FAA Moves to Lift 53-Year Ban on Overland Supersonic Flights in the USA
The future of ultra-fast air travel could be one step closer. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed ending the United States’ 53-year ban on civilian overland supersonic flights, replacing the existing prohibition with modern noise-based regulations that reflect major technological advances.
The current ban, in place since 1973, was introduced to protect communities from disruptive sonic booms generated by aircraft flying faster than the speed of sound. However, the FAA now believes that next-generation supersonic aircraft can operate without creating damaging sonic booms on the ground.
Instead of banning supersonic speeds altogether, the proposed rule introduces a maximum allowable ground-level sonic boom overpressure of 0.11 lb/sq ft. Aircraft would be expected to operate in the “Mach cut-off” regime, where atmospheric conditions, altitude, and speed cause shockwaves to refract back into the atmosphere before reaching the ground. The result is only a faint rumbling sound, similar to normal background street noise.
The FAA says recent demonstrations, including tests by Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 aircraft, have shown that this technology is becoming a reality. The proposal currently applies only to cruise (en route) operations, while separate noise standards for take-off and landing are expected later this year.
If approved, the new regulations could pave the way for a new generation of commercial supersonic aircraft, dramatically reducing travel times across the United States and supporting innovation in the aerospace industry.
The FAA is accepting public comments on the proposal for 45 days before moving toward a final decision.
