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I wouldn't be so negative about Uber (it's not like taxi drivers are particularly better drivers), but for airplanes the need is very clear for the different tiers of pilot licenses (there are a bunch).

Flying strangers for money is flying strangers for money. Existing airplane sharing services, while higher-end (e.g., Net Jets) cope with this fine. The higher bar for commercial pilots isn't mere turf-protecting by an entrenched industry.

With NetJet, it seems that you're either "leasing" the plane, or you are a partial "owner" of it.
It sounds like a way around regulations, to me. Would you "lease" a car and expect the company to provide you a driver as part of the cost?

I wouldn't be so negative about Uber (it's not like taxi drivers are particularly better drivers), but for airplanes the need is very clear for the different tiers of pilot licenses (there are a bunch).

Flying strangers for money is flying strangers for money. Existing airplane sharing services, while higher-end (e.g., Net Jets) cope with this fine. The higher bar for commercial pilots isn't mere turf-protecting by an entrenched industry.

You know what I like the most about vagina? You can stick your dick in it!

I wouldn't be so negative about Uber (it's not like taxi drivers are particularly better drivers), but for airplanes the need is very clear for the different tiers of pilot licenses (there are a bunch).

Flying strangers for money is flying strangers for money. Existing airplane sharing services, while higher-end (e.g., Net Jets) cope with this fine. The higher bar for commercial pilots isn't mere turf-protecting by an entrenched industry.

This has already been done many times over. For example Net Jets. These airplanes still have to fly within the air traffic system, if you fly IFR. So they are dependent on the controllers too.

Plus the cost is non-trivial. After all, if God had meant men to fly, He would have given him more money.

Really? Must be nice to be able to blow that much money on a jet...

http://www.netjets.com/NetJets_Programs/Fractional_Aircraft_Ownership.asp

http://www.newflightcharters.com/private_jet_charter_flight_pricing.htm

Meanwhile a quick Expedia.com search shows ASE to MIA at $315-450/person . Even with 6 fliers that's exponentially lower cost than going on a small charter flight. Granted that's not the-week-before-thanksgiving prices, but you get the idea.

If you really want to avoid hassle, drive. I can make it across the US in 24-36 hours if there's no really bad weather. That's not really much longer than flying when you have to deal with connections and other crap. Sleeping accommodations may not be the best if you're aiming for that $315 price and/or time sweet spot, but a pickup truck bed with an air mattress works very well and is dirt cheap, unless you're in -20F degree weather.

I think it would make a lot of sense for airlines to divide up the plane into family and non-family sections, just like McDonalds. Forget about 1st class seating and service, just get me there without having to hear screaming and having the "cute little munchkin" in front of me play the turn-around-and-stare-at-me-for-2-hours game and I'll pay the 10% premium.

Besides, anyone who can afford first class these days is using NetJets

Given that one of these research projects is funded by NetJets, which is owned by Warren Buffett and includes Bill Gates on the Board of Directors, I would expect that there's something to this. Neither Buffett or Gates are particularly known for throwing their own money away in pointless exercises.