Top 5 Reasons Why a Flying Car Might Not Be for You

Before dismissing us as opponents of flying cars, let us clarify. There are several logical and practical reasons why owning one might not be as appealing as it seems. These points might not have crossed your mind yet, which is why we’re here—not to discourage you from the exciting visions brought to life by Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Doc Brown, but to highlight a few considerations before rushing to purchase the first available flying car.

While flying is statistically safer than driving, these statistics may not apply to the emerging category of flying cars. New regulations, additional training for both driving and flying, and the prospect of sharing the skies with the same drivers you encounter on the roads today could make the experience daunting for many.

Flying cars could soon become a reality, but it’s worth weighing some of the potential downsides. Traditional cars already come with their fair share of challenges; flying versions might amplify these issues or introduce new ones. While they promise faster travel, imagine the complications of mid-air accidents or running out of fuel. Unlike on the ground, pulling over isn’t an option when you’re airborne.

While flying cars might seem flawless at first glance, you may want to explore our list of five reasons why owning one might not be the best idea.

Buckle up and stow your tray tables, because as Doc Brown famously said, "Where we're going, we don't need roads."

5: Flying Can Be a Scary Event

It’s widely known that flying is statistically safer than driving. In 2007, there were 44 fatalities from airline accidents compared to approximately 44,000 from car crashes [source: Thompson]. Despite these numbers, around 40% of people still experience some form of anxiety when flying [source: Murphy]. This is a significant portion of the population, especially considering that flying primarily involves sitting back, reading, and enjoying a drink like champagne or ginger ale.

Naturally, being airborne is what triggers anxiety for many. If flying cars become commonplace, around 40% of us will likely feel uneasy about it. That means a significant number of people sharing the skies with you might struggle to operate their vehicles due to their fear of flying.

Picture the drivers you encounter during your daily commute—those texting, reading, applying makeup, or weaving recklessly between lanes. Now imagine them piloting vehicles hundreds or thousands of feet above the ground. This scenario could easily push even the most confident flyers into the 40% who experience flight-related anxiety.

You might wonder: If flying is safer than driving, wouldn’t flying a car be safer too? Not necessarily. Commercial pilots undergo rigorous training, and airplanes are subject to frequent safety inspections. The FAA’s "Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge" spans 17 chapters, covering aerodynamics, weather, navigation, and more [source: FAA]. Pilots must master these topics and their specific aircraft. Flying cars would require similar expertise, which most drivers lack.

Even if mandatory flying classes are introduced, most of us won’t match the skill level of professional pilots or benefit from the same safety protocols. With millions of flying cars in the air, it’s unlikely safety records will rival those of today’s commercial or private aviation.

Still dreaming of a flying car? We get it—just be prepared for the hefty price tag. Turn to the next page to discover just how costly these futuristic vehicles will be.

4: Flying Cars Are Expensive

Many of us secretly dream of owning a flying car, but the steep price tag is a major downside. Here are some key points to consider:

While flying cars may not reach the multi-million-dollar mark of government projects, they certainly won’t be affordable. The closest existing model is a plane that folds its wings and functions as a car. Terrafugia’s car-plane, for instance, costs around $300,000, compared to the average new car price of $30,000 [source: Welsh]. If flying cars hit the market, expect them to be priced far beyond the reach of most consumers.

If you’re already frustrated with filling up your car for daily commutes, you won’t find relief with a flying car. Aircraft fuel costs significantly exceed those for cars [source: AirNav.com]. Even if flying cars use standard unleaded gasoline, running low on fuel mid-air isn’t a problem you can solve by simply pulling into a gas station.

Your car insurance premiums will also soar, as you’re no longer insuring just a car but a vehicle capable of flight. Picture paying top-tier rates for coverage that accounts not only for road accidents but also potential mid-air crashes.

Next, let’s explore why experiencing a breakdown in a flying car is a nightmare scenario.

3: Breaking Down Means Falling Out of the Sky

This reason for avoiding a flying car is fairly obvious, but let’s delve into some scenarios to emphasize the point.

Many of us have experienced being stranded on the roadside at some point—whether due to an overheated engine, an empty gas tank, a flat tire, or ignoring a strange noise until it became a major issue. When a car breaks down on the road, the goal is to move it out of traffic to a safe spot. However, if your flying car malfunctions, your only option is to plummet from the sky.

Forget about a Good Samaritan helping you push the car to safety. There’s no chance to pop the hood and troubleshoot, nor can you simply walk a few miles for fuel. Gravity will take over, and its direction is always downward. An object falls 1,000 feet (304.8 meters) in roughly 8 seconds, ignoring air resistance [source: George]. If you’re 1,000 feet up and your car fails, you’ll need a quick and effective backup plan.

Even with gliding capabilities or a parachute system, you’ll need to know how to execute an emergency landing. How much space do you need? Can you land in a wooded area? Are there buildings nearby? A flying car breakdown isn’t just inconvenient—it’s a significant hazard.

If you’re still determined to own a flying car, proceed to the next page to learn about the challenges of flying in adverse weather conditions.

2: Flying Cars Are Hard to Drive in Bad Weather

Let’s imagine that if flying cars become widespread, we’ll have an aerial road system similar to the one in "Back to the Future Part II." This system would include on and off ramps, designated flight zones, and an organized structure for traveling from one point to another.

While accidents might not cause traffic jams since vehicles won’t block the path, we’ll still face disruptions from bad weather affecting our commutes.

Picture flying your car and being struck by a powerful gust of wind. Flying cars react differently to wind compared to ground vehicles. Pilots regularly handle turbulence [source: Williams], but you might not be accustomed to it. Additionally, air temperature can impact takeoff and landing, as air density influences aerodynamics [source: NASA]. Seasonal changes will also alter how your flying car performs.

Think about navigating thunderstorms in your flying car. Picture yourself airborne during a fierce lightning storm. While it might seem thrilling from the ground, it’s terrifying when you’re in the midst of it. Lightning frequently strikes airplanes [source: Williams]. Are you prepared to handle lightning hitting your car while trying to maintain control?

Heavy rain or fog also poses significant challenges. Flying blind in such conditions would be incredibly disorienting. Fog lights and Rain-X, helpful on the ground, won’t be as effective in the sky. Stopping to avoid collisions is hard enough on the road, but imagine not seeing another flying car just feet away in dense fog.

Bad weather is tough enough to handle in a traditional car, let alone one that’s airborne. But that’s not the biggest issue. Turn to the next page to discover the primary reason why flying cars might not be ideal.

1: You'll Have to Learn How to Drive All Over Again

Even operating the smallest and simplest planes requires attending flight school. Recall sitting in driver’s ed, learning that a car traveling 60 mph (96.6 km/h) needs about 272 feet (82.9 meters) to stop completely? While it was exciting back then, as it meant gaining freedom, who wants to relearn an entirely new set of rules for flying a car after years of driving? And trust me, there will be plenty of new rules.

If you and your neighbor both start your flying cars simultaneously and want to take off in front of your house, who gets priority? When turning, do you need to check above, below, left, and right? What about mastering a completely new navigation system? Sure, a GPS could be installed, but if it loses satellite connection, how will you know where to go?

Pilots are trained to fly without relying solely on their vision. They depend on instruments to provide crucial data like altitude and speed [source: Wynbrandt]. While drivers use instruments too, we primarily rely on our eyes to assess our surroundings. In the sky, however, visual reference points are often scarce. Weather conditions or nighttime flying can make it impossible to navigate visually, forcing pilots to trust their instruments [source: Wynbrandt]. If you own a flying car, you’ll need to learn to rely on instruments more than your sight.

Still dreaming of a flying car? Don’t say we didn’t warn you.