Have you ever fantasized about being a pilot? You could soar into the horizon in your own aircraft. You could even transport a plane full of passengers to their desired destination. In the near future, more individuals might be able to fly than ever before. However, they may not need to rely on airplanes. Instead, they could travel in flying cars!
For a long time, people have envisioned a future where flying cars exist. This vision has been brought to life in movies and TV shows like “The Jetsons.” With advancements in transportation such as self-driving cars, hoverboards, and hovercrafts, many people are curious—will we ever see the day when flying cars become a reality?
The answer is… maybe! Some companies are already working towards making this dream come true. In January 2019, Boeing conducted a test flight for a flying taxi. That’s correct! The same company that produces airplanes could be responsible for the next generation of taxis. However, they are not the only ones. Airbus SE and Alphabet Inc. have also tested air taxis.
How do these flying cars operate? They function somewhat similarly to helicopters. They take off by ascending vertically from a parking lot or driveway, and then fly through the air to their intended destination before descending vertically back to the ground.
Can you imagine driving a flying car? Just think about it! People could zoom above roads, avoiding bumps and potholes. Flying cars are likely to be faster than traditional automobiles. Goodbye, traffic jams! You’ll reach school in no time.
What about the environment? We are all aware that cars and trucks contribute carbon dioxide to the atmosphere by burning gasoline. However, flying cars will run on electricity instead of gasoline. Therefore, they will be much more environmentally friendly compared to traditional automobiles. A study conducted by the University of Michigan and Ford Motor Company in 2016 revealed that flying cars could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 35-52 percent, potentially helping to combat climate change.
So, when can we expect to see flying cars? The verdict is still out. Some speculate that it could happen as early as 2023, while others believe it will never become a reality.
Never? That’s correct. Some individuals believe that there are too many obstacles standing in the way of making flying cars a reality. And it’s true—there are still many unanswered questions. Who will ensure that flying cars do not collide with each other? Are batteries powerful enough to sustain them in the air? Will the cost of repairing flying cars be higher? Even transportation visionary Elon Musk is uncertain about the feasibility of flying cars, stating that they are too inconvenient to become popular.
However, don’t lose hope just yet! Technological advancements are made every day. The next breakthrough could be right around the corner, making flying cars a reality. It might just be a matter of time!
Give It a Try
Embark on a flight of imagination with these activities! Just make sure to have an adult friend or family member accompany you on the journey.
Wondering about Flying Cars?
- Have you ever imagined soaring in one of those futuristic flying cars? If given the chance, which one would you choose and why? Share your thoughts in a paragraph.
- Imagine this: You’re up in the air, enjoying a splendid day in your newly acquired flying car. The sun is shining, birds are chirping… but suddenly, something goes wrong! What do you think happened? How will you handle this unexpected turn of events? Compose a thrilling story about your airborne adventure.
- Do you believe that flying cars will become a reality in the future? If so, how can we tackle the challenges that currently hinder their development? Engage in a conversation with a friend or family member, and discover their perspective on this matter.
Useful Sources
- https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/01/will-we-ever-have-flying-cars/581473/ (accessed 29 May 2019)
- https://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2017/04/25/525540611/flying-cars-are-still-coming-should-we-believe-the-hype (accessed 29 May 2019)
- https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2019-01-27/do-flying-cars-have-a-future-just-look-at-helicopters-for-a-clue (accessed 29 May 2019)
- https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-climate-friendly-would-flying-cars-be/?redirect=1 (accessed 29 May 2019)
- https://www.airspacemag.com/flight-today/13_sep2018-so-s-what-flying-cars-are-180969917/ (accessed 29 May 2019)
- https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/flying-cars-could-take-soon-2023-n957276 (accessed 29 May 2019)
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