However, we should recognize that both have transmogrified from the activities of the back-yard tinkerer to the high dollar enthusiast realm. Ham Radio will have to do the same. Yeah, I'd work on my car if I could take the time to understand all that extra computer and emissions stuff all new cars have these days. The places where you can safely fly stick and rudder with no radio are disappearing fast. Cars are commodities now, performance isn't much of an issue.
Most folks have no idea what goes on under the hood, nor do they care.
Air travel is common too. It is looked upon with about as much excitement as a bus ride. And so it is with radio. Yet more people than ever attend air shows. Car racing is BIG business, and both hobbies are still training and research grounds for those who are willing to put in the time.