If it were not for government and legal system interference, we would already have flying cars with less traffic related death and injury than we have now. The General Aviation airplane I own, a 1969 Piper Cherokee which has an engine which was originally certified in 1952. This engine was based on 1930s technology perfected during WWII. It is essentially on old Volkswagen engine on steroids. This was an entry level aircraft and engine. But this same engine now costs approximately $47,000 new.
The price of a new entry level airplane that is equivalent to ours is now over $200,000 despite having far fewer parts and other than upgraded navigation and communications technology essentially no upgrades to the basic aircraft. Why? Mostly because of frivolous lawsuits by ambulance chasing lawyers and over regulation by the government that stifles innovation.
The small aircraft industry is a case in point of what happens when the government over regulates and lawyers are allowed to sue a manufacturing sector into oblivion. Innovation is stifled and prices are several times higher than they would be otherwise.
I hear you. A couple of points...
I read a story a few years back, Obama appointees were talking to car makers in discussion about future fuel efficiency. At one point they’re informed, “we can’t violate the laws of physics”. This prompted the reply, “laws of what? who’s laws are we talking about? ...but this is why we’re here, we can change laws!!”. I don’t know how true it is but it made me chuckle, while shaking my head because it wouldn’t surprise me.
Another instance, the estimate of ~10,000 having been killed due to the single fact that government regulations in the 80’s, regarding fuel efficiency, turned our cars into rolling tin cans. They became less safe and people were killed because of it.
Why people have faith in government is beyond me. I’ve never seen anything happen quickly and efficiently, it just makes everything far more expensive than need be. It’s mostly a violation of the 80/20 rule. The EPA can require basic common sense rules that keep the vast majority of air and water clean. Do they stop there? No, the radicals keep pushing the envelope causing exponentially higher costs.
...and don’t get me started on FEMA. When this slumbering entity has to act it is too big to do so and when it fails the answer is always, “because it isn’t funded enough!”....which would only make it worse.
The government should just have tax laws that encourage the consumer to make choices that drive private companies to deliver environmentally friendly products, but not require it. If people want a muscle car that gets 10mpg that’s their wallet. If they don’t get a tax credit it’s a choice they made. Of course that’s not good enough for the climate extremists though.
You are correct, General aviation in the US is going the way of Europe and the rest of the world, as regulations, expenses and requirements increase dramatically.
The US had a vibrant industry, it is slowing dieing.