I’ve been thinking a lot about flying cars lately. The promoters of these cars have said nothing about what would happen if these things became popular. How would one qualify to operate one? Presumably the FAA would get responsibility for regulatory oversight of this new air traffic. What airspace would these flying cars be allow to fly in? Would they have to be automated? Would you dare fly without a backup pilot on board?
While driving on a busy road, look at how people drive. I’m sure you’ll agree that there might be a large fraction of folks who should not be allowed to control a flying vehicle. Just how much air traffic congestion could/should we tolerate overhead? The issues get stickier the more you think about it.
Currently there is extensive training and 3 tests to pass to get a basic airman’s certificate. Of course these vehicles could hit the market with full automation and without a licensed pilot. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be the need for a backup pilot for some period of time. After all, modern airliners are heavily automated but pilots are still required. And, do we really want them to land just anywhere even though that is a selling point? Perhaps there will be selected places where they can land, you know, like an airport.
I doubt that we’ll see flying cars replacing significant ground commuter traffic even into the distant future. I think they’ll get a recreational vehicle status and will be limited -economically- to wealthy status seekers, show-off executives, or the state.
Eventually, the police and FBI will want them them as well. And criminals.
Lamentations on Chemistry 
You’re getting old and cranky now, Gaussling. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year anyway!
Thanks Phil. Happy Holidays to you as well!
I sincerely believe that in a not too distant future we will be wrestling for “what to do” syndrome? No viable solution will be found as at the present time we wrestle with what to do about drones? I mean FAA allowed its OK for drones but not within the height of 400 ft. and in the vicinity of the airport. Just a matter of time, but hope I am wrong. Already the pilots are worried for having visibly spotted drones during the landing. I predict it will get worse with flying cars, and Mr. Philip, am old (early 60’s) and not cantankerous. Happy holidays!
Thanks for your comments, Shankar. I’m afraid we’ll remain in a state of befuddlement with drones until a few jet engines are lost from drone damage. When there is big money involved, something will happen.
A flying car would be carrying at least 1000 pounds of transmission, differential, brake drums, etc. that a plane does not need. On the road, the lightweight construction required for flight will make the car disintegrate in collisions at highway speeds. A flying car would be both an unsafe airplane and and unsafe car. That’s why it will never become more than an engineer’s dream.
Thanks for the info!