file to lenders whose programs are built for complex income borrowers. Results vary based on individual circumstances. Pilots optimizing early cash flow sometimes also evaluate adjustable-rate financing during lower-seniority years when income is still building.
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