That is not correct. I have heard of special exceptions made on a one time situation but an owner can not use more aircraft at one time than the number of ownership contracts. Adding to your example, one could purchase 2 quarter shares instead of a 1/2 share. I'm told the cost is the same.

Or he could land in LAX at 1200Z and his partner could take off from DCA at 1201Z. Technically one aircraft at a time, but not possible with one aircraft.

Why? Other than some minor "squabbling" in the first 20 or so posts (really minor) there has been some interesting and informative discussion on this thread.

Sure, the title may sound a bit inflammatory, but most of the responses have been mature and respectful.

APC Forums in my opinion still runs one of the "classier" message boards for pilots. It seems to me, the majority of participants here still behave like grown-ups. (most of the children seem to prefer to have their tantrums on other forums)

This thread is based on untrue statements made by an individual. Read the beginning of the thread. However, the thread has evolved into a inteligent conversation. Yet it started out of ignorance.

Because of the excesses of some stupid people there is an increasing movement of a backlash against the rich. Corporate jets, excessive compensation packages, etc. It doesn't matter whether justified or not, the public and by extension, the Congress, have had enough and the gravy train days are over

As aviators we are all familiar with the advantages of private air travel. no need to re-hash it.

In the case of GM, saddling up the Gulfstream to go begging for money is very bad PR. A coach seat on Northwest would have been much more appropriate. Of course, if they had been delayed out of DTW and missed their appearance on Capitol Hill that would have raised 'nother whole set of issues.

But seriously, we all know that private aviation is a much more efficient use of one's time. That's why we all drive personal cars rather than take the city bus.

90+% of corporate flying is totally justified, it's the other 10% that is an embarrassment. You know, the one passenger taking the G5 to go golfing or for that matter one passenger on a legitimate business trip on a transcon. Arguably on a city pair like LAX-NYC, airline flying is competitive.

I have no problem with people using private jets if they save themselves time. I just want to make sure that the time they are saving is being put to good economic use and helping make the overall economy better.

Unfortunately, the public is in no mood to define nuances. there is a general "off with their heads" sentiment out there. Even with this backlash, the reality is that whether GM owns its own fleet or not, the execs will still use private jets. Either charter or NetJets or whatever. For every customer NJ loses, another GM type operation will sign on. NJ is the gold standard and barring a total shutdown of the economy, there will be wealthy people who will be able to afford it.

I believe this IS true at Flexjet. Depending on the size of the share, owner can get multiple aircraft simultaneously. Of course, every contract is different - and I doubt they allow this option on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, for example.

But it is possible.

Never met a poor man yet who would give me a job ,anyone had anything contrary to that ?
Lets just suppose for a minute that a large percentage of the RICH just up a$$ed out of this country what do you think would happen then ?And does any one actually think they would stay here if things get too bad?

It always seems that the worse things get, the better NetJets does.

Historically, this has proven true. During the last recession, we couldn't get planes and pilots fast enough.

This is a new and different type of recession. It cuts differently but the result should result in the same; more Owners for NetJets.

Flight departments are getting harder to justify... but Fractional Jet Ownership is viewed as more of an expense and can be utilized in a very efficient manner as compared to owning a hangar, paying pilots, completing maintenance, scheduling crews, etc, etc etc.

I've worked for several airlines who furloughed in the past. I've heard all the lines leading up to a furlough. NetJets has done none of this. Management has asked us to step up and deliver now more than ever.

I say, "Why not. It's what I always do anyway."

I just hope that I can get home at the end of my trip with all the airline cuts. THAT is what concerns me.

Good article on the topic.

Private Jet Market Bucking Economic Head Winds