Just don't get crazy, Ashton.

I don't have a strong objection to no more major airlines. But leave General Aviation alone. GA was never the problem, but it takes a load of heat because we don't have billions to barter in Washington with.

Owning a stake in my own business precludes me from being able to vacation with the family as much as I'd like. Soon I'll be getting my ticket (Private Pilot License) which will allow me to take the family (and most importantly the kids) on week-end trips. GA is 3-4 times faster than driving and with all the hysterical nonsense going on in the airlines these days, GA can often be a more efficient mode of transportation than flying commercial.

The real issue is that in the 70's, the average family vacation was roughly two weeks. Today, thanks to the oppression inherent in the system, the average family vacation is less than 4 days. You want them to spend that time driving?

And surely their role would change, if we complete the dismantling of the existing mess (which I for one, am not smart enough to write the reorganization plans for).

Perhaps, for those few situations where you rilly Want to get somewhere yesterday - air taxis! maybe Co-ops (like the fearmers') where 2-4 share a ride. Why.. small business might reclaim a small piece of the Murican Corporate pie! you know, that one heading rapidly towards

Eine Mall.. Eine Walmart, Eine McBurger - 3-6 Same logos everywhere (why travel - the street will look exactly the same?)

Hell, even I could imagine a number of branches on this tree, including the funds for maintaining lots of small planes via part-retail, part personal transport; an umbrella of small operations = no monopoly. Bet you could add lots more.

Ashton

PS - this would keep lots of kerosene out of the stratosphere too, for those who think that just might not be a good thing to keep doing up there..

(Downside = more avaiation-grade highly refined fuel needed. More cat-crackers. TANSTAAFL)

Welcome to IWETHEY!