The Myth Of The 'Flying Car'

It's the fantasy of every frustrated driver who's ever been caught in traffic: to push a button, take off, and soar above the gridlock like an airplane. But don't hold your breath. You'll never "drive" a "flying car."There are many "flying car" projects in the works -- at least three of them are on display at the giant AirVenture Oshkosh air show this week. Invariably, the mainstream press and the tech blogs describe these vehicles, which fly like airplanes but can be driven like cars, as "flying cars" that will replace conventional cars for everyday use by the public.

The "flying car" is a dream that has persisted for decades. It's one of those technological advancements that is always just around the corner.

The "flying car" concept in the popular imagination has three elements: