The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a new rule that could lift the long-standing ban on commercial supersonic flights over the United States. This change is contingent on the ability of supersonic aircraft to mitigate the impact of sonic booms at ground level.
The original ban on overland supersonic flights was enacted in 1973 following military tests that demonstrated the disruptive effects of sonic booms in urban areas. The recent push to repeal this ban aligns with an executive order from President Trump, issued in June 2025, aimed at facilitating the operation of quieter supersonic airliners.
Proposed Noise Standards
The FAA’s proposed rule, announced on June 30, 2026, introduces a new interim certification standard focused on noise. Under this standard, the sonic boom overpressure experienced at the surface must remain below 0.11 pounds per square foot. This threshold is informed by the Colorado-based startup Boom Supersonic, which has successfully demonstrated quieter supersonic flight with its XB-1 aircraft. The XB-1 achieves this by flying at higher altitudes, allowing shockwaves to refract upward rather than reaching the ground.
In contrast, the Concorde, which operated from 1976 to 2003, produced a sonic boom overpressure of approximately 1.94 pounds per square foot at Mach 2. NASA has indicated that public annoyance typically arises at overpressure levels between 1.5 and 2 pounds, while levels around 1 pound are unlikely to cause structural damage.
Industry Reactions
Despite the proposed standards, some experts express skepticism. Dan Rutherford from the International Council on Clean Transportation criticized the FAA’s approach, noting that the overpressure metric does not accurately reflect perceived loudness or annoyance. He remarked, “I’m honestly surprised that the FAA would propose a rule this weak.”
Additionally, the Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act is progressing through Congress, aiming to mandate that supersonic flights over land produce no sonic boom at ground level.
Alternative Approaches to Quiet Supersonic Flight
Nasa is also exploring quieter supersonic flight through its Lockheed Martin X-59 Quesst, which is designed to produce a sonic thump rather than a boom. The X-59 aims to achieve sound levels around 75 perceived levels of decibels (PldB), comparable to a car door slamming from 20 feet away. Future tests will gather community feedback on sound perceptions to inform regulatory decisions.
The FAA has until mid-2027 to finalize its proposed noise regulations and plans to introduce additional rules for takeoff and landing noise standards for supersonic aircraft.
While the revival of commercial supersonic airliners is on the horizon, challenges remain. The Concorde’s operational difficulties due to high fuel consumption highlight the complexities of sustainable supersonic travel. Boom Supersonic aims to deliver its Overture aircraft by 2029, having secured agreements with major airlines. However, the company has recently shifted focus to developing natural gas turbines for AI data centers, which may support the financial viability of its supersonic endeavors.
This article was produced by NeonPulse.today using human and AI-assisted editorial processes, based on publicly available information. Content may be edited for clarity and style.
