Even when I was a kid, there were minimum and maximum tire pressures marked on the side of every tire. And EVERYONE (adults and kids alike) took their bikes to the corner garage to fill the tires.
It used to be pretty standard to have a tire hose outside the garage that had a crank that would let you spin the numbers to the PSI that you wanted. If I remember correctiy, the max was 100PSI. Of course that was before most places went 'self-serve' and there were mechanics bays and air tools at most garages.
But I digress ..... point is - most flats I see are pinch flats caused by insuffecient air pressure - not punctures caused by sharp objects. So don't underestimate the value of a little pressure guage. Based on construction materials and pressure ratings, bicycle road tires do, in fact, have a LOT in common with aircraft tires. In fact they have more in common with aircraft tires than they do with car or truck tires.