Flying Cars

The Times of London has an article about a new flying car, really, a car that converts into an airplane. It sounds impressive, but I think it really shows that flying cars aren't practicable, and aren't ever going to be practicable.

This flying car -- the Terrafugia Transition -- cruises at 115 mph, and stalls at 51 mph. It requires 1700 ft to take off.

How is that ever going to replace the car? Bernoulli's Principle just doesn't all it in any realistic sense. It's not like Inara Serra just punches the controls and her shuttle climbs out of its port and back towards Serenity.

I'd love to have a flying car, believe me. I just don't see it happening.