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Requirements for widespread VTOL use updated 05/07/02
| 5+ passengers | Distribute pilot cost over enough passengers. The pilot is the principal cost of an air taxi |
| >200 mph | Vehicle must be significantly faster than auto to change travel behaviors. It also can not be significantly slower than a jet aircraft. |
| All weather | Passengers are reluctant to go travel out in a form of transportation if they are uncertain about the return trip. |
| Safe and reliable | Passengers are reluctant to use a form of transportation which is not as safe as auto or aircraft. |
| Highly manuverable | Turbulent conditions near buildings (vertiports) , micro bursts, etc., must be handled safely, and with passenger comfort. |
| VTOL | Takeoff and land vertically = not need airport or aborted takeoff region for a helicopter |
| Low internal noise & vibration | Passengers are so discomforted by the typical helicopter noise and vibration they they avoid using helicopters (in addition to the cost). |
Desirable features for widespread VTOL use
| Low fuel usage | Fuel usage is the second highest cost for an air taxi |
| Low pollution | Desired by society |
| Low external noise | Desired by neighbors and military (they call it acoustically stealthy) |
| No external blades | Having no external blades to hit trees, wires, buildings, etc. increases the number of takeoff and landing locations - which is especially important for emergency use and emergency landings. |
| Hover | 20% of existing helicopter usage requires hovering |
| Pressurized cabin | Desired for the high altitude required for speeds greater than about 200 mph. |