Flying Cars

© Hanna-Barbera Productions, Inc.

Where are the flying cars that we've been promised?  The Jetsons, Back to the Future, Bladerunner, The Fifth Element, and so many other films and TV shows said we'd have them.  So why aren't they here?  Well, for two reasons, I guess:  First, the technology for a car that can elevate and fly in relative close proximity to buildings and other flying cars hasn't been perfected yet.  And secondly, if people drive like maniacs on the ground in a two-dimensional scenario, how can they possibly drive safely in the air in a three-dimensional scenario?

Problem number one above is true, but that is quickly changing.  I believe that flying cars will soon be developed using materials and propulsion systems that are quite different from what we're used to seeing on aircraft today.  Think quadro-copters or drones, just larger, and nicer looking.

As for problem number two, you're damned right, I would't get into a flying car if someone was driving it.  I can hardly trust the flying abilities of an experienced pilot, much less my best friend's flying abilities.  I believe that this has been the biggest hurdle to date.  Unfortunately, even today, companies are developing prototype flying cars that require a pilot.  This is insanity and a lack of vision at its best.

No, the flying cars of the future will not have pilots.  You will simply get in, and the onboard computer will take you wherever you need to go.  A GPS, homing beacons, and a system of computer-controlled "highways in the sky" will guide your vehicle to its destination and will safely deposit you there.  Once on land, the automated capabilities of the car will drive you closer to your final destination and store the car until it is needed later - by you, or by someone else.

Here's one possible future scenario:

Siri:
Good morning, Julio.

Julio:  
Good morning, Siri.

Siri:
You appear to be getting ready for travel.

Julio:
You’re right, Siri.  I’m going to the mall.

Siri:
That sounds like fun, Julio.

Julio:
If you call shopping for presents fun, sure.

Siri:
There are three entries in your contacts with birthdays near today’s date.  Let me guess, it’s Bobby’s birthday?

Julio:
Very good, Siri.  Yes, it’s my nephew’s birthday tomorrow.

Siri:
Bobby hasn’t been over to visit in quite some time.  Are you and your sister fighting again?

Julio:
Ha ha, no Siri, she and Mike have been very busy with their jobs, but they promise to visit very soon.

Siri:
I look forward to interacting with them again.

Julio:
They're a bit special, aren’t they?

Siri:
What do you mean?

Julio:
Nevermind. We’ll talk about that some other time.  I have to finish getting ready.

Siri:
Ok, Julio.  Will you be taking the flying car today?

Julio:
Yes.  I should be leaving in a few minutes.

Siri:
Ok, I’ll prepare the car and meet you there.

Julio:
Thanks, Siri.

Siri:
You’re very welcome, Julio.

[ As Julio approaches the staging pad, he sees that the flying car’s doors have already swung open. ]

Siri:
Please let me know when you’re completely inside the vehicle.

Julio:
Ok Siri, I’m inside.  You may close the doors.

Siri:
“Please stand clear of the doors.  Por favor mantenganse alejados de las puertas.”

Julio:
Siri, you really need new material.

Siri:
You know you love it, Julio.

Julio:
Whatever you say, Siri.

Siri:
I’ve secured the house; all doors and windows are locked, and the alarm is set.

Julio:
Thank you, Siri.

Siri:
Which mall will you be traveling to today?  There are three in the vicinity.

Julio:
Actually, I was thinking of one a little further away, the Lincoln Road Mall in Miami Beach.

Siri:
I have located the Lincoln Road Mall.  Is the location on the display correct?

Julio:
Yes, that’s it.

Siri:
Thank you, Julio.  May I proceed with flight operations?

Julio:
Yes Siri, you may proceed with flight operations - authorization 20111004 Beta.

Siri:
Thank you, Julio.  Please be sure to fasten your restraints.  I will not be able to depart if you don’t.

Julio:
Done.

Siri:
Thank you, Julio.

All systems have been successfully authorized for automatic flight.

You may now sit back and relax while I prepare for takeoff.

Our destination is the Lincoln Road Mall located in Miami Beach, Florida.

Departure will be in 60 seconds.

If you wish to cancel takeoff at any time during the next 45 seconds, just say “Cancel”.

Julio:
I will.

Siri:
Julio, there is always the possibility that an emergency could occur during takeoff or flight.

Should this happen, emergency parachutes and impact balloons will deploy automatically.

There would be no need for you to take any action.

Julio:
That’s always very comforting to hear, Siri.

Siri:
Informing you is a required protocol.

Julio:
Of course it is, Siri.

[ Once the countdown on the display reaches zero, the flying car lifts straight off the ground. ]

Siri:
We are currently rising to a Southeasterly travel elevation.

Elevation has been attained and hover protocols have been engaged.

Proceeding with onramp protocols and initiating forward motion.

Entry into Southeasterly travel lanes has been attained.

Arrival will be in approximately 12 minutes, 32 seconds.

Julio:
Thank you, Siri.

Siri:
You’re welcome, Julio.  Would you like some coffee?

Julio:
That would be nice.

Siri:
You may access your coffee in dispenser number one.

Julio:
Amazing, last’s month’s hurricane really did a lot of damage down there.

Siri:
Estimates indicate that the hurricane caused approximately one billion dollars in damage.  However, the Lincoln Road Mall was not affected to any large extent.

Julio:
Siri, please activate terminal number one; I’d like to explore the hurricane recovery efforts a little further.

Siri:
Terminal number one is online.

Julio:
Thank you, Siri.

[ Eleven minutes later… ]

Siri:
Julio, we are approaching our destination.

Proceeding with offramp protocols.

Departure from Southeasterly travel lanes attained.

Preparing to engage hover protocols.

Landing clearance has been granted and hover protocols have been engaged.

We are currently descending toward terminal staging pad 921.

Landing was successful.

The car will now take you to an area where you can exit the vehicle.

Upon exiting the vehicle, I will transition to your mobile device.
The car will then store itself in one of the designated regeneration alcoves.

[ The flying car drives itself to one of several turbo lift junction nodes, Julio exits the vehicle, and Siri transitions to Julio's mobile device. ]

Siri:
Julio, I am now at your side.

Julio:
That’s always nice to know, Siri.

Siri:
Oh, and by the way, i like diamonds.  Big, shiny diamonds.

Do you think this vision of the future is accurate or flawed?  Feel free to comment below.