Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act
The Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act would require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to create or revise regulations within one year to permit civil aircraft to operate at Mach greater than 1 (supersonic) in the national airspace system without needing special authorization, so long as the aircraft is operated in a way that ensures no sonic boom reaches the ground anywhere in the United States. Civil aircraft are defined by existing law (49 U.S.C. 40102(16)). In short, the bill aims to relax current overland supersonic flight restrictions by tying permission to a stringent noise criterion (no ground-visible sonic booms) and leaving the regulatory details to the FAA. The measure would update the regulatory framework (referencing existing provisions such as 14 CFR Part 91, §91.817) to enable civil supersonic flight under specified conditions. By enabling civil supersonic operations within the NAS under a no-ground-boom rule, the bill seeks to spur development of future supersonic air travel while maintaining ground-level noise protections. The legislative intent appears to balance aerospace innovation and potential economic benefits with public noise and safety considerations, though the specific regulatory design—including routes, operational restrictions, and enforcement—would be determined by the FAA.
Key Points
- 1Short title: Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act.
- 2Regulatory action deadline: The FAA must issue or revise necessary regulations within 1 year of enactment to allow civil supersonic flight within the national airspace system without special authorization, subject to the no-ground-boom condition.
- 3Ground-noise condition: Civil aircraft operating supra-sonically must be managed so that no sonic boom reaches the ground anywhere in the United States.
- 4Legal basis for aircraft: The act uses the definition of civil aircraft from 49 U.S.C. 40102(16) and references existing or similar regulatory provisions (e.g., 14 CFR Part 91, §91.817) as part of the regulatory framework.
- 5Scope and oversight: The change applies to operations within the national airspace system (NAS) and is implemented through FAA rulemaking, shifting certain existing overland restrictions toward a performance-based sonic-boom standard rather than a blanket prohibition.