I don't know if I like the sound of this. I can just imagine teenagers buzzing houses in their neighborhoods just to get a little attention and crashing in through the roof as a result of their recklessness. Accidents are bad enough as it is. This would just be worse. But on the other hand it would save time to jet around like this.
The Green Flight Challenge, he explained, is just the first step in NASA’s plan to develop a new aviation infrastructure, in which quiet, auto-piloted aircraft would deliver people and goods on a point-to-point basis, within communities. In order to qualify for the prize, planes will have to get at least 200 mpg (1.18 L/100km), go at least 100 mph (161 kph), emit no more than 78 decibels from a 250-foot (76-meter) distance, and have a take-off distance, clearing a 50-foot obstacle, of less than 2,000 feet (or a 15-meter obstacle at 610 meters).
LINK: http://www.gizmag.com/pocket-airports-would-link-neighborhoods-by-air/17296/