Plain English with Derek Thompson Are Flying Cars Finally Here?
22 snips
May 7, 2024 
Gideon Lewis-Kraus, a New Yorker staff writer and expert on flying car technology, dives into the tantalizing yet frustrating history of flying cars. He explores why these futuristic vehicles have remained elusive, despite advances in technology. Lewis-Kraus discusses the fascinating gap between society's expectations and reality, shining a light on innovative possibilities like urban air taxis. He also unpacks regulatory hurdles and niche applications, arguing that a flying car revolution might be closer than we think.
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Flying Car Symbolism
- The flying car symbolizes disappointment in unmet technological expectations.
- It represents the disparity between advancements in digital and physical realms.
1950s Aviation Optimism
- By the 1950s, personal planes were advertised as "family cars of the air," reflecting an optimistic view of aviation.
- Cessna's ad copy depicted easy long-distance travel for shopping, suggesting widespread pilot training.
Risk Aversion and Regulation
- One theory suggests that the lack of flying cars stems from a societal aversion to risk and ambitious projects.
- This risk aversion, coupled with stringent regulations, stifled innovation.
