Very cool. Now if we can keep corrupt local politicians from destroying our airports and turning the land over to developers (this means you, SANTA MONICA)... transportation might continue to advance.
Yes, you are right. Politicians have not realized yet that things are going to change. The main reason people don't like airports is pollution and noise. If you take that away, living close to an airport is actually quite nice since that means you can get in and out quickly.
Santa Monica and similar airports are going to be ground zero for this because they have lots of rich people living near by that might opt for an electrical plane. Sounds like an awesome way to get around LA, which has quite a few nice small airports.
Basically Bye and Eviation are launching products that are sort of hitting the sweet spot for general aviation. They have enough range that you can go somewhere at a small portion of the cost of a typical 100$ hamburger.
Probably in about a decade, there will be enough of these things flying that regulation and politics will adapt. Many airports currently have landing limitations because of noise. I could see some exceptions being made for electrical planes or even some airports being limited to only electrical planes. I could even see how building new airports could become popular again; especially close to cities and especially for VTOL planes (need a lot less runway).
Same with Reid Hillview in San Jose. Developers failed for years, then came up with the "leaded fuel omg" complaint, which worked. Nevermind the airport is adjacent to one of the the busiest freeways in the area.
