Flying Cars-Finally a Reality?

A new Slovakian startup is bringing to reality a dream many often thought only for sci-fi movies and children’s fantasies. This dream is the invention of a flying car called the Aeromobil. This car is road friendly and can also take off from as little as 81mph- which allows for take-off during driving. The car cannot simply take off at any time but needs at least 200 meters of open space with no obstacles around. This unfortunately pretty much eliminates to use of the car in the tri-state area, since as we all know getting an open area of 200 meters in nigh impossible around here. For those who can use the car it can fly up to 700 kilometers running off of fuel already used in cars. The company’s goal is to “create a safe, reliable and affordable car with wings”.  This car is also aesthetically pleasing but even with its small size and capability when the car makes it to the market, it will cost a pretty penny to own.

While this fantasy car could change the way people utilize transportation, though the first real challenge is not necessarily creating an affordable usable flying car, but is more overcoming the boundaries set forth by each government which regulate both air and road travel. This new invention could open the doors to new discussions on intra and inter country air travel. While there are many positive, there are also many negatives. In similar ways that drones have become problems in the air space, flying cars could have similar effects on the air traffic. Another issue could stem from terroristic acts being simpler to enact upon others.

I think this advancement in road and air technology could be amazing as it brings to life something that many only dreamed of before. While we aren’t advanced enough to be flying around in the Jetsons’ type cars, this car brings us to a new stage in society with more openness in transportation. I think that this new car/plane prototype could bring about some very interesting discussions within countries and between countries. It could bring about new agreements and easier transportation between countries and more openness in communication.

While there are positives in this I also feel like there are many negatives in this new invention. The largest issue I see from this is the issue of shared and safe air travel. The air space is very closely monitored and having people taking off from open roadways without being in communication with towers and other aircrafts. This could also cause problems because flying objects become much more dangerous to other aircraft as well as on the ground. This could affect the safety of individuals around the world and keeping track of potentially dangerous individuals entering the country could become very difficult which could cause large national safety issues to countries around the world. In all, I am curious to see where this invention will lead us in the future.

 http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-10-31/a-slovakian-startup-is-building-a-flying-car.html