Imagine taking a commercial flight to work or business meeting with a flying car. The use of flying cars may of course be a futuristic scenario that could be achieved with the help of modern technologies but there are numerous problems the way of their implementation.
Technological Feasibility: Numerous firms are also working on the design of functioning eVTOLs that are likely to support modern aerodynamics, the use of lightweight materials, and powerful engines. Street legal examples include the Terrafugia Transition and the PAL-V Liberty. These vehicles might be designed to provide a car-cum-plane experience.
Regulatory Hurdles: A major issue with the flying car being a viable mode of transportation is the regulatory approvals for it. The question of licences, regulations and safety if an aircraft cannot be avoided. Governments like the FAA are developing policies that will address these new type of vehicle mechanisms.
Infrastructure Development: There are various changes which need be put in place for the cars to become fly. This encompasses Vertiport facilities for take off and landing operation; airspace management; infrastructure for landing and take-off; and supply availability (charging or refueling stations).
Safety Concerns: Risks are too great to assume when people fly cars. The programmers must also see to it that these vehicles work efficiently in different weather conditions and ensure minimal or no collision between two vehicles and how it will address different emergency situations. The question of safety and safety precautions needs to be handled in a more secure fashion if society is to be convinced into adopting such practices.
Economic Viability: It is very expensive to create, or manufacture, and service flying cars at this time. The main bottlenecks for these vehicles to be accessible to the public are affordability and increases in economies of scales.
However, with these challenges in mind, recent developments indicate that the flying car could be reality by the end of the current century. The first prototypes may therefore be confined to specific product segments or some high end only but with improvement in technology and investment on infrastructure flying cars is bound to become a common feature of our main roads of amenities. One such example is the hover car. Until then, however, the dream of a truly functional flying car is nothing more than a tantalizing glimpse into the future of car development.