FAA Proposes End to 50-Year Ban on Overland Supersonic Flights

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has taken a significant step toward ending the longstanding ban on overland supersonic flights by proposing new rules that would allow civilian aircraft to exceed the speed of sound without producing sonic booms. This move follows President Donald Trump's executive order last month, which directed the FAA to repeal regulations that have constrained U.S. aerospace innovation for decades.

The proposed rule shifts from a blanket speed restriction to a noise-based operating standard, requiring aircraft operators to demonstrate through FAA-approved methods that their planes can prevent excessive sonic boom overpressure on the ground. This change aims to clear the way for a new generation of commercial supersonic aircraft capable of dramatically reducing travel times while minimizing noise impacts.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford highlighted advancements in aerospace engineering and materials science as key factors enabling this regulatory rethink. The proposal marks a significant shift towards embracing technological innovation, with the FAA aiming to finalize the rule by mid-2027. Public comment on the proposed changes will be accepted for 45 days after publication in the Federal Register.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized that restoring supersonic flight over land is not just about speed but also about fostering American ingenuity and global competitiveness. The FAA's decision reflects a broader effort to modernize aviation regulations, aligning with recent technological advancements demonstrated by companies like Boom Supersonic and NASA's FaINT research project.