What's the deal with Arrow's Atom?

As of recently, he's so far a cheaper looking version of Iron Man. I always wondered how they planned on making his ability to shrink helpful in crime fighting. I guess I got my answer... sorta. But instead he's so far shown the ability to fly? What's going on? Thoughts?

They wanted to use Blue Beetle on Arrow this season, but DC had other plans for the character so instead we get a revemp of the Atom. The flying will make him move faster when he will shrink.

That's why they were going to use Ted Kort, since he's very similar to Iron Man. The producers did hinted Ray will shrink objects before testing the function on him.

Maybe he will prove more useful in saving people/ending disasters?