The process of renting an airplane should be as easy as renting a car. Hopefully you’ve heard of OpenAirplane before now, but in case you haven’t, renting an airplane just got easier.
Rod Rakic, co-founder of OpenAirplane, announced via email on Monday the first six operators (see list below) have opened:
- New York – Academy of Aviation at Republic Airport (RPG)
- Los Angeles – California Flight Center at Long Beach Airport (LGB)
- Chicago – Chicago Executive Flight School at Chicago Executive Airport (PWK)
- San Jose – Trade Winds Aviation at Reid-Hillview Airport (RHV)
- Kissimmee – SunState Aviation at Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM)
- Detroit – Troy Aviation Experience at Oakland/Troy Airport (VLL)
“We’ll be on-boarding more Operators around the country soon,” says Rakic.
In a nutshell, the OpenAirplane concept revolves around a universal pilot check-out. Complete the check-out and you’ll be able to rent aircraft from any OpenAirplane operator in moments.
“96% of pilots told us they would fly more, if there was a simpler way to rent airplanes,” says Rakic. “Over 5,800 pilots have already signed up with us prior to launch, because we’re helping make a pilot’s certificate more useful.”
The old “Lease-a-plane” model is back. I was wondering when this would happen.
Talk about a GREAT concept! This will enhance safety, proficiency and overall confidence in General aviation. Bravo!!
This is so logical that I venture to say it is brilliant. My only hesitation for awarding such high praise is that I cannot believe this has taken so long….
Great concept, wish I would have thought of this business model. It’s always been frustrating being out of town wanting to see the local area from the air without going through a check-out or hiring a flight instructor to go along. Now this is possible with OpenSource, awesome!