Recent comments in /f/todayilearned

lopedopenope t1_jb6c8bs wrote

Reply to TIL that the Convair Model 118, a tentative flying car from 1947, was shelved because its prototype crashed when a test pilot mixed up the flight engine's fuel gauge with the road engine's and didn't see the former run out. While he survived, this killed interest in the project. by ShabtaiBenOron

If you guys are interested in stuff like this look into John Denver’s death. It had to do with crashing a homemade airplane he bought with a very oddly placed fuel selector valve. The valve wasn’t supposed to be there and he was planning on moving it to its specified location. Plus he took off without refueling but that wasn’t a factor. There was a decent amount in it.

He didn’t have his medical because he admitted to a doctor he had 2-4 drinks per week and the FAA found out and revoked his license. He had only flown the plane a few times so he wasn’t used to the fuel selector valve or the plane in general. It was his fault overall though. He basically inadvertently crashed because he pressed the right rudder too far after unbuckling because he had to to reach the valve located to the left above and behind him. This led to a quick loss of control and crash into water not far from land.

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Barachan_Isles t1_jb634tr wrote

Reply to comment by rapiertwit in TIL that the Convair Model 118, a tentative flying car from 1947, was shelved because its prototype crashed when a test pilot mixed up the flight engine's fuel gauge with the road engine's and didn't see the former run out. While he survived, this killed interest in the project. by ShabtaiBenOron

I work for the DIA, they know exactly where to find me. :D

However, my dream job would be NTSB accident investigator. My lack of aeronautical experience precludes me from that unfortunately.

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rapiertwit t1_jb5i6cw wrote

Reply to comment by Barachan_Isles in TIL that the Convair Model 118, a tentative flying car from 1947, was shelved because its prototype crashed when a test pilot mixed up the flight engine's fuel gauge with the road engine's and didn't see the former run out. While he survived, this killed interest in the project. by ShabtaiBenOron

> no interest in flying, but I'm fascinated by what brings down airplanes

Nothing to see here, FBI.

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pzerr t1_jb571on wrote

Reply to comment by draconianRegiment in TIL that the Convair Model 118, a tentative flying car from 1947, was shelved because its prototype crashed when a test pilot mixed up the flight engine's fuel gauge with the road engine's and didn't see the former run out. While he survived, this killed interest in the project. by ShabtaiBenOron

As a pilot, flying cars are a terrible idea. It is the worst of both worlds. On top of it, it is entirely environmentally inefficient.

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Historical-Fox1372 t1_jb51ybq wrote

Reply to comment by [deleted] in TIL that the Convair Model 118, a tentative flying car from 1947, was shelved because its prototype crashed when a test pilot mixed up the flight engine's fuel gauge with the road engine's and didn't see the former run out. While he survived, this killed interest in the project. by ShabtaiBenOron

I've always said flying cars will not be a consideration until our entire automotive and metro system is completely automated. You cannot trust drivers who are now in the air lol.

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okaterina t1_jb4yx2g wrote

Reply to comment by Amerlis in TIL that the Convair Model 118, a tentative flying car from 1947, was shelved because its prototype crashed when a test pilot mixed up the flight engine's fuel gauge with the road engine's and didn't see the former run out. While he survived, this killed interest in the project. by ShabtaiBenOron

Never underestimate human stupidity.

Your fool-proof user interface still has one actionnable item ? It's not fool-proof enough.

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drygnfyre t1_jb4ppxi wrote

Reply to comment by PeachSnappleOhYeah in TIL that the Convair Model 118, a tentative flying car from 1947, was shelved because its prototype crashed when a test pilot mixed up the flight engine's fuel gauge with the road engine's and didn't see the former run out. While he survived, this killed interest in the project. by ShabtaiBenOron

Isn't this a similar reason we don't have joysticks? I seem to recall there was a concept car that replaced the steering wheel with a joystick, and it was rejected for similar reasons.

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obroz t1_jb47jxz wrote

Reply to comment by PeachSnappleOhYeah in TIL that the Convair Model 118, a tentative flying car from 1947, was shelved because its prototype crashed when a test pilot mixed up the flight engine's fuel gauge with the road engine's and didn't see the former run out. While he survived, this killed interest in the project. by ShabtaiBenOron

It wouldn’t be something everyone could do. I’d say you at least still need your pilots license and there would obviously need to be a lot of restrictions

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