Take Flight

October 19, 2026

Greetings from Orbit City,

Undoubtedly, each of you rushed to this essay this morning, looking for the latest update on one of the most important technological innovations in history.

It’s natural that you would come to this arena for information about technology.  Who better to explain the complexities of modern living than the man who gets his news from the Farmer’s Almanac and memes on My Space?

This week’s big news was surprising, none of us had this on our Bingo Cards.  New wars, catastrophic weather, political scandal, those we could see coming.  But not flying cars.  Like the Spanish Inquisition, no one expects flying cars.

As you probably know if you checked your local paper, the Daily Telegraph, this week Tesla revealed a rocket powered car, (ironically dubbed a ‘roadster’) in a live demonstration so no one would assume it was fake, like the moon landing.

There is one question that comes up first; how does it work?  Well, actually, the first question is “Is it fake?” Which is followed by the second question “How can I get one?”  Actually, that’s the third question after “How much does it cost?” I’ll come back to this list, since obviously you can’t make up your mind.

So, how does it work?  According to facts I am inventing for this next sentence, it is fairly simple. The car uses basic anti-gravity principles of thrust and lift and narcissism, the last of which is stored in enormous stainless steel containers at Tesla headquarters. 

According to my research, the concept of flying cars has existed since the early 1900’s, which for those of you keeping track, was when many people were still riding donkeys for transportation. As of this moment, no plans for flying donkeys have been proposed.

Of course, as exciting as the idea is, flying cars add some complications.  First, parking.  Naturally, you can’t have flying cars just dropping into spaces willy-nilly (an aerodynamic term you may not be familiar with) so they will be required to park at the airport. Drivers can then take an Uber to their destination.  When Tesla works out those pesky fatalities on driverless cars, then pilots of flying cars will be able to take an autonomous car from the airport to Costco. At some point all vehicles, flying or otherwise, will be driverless, and we can all just stay home.

In theory flying cars would reduce traffic jams, at least initially, and then they would simply move up high enough to clear the phone lines. Traffic jams in the sky would be far more enjoyable since drivers (Pilots? Aeronauts?) would also have the view of the traffic on the ground.  Plus they would have the added fun of dodging Amazon drone deliveries.

Would there be ‘road-rage’ in the clouds or would we have to relabel that frustration?  Flying Fury?  Sky Seething?  High Hate? Altitude Acrimony? Elevated Exasperation?  (You can vote on your favorite, I can hear you drumming your fingers.) (I can’t literally hear you drumming your fingers, but Tesla is working on that technology, which will be the big surprise next week)

Of course, there will be pre-flight instructions before taking off; Fasten your seatbelt, tray table stowed, seat in upright position, no emptying ashtrays on the people below you, phones in ‘flying car’ mode. Naturally drivers will miss this because they will be busy scraping seagulls off their windshield.

Flying cars will change our culture. Kites and hot air balloons will become illegal, and certain people will be forbidden from throwing frisbees.  We will slowly forget what it’s like to drive down scenic roads, discover roadside diners, and gripe about the condition of the pavement.  

I can imagine my grandson getting his first flying car, his father giving him last minute instructions: “Be home by 9:00 and be sure you stay inside the stratosphere. And don’t go zooming around in those dark cumulous.”

Of course I am excited about the idea of flying cars.  One day we’ll all be up there, complaining about how bright the future is.

Hope this finds you bracing for impact,

David

This essay was written by the author and does not include Ai content.

Copyright © 2026 David Smith