Flying cars, are they a good idea?

1. 81

   jackclee lmposted 7 years ago

   I read recently, at least three companies have a commercially viable flying car in production.
   Some are 100-200 mph, 2 passengers, and require special license. The cost is upwards of $400k.
   Do you think this is a viable alternative to current automobiles, or just a toy for millionaires...?

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   1. 81

      jackclee lmposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Here is one model -
      https://www.forbes.com/sites/ericmack/2 … 500afea6c8

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   2. 81

      jackclee lmposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Another company -
      https://www.terrafugia.com/tf-x/

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   3. 81

      jackclee lmposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Another model -
      http://www.motortrend.com/news/first-co … or-399000/

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   4. 79

      Credence2posted 7 years agoin reply to this

      The concept seems basically unsound to me, without the technology of levitation- gravity control, which does not appear to be on the horizon anytime soon, the danger of such a vehicle outweighs its advantages.

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      1. 77

         Kathryn L Hillposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         http://www.timesofisrael.com/flying-amb … -take-off/

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2. 94

   wildernessposted 7 years ago

   Can't see a flying car being allowed to land/takeoff anywhere outside an airport or possibly rural, private land.  If they are to become truly popular, a replacement for the car, we would need many, many more small airports, and at considerable distance from one handling commercial air flights.
   
   So no, I don't see them as a replacement for cars - the infrastructure is too expensive and would cost owners too much time.  Useless in a city or for travel of more than 200 or 300 miles.

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   1. 81

      jackclee lmposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Also, cost of $400k and license requirememrnt would be a deal breaker for most people...

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      1. 94

         wildernessposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         Well, one of them DID say it would be the cost of a luxury car.  But yes, a flying license would be a deal breaker.  The first one said it wouldn't take near the time to learn to fly as a plane, though.  I'd hate to see pilots flying all over without a license!

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3. 77

   Kathryn L Hillposted 7 years ago

   … its the way of the future.
   but a very distant one.

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