Fractional flight, you say. is that division? Kind of. Split flying is where you, the customer, can own a “share” in a private plane. In most cases, these shares allow you to own anywhere from 1/4 to 1/32 of a $40 million private jet. Where full ownership may be out of reach, fractional ownership may be the best option to put you on the air. Let’s take a look at four companies that offer split flights in the US.

1. Net jets. Richard Santulli is the brainchild behind modern fractional jet flight, having founded Netjets on this principle in 1986. The concept has grown from selling shares in a few jets to selling shares in sixteen different models. In fact, you can also share planes much “cheaper” than a 40 million dollar jet, starting with the Hawker 400 XP and working your way up to a BBJ. [Boeing Business Jet]. Santulli was sold to Berkshire Hathaway’s Warren Buffett in 1998, but he remains a key player in the company.

2.Flexjet. Not to be left out in the cold, Canadian aircraft manufacturer, Bombardier, jumped into the fray with AMR Combs. [parent company of American Airlines] and started Business JetSolutions. In 1997, Bombardier bought out AMR Comb and changed the company name to Flexjet. Today Flexjet customers can buy shares in various Learjets [now owned by Bombardier] and canadair [another Bombardier make] aircraft.

3.Flight options. Raytheon Aircraft Company is the principal owner of Flight Options, which was founded in 1998. Raytheon aircraft, including several Hawker models, are some of the aircraft used in the Flight Options fleet. Other aircraft operated by Flight Options are the Embraer Legacy and the Citation X.

4. List shares. Launched in 2000 as a joint partnership between TAG Aviation, an aircraft operations and management company, and the Cessna Aircraft Company. CitationShares features three Citation models produced by aircraft manufacturer Cessna: the CJ1, the Bravo and the Excel.

Other things to consider when purchasing your fractional share include the following:

1. Cost of acquisition. When you buy your stock, how old is that stock actually? Is it renewable and for how much? Are there any additional capital outlays for you during the time you own a share?

2. Management expenses. Monthly charges will be billed separately and include: pilot salaries and training, storage [hangaring] of the aircraft, insurance and support.

3. Hourly rates. During the time you are actually flying, and also for a predetermined amount of time before takeoff and after landing, you will be charged hourly charges to cover catering, maintenance, fuel and landing fees.

4. Taxes. Fuel surcharges, international taxes and federal surcharges will also be assessed.

Split flying presents you, the customer, with options previously only available to those who owned a private jet. If convenience, luxury, safety, and price are important to you, then plane sharing is an option worth exploring. The four featured operators are industry leaders and can provide you with more detailed information.