Flying Cars are Finally Here. Are they Safe?

Flying cars are no longer science fiction. As soon as this summer, several U.S. states and Dubai will likely have flying taxies buzzing around overhead, according to recent press releases from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and Uber. If these pilot programs go well, service from these so-called electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft could quickly spread across the planet. In light of this recent news, we are re-airing an episode from 2021 where we talk about the critical fire, electrical, and life safety questions that remain about the ground infrastructure needed to ensure eVTOL aircraft are safe. We talk to Rex Alexander, a veteran helicopter pilot and technical committee member for NFPA 418, Standard for Heliports, about how NFPA and others are working to answer those serious questions. LINKS Read more about NFPA 418, Standard for Heliports Read the recent FAA press release about the eVTOL aircraft program launching in 2026 Watch a video about Uber's planned air taxi service launching this year in Dubai