Synopsis From The Publisher:
The Wright brothers did the seemingly impossible in 1903, and 50 years later, the era of flying cars, supersonic commerce and interplanetary travel seemed just around the corner. But in the 50 years that followed, those dreams receded. Realizing them, it became clear, was costlier, riskier and just plain harder than expected. Are those dreams gone for good? 

Sample Paragraph:
SOME OF AVIATION’S fondest fantasies have been technically possible for decades. Indeed, contraptions such as flying cars and supersonic passenger jets actually were sold, and flew just fine. But the realities of mass-market flight eventually turned them into museum pieces and air-show curiosities. We shouldn’t feel too disappointed: That there were some fizzles on aviation’s fringe could be seen as a testament to just how well the Wright Brothers and their heirs shaped the aviation mainstream. Today, the economics, convenience and safety of traditional air travel are hard to beat. While that success may seem to leave little room for radical innovation, there are still visionaries out there trying to keep the dreams of an earlier generation alive: 1. Flying cars: “The flying car is one variation on a longstanding dream that the airplane would become as common a form of transportation as the automobile,” says Janet Daly Bednarek, an aviation historian at the University of Dayton. The Moller M400 is today's best bet to become tomorrow's flying car, although Paul Moller prefers to call it a volantor or """"roadable aircraft."""" In the 1920s, it was Henry Ford who promoted the idea of an affordable air “flivver.” In the ’30s, Eugene Vidal, head of FDR’s Bureau of Air Commerce (and father of writer Gore Vidal), promoted the development of a $700 airplane. In the ’40s and ’50s, Moulton Taylor actually produced the Aerocar. And for the past 40 years, engineer Paul Moller has been working on a “volantor” called the Skycar. “It’s a very difficult field to raise money for,” he admits. Will you be in the market for a volantor? Yes, as soon as possible Yes -- after the price comes down Yes -- after it's proven safe No -- never! Vote to see results Will you be in the market for a volantor? * 7727 responses Yes, as soon as possible 23% Yes -- after the price comes down 47% Yes -- after it's proven safe 23% No -- never! 7% Survey results tallied every 60 seconds. Live Votes reflect respondents' views and are not scientifically valid surveys. As a first step, he hopes to sell his patented engine design for more pedestrian applications. “Our company has been as much an engine company as it has been an aircraft company.” The Skycar would first sell for just under $1 million, eventually descending to about the same cost as a luxury automobile. But hardware is just one piece of the Skycar puzzle. You also need a “virtual highway in the sky,” a network of aerial routes through which Skycars can be guided electronically.