The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a new rule that would allow commercial supersonic airliners to fly over US cities, provided they meet specific noise regulations. This proposal, announced on June 30, 2026, aims to lift a ban that has been in place since 1973 due to concerns over disruptive sonic booms.
Background on Supersonic Flight Regulations
The original ban on supersonic flights was established after military tests in the 1960s, which highlighted the disruptive nature of sonic booms over populated areas. The proposed rule reflects efforts by the Trump administration to modernize aviation regulations, allowing for supersonic travel without the associated noise issues.
The new rule would implement a “noise-based” certification standard that limits sonic boom overpressure at ground level to 0.11 pounds per square foot. This standard is based on successful tests conducted by the startup Boom Supersonic with its XB-1 aircraft.
Comparison to Historical Supersonic Flights
Historically, the Concorde was notorious for its sonic booms, producing an overpressure of 1.94 pounds per square foot during its flights. The FAA's new proposal significantly lowers this threshold, aiming for a more acceptable noise level for communities under flight paths.
- Concorde Sonic Boom: 1.94 pounds per square foot
- Proposed Standard: 0.11 pounds per square foot
Experts, however, have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the new overpressure metric. Dan Rutherford, from the International Council on Clean Transportation, criticized the FAA's proposal, stating that the metric does not adequately measure loudness or public annoyance.
The Future of Supersonic Airlines
In addition to the FAA's proposal, the Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act has been introduced in Congress, requiring the FAA to permit overland supersonic flights under conditions that prevent sonic booms from reaching the ground. This act passed the House on March 24, 2026 and awaits a Senate vote.
While the FAA refines its noise regulations, NASA is also exploring quieter supersonic technologies with its X-59 Quesst aircraft. This experimental plane aims to produce a sonic thump, rather than a boom, with a target sound level of around 75 PldB.
Despite these advancements, the revival of commercial supersonic flight faces challenges. The Concorde struggled with high operational costs, and Boom Supersonic is now diversifying its focus to include natural gas turbines for AI data centers, which could help fund its Overture supersonic airliner, expected to be delivered by 2029.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Ars Technica. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
