Higher Car

First off, what exactly is it? I’m sure many of you are familiar with aerial drones – those small flying gadgets with cameras, often piloted by photography fans and nature enthusiasts. Well, a while ago, Amazon had a light-bulb moment to make them larger, adding a compartment for carrying items (we can always count on Amazon to cut labor costs). Not to be outdone, Chinese tech companies had their own light-bulb moment: to make drones even larger so they can carry human passengers. But what’s the experience actually like?　

As I arrived at the launch pad, I was wondering if sitting in one of these things would live up to the hype I had built up in my own head. Would this be my new favorite way of travel? I was so excited that I actually forgot about my crippling fear of heights. For someone who struggles on the rides at Universal Studios, this was a tall order. I expected the experience to be similar to a flight launch, with a slow ascent. In reality, you have a couple of minutes waiting for the propellers to reach maximum speed and then you shoot up into the sky. You almost feel like Wile E. Coyote launching into the air before he crashes into a cliff.　

Once up in the sky, though, the view was incredible and the vehicle felt steady. The drone’s glass front reminded me of the Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator book my grandmother read to me when I was a child. Without sounding too giddy, the whole experience did feel quite magical. If this ever becomes a widespread commercial experience and is affordable, I dare say I would choose this for my daily commute. However, I remain highly skeptical about both those points.　

Before we get into the potential problems, let’s look at the positives. The drone has comfy seating and ample legroom. Additionally, it has a smart screen that lets you check essential information and makes you feel in control (even though the flight path is pre-planned). But the number one perk of this aircraft should be obvious to all – bypassing traffic jams. There is something incredibly gratifying about flying high in the sky while a row of cars slowly moves forward below. Anyone who’s had to do the daily commute in a major Chinese city knows that this point alone is enough to sell the product.　

Now, for the downsides. It’s hot – really hot inside. I tested it in late August and felt like a rotisserie chicken. Plus, it’s loud. I expected noise, but not to the point where my friend and I had to shout although we were sitting next to each other. However, these issues are fixable. The company promised future models would have air conditioning. And hey, if content creators can soundproof their parents’ basements, I believe high-tech Chinese drone companies can do the same.　

If these problems are solved, we’ll have a cozy ride with ample legroom and stunning views. So, are we close to living in a world that looks like a scene from Back to the Future 2? Short answer: no. They’re a great concept – pollution-free and congestion-busting – but getting them up and running is a logistical nightmare. Regulation and safety caps would definitely be needed to get this mode of transportation off the ground. Not to mention they can’t fly on a rainy day, which means in somewhere like Guangzhou or London, dependability would be a nightmare. While I think they may be a reality for the rich and famous, the rest of us will likely have to stick to ride shares.　

But riding in my first aerial drone was fun, and I think the technology would be a perfect way to give a whole new perspective on scenic resorts. Regardless of whether we do end up seeing a commercial rollout or the passenger-carrying drone remains grounded in a warehouse, it’s incredible to see just how far we have come.