Columbus, Ohio – Scope Aircraft Finance, a wholly owned subsidiary of Park National Corporation, is celebrating half a century of helping aviators and business owners achieve their aircraft ownership goals. Since its founding in 1975, Scope has become a respected name in aviation finance across the United States, recognised for its agility, creativity, and personal approach to lending.
Established by Joe and Roberta Kemple, Scope began with a simple but powerful vision — to make the convenience of air travel more accessible. Over the past five decades, the company has evolved from a small family venture into a trusted financial partner known for delivering tailored solutions and building enduring relationships within the aviation community.
“Fifty years is a milestone that reflects our dedication to the aviation industry and helping customers connect to what matters most to them,” said Michael J. Smith, President of Scope Aircraft Finance. “We’re building the next chapter based on the foundation established by the Kemples and kept alive by Charlie Sauter. Our commitment to personalised service, creative problem-solving, and helping customers be the hero of the story remains unchanged.”
A key differentiator for Scope lies in its experienced lending team — many of whom are pilots or come from aviation backgrounds. This shared experience allows the company to deliver not just financial expertise, but also practical understanding of the operational realities faced by aircraft owners and operators.
“Everything we do is in-house from application to closing to servicing, so one call truly does it all, and our customers appreciate that,” Smith added. “Our team is passionate about helping people experience the freedom of flight with financing that fits.”
As an active member of both the National Aviation Finance Association (NAFA) and the International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA), Scope continues to uphold the highest standards of integrity and service.
To commemorate its 50th anniversary, Scope has unveiled a refreshed brand identity, complete with a new logo that reflects its aviation heritage and forward-looking vision. The rebrand honours the company’s legacy while underscoring its ongoing commitment to innovation, agility, and customer-first service as it enters its next era of growth.
Scope Aircraft Finance currently manages $320.8 million in total loans (as of June 30, 2025), serving customers across the 48 contiguous United States. Its parent company, Park National Corporation, headquartered in Newark, Ohio, holds $9.9 billion in total assets and operates a network of subsidiaries focused on financial and investment services.
For Scope, fifty years of success marks not an endpoint, but a launchpad — propelling its mission to help aviators nationwide take flight with confidence and financial clarity.
SOURCE AND IMAGE: SCOPE AIRCRAFT
About Park National Corporation
Headquartered in Newark, Ohio, Park National Corporation has $9.9 billion in total assets (as of June 30, 2025). Park’s banking operations are conducted through its subsidiary, The Park National Bank. Other Park subsidiaries are Scope Leasing, Inc. (d.b.a. Scope Aircraft Finance), Guardian Financial Services Company (d.b.a. Guardian Finance Company), Park Investments, Inc. and SE Property Holdings, LLC.
