48 replies to this topic

[Haflinger]

You are aware that piloting a jumbo jet is a bit more complex than piloting a small prop plane, which most people can learn how to do, right?
 
The reason people don't fly around in prop planes all the time is the fuel is expensive.

But jumbo jets are the semis of the air: most people can't learn how to drive a big rig either.

[ᗅᗺᗷᗅ]

Ever been in a flight simulator, Haf?  I have.  It's a lot harder than you think.  And again, think of the skill level of the average driver.  Do you really want them operating aircraft?  I don't.  There would be idiots, old ladies, and drunks falling out of the sky left and right.  No, thanks!

[Haflinger]

I've never wanted to learn how to fly. See my previous remark about ear pain to figure out why.

 

Also, I don't really have the physical coordination needed to drive a car. I'm really clumsy. So I'm perhaps not the best person to take as an example in any case.

 

Still, one of my close friends in undergrad was an air cadet instructor. He had a license to fly a prop plane, and did so on occasion. It's harder than driving a car, but not as much harder as you might think. And presumably flying cars would be easier than props.

[ᗅᗺᗷᗅ]

Plenty of clumsy people drive, Haf!

 

I think I've asked you this before, but do you have a driver's license?

[Haflinger]

No. I once had a beginner's license. I took one driving exam, which I failed, largely because I was stiff as a board during it and couldn't make turns properly. I did pass the Young Drivers of Canada course. On a perfect day, when I'm perfectly relaxed, I can drive a car reasonably well at urban speeds, perhaps up to about 40 kph.

 

I'm not clumsy in the normal sense. I'm absurdly clumsy. It's a problem.

[ᗅᗺᗷᗅ]

Haha.  Do you think nervousness contributed?

 

I find this interesting, because for Americans of our generation getting your license was like a right of passage.  Thrash can probably attest to this.  From the time you were about 14 or 15 you only thought about two things: getting laid and getting your license.  In recent years I've noticed the latter has changed.  A lot of kids, at least that I've seen, are indifferent about driving.  I suppose that's a side effect of a world where the locus of social activity is now online.

[Haflinger]

This would be a good sign if true

 

Nerves were definitely a factor in my case. But I don't think I would ever have been able to drive a car safely at highway speeds.

[Redezra]

And presumably flying cars would be easier than props.

 

That's a huge assumption

[Zoli84]

Poll is wrong! Germany and US are producing cars, the rest are producing chariots!