Federal Register #FAA-2026-6935

FAA Proposed Rule to Enable Supersonic Overland Flight in the United States

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the Department of Transportation, is proposing a regulatory change to allow civil supersonic flight over land in the United States. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - Department of Transportation - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or vendors are named in the notice - Products/Services Requested: - No direct procurement of products or services; the notice is a proposed rulemaking - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Repeal of the existing prohibition on civil supersonic flight over land - Establishment of a performance-based regulatory framework for supersonic operations - Interim noise-based certification standard for supersonic aircraft - Operators must demonstrate sonic boom overpressure at the surface does not exceed 0.11 pounds per square foot - Compliance with FAA-issued conditions and limitations - Demonstration of compliance can be achieved through measurement, modeling, or other approved methods - Intended to encourage development and deployment of next-generation supersonic aviation technology - Positions the U.S. as a global leader in supersonic flight

Description

This proposed rule by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aims to replace the longstanding prohibition on civil supersonic flight over land in the United States with a modern, performance-based regulatory framework. The proposal would repeal the ban on civil supersonic flight at speeds greater than Mach 1 over land and establish an interim noise-based certification standard to allow supersonic flights without operation-specific special authorization. Operators would need to demonstrate that sonic boom overpressure at the surface does not exceed 0.11 pounds per square foot and comply with FAA-issued conditions and limitations. This action is intended to enable safe, efficient, and commercially viable supersonic flight operations and position the U.S. as a leader in next-generation aviation.

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