OpenAirplane: Finally, a Zipcar-Style Service for Airplanes

Rejoice, oh aeronautical adventurers of American airspace: There's finally a Zipcar-style service for renting small airplanes.

OpenAirplane launched Monday at airports in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Jose, Kissimmee and Detroit with the goal of dramatically simplifying aircraft rental.

OpenAirplane members first take a standardized flight exam before they're allowed to borrow an airplane from a variety of airports. Previously, private pilots who don't own their own planes had to do "checkout flights" with every new rental firm before receiving the keys — a time-consuming and expensive process.