Flying cars have been touted as the best mode of transportation of the future. They represent an innovative solution to solve traffic problems, congestion, pollution and other urban transport problems. Able to travel shorter distances in less time, flying cars promise to open roads for pedestrians, cyclists and long-distance travelers. One of the key advantages of flying cars is that they require less infrastructure and maintenance than land vehicles, making them an attractive proposition.

The idea of ​​a flying car came one step closer to reality when a piloted test flight was made on Friday in Oita Prefecture in southwestern Japan. Masc, an Okayama-based research group, conducted tests using a two-seater flying car made in China based on drone technology. Without a pilot at the controls, the machine climbed 30 meters vertically, following a pre-programmed route, and then circled over the sea at 36 kilometers per hour for about three and a half minutes.

Masc president Kirino Hiroshi said they wanted to turn the flying cars into a commercial offering, and the Ministry of Transport said it was the first test flight of a manned flying car in open space in Japan, of which it was aware. The future of flying cars is indeed promising, and the successful test flight in Japan is an important step towards the realization of this futuristic vision.

Flying car companies need more time and experience to mass-produce flying cars. Design and engineering challenges aren’t the only problems flying car manufacturers have to solve. Environmental, regulatory and safety clearances are also important factors to consider. Issues such as noise pollution, runway infrastructure, limited payload, training of new pilots and high cost are major barriers to widespread adoption of flying cars.

Also, since the laws governing flying cars are still in their infancy, they must be designed to accommodate flying traffic. Regulators are currently working to develop laws for autonomous flying cars and personal aircraft to ensure their safety and regulate their use.