Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act
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This bill would allow civil aircraft to fly at supersonic speeds over land if the flight does not produce a sonic boom on the ground.
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What it does
This bill would direct the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to update regulations to allow civil aircraft to fly at supersonic speeds over land in the United States without requiring a special authorization. These operations would be permitted as long as no sonic boom reaches the ground. Currently, federal regulations prohibit civil aircraft from exceeding Mach 1 speeds over land unless the FAA has issued a specific flight authorization.
Who is affected
This bill affects the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which would be required to issue or revise regulations regarding supersonic flight. It also impacts operators of civil aircraft who seek to fly at speeds exceeding Mach 1 over land in the United States. Additionally, the legislation concerns individuals and communities on the ground, as the new flight permissions are contingent upon ensuring no sonic boom reaches the surface.
Key provisions
- Authorization of supersonic flight over land. Directs the Federal Aviation Administration to allow civil aircraft to operate at speeds exceeding Mach 1 over the United States without requiring a special flight authorization.
- Sonic boom mitigation requirements. Limits the authorization of supersonic flight to operations where no sonic boom reaches the ground within the United States.
- Regulatory revision for national airspace. Requires the Federal Aviation Administration to issue or update regulations to integrate supersonic civil aircraft operations into the national airspace system.
Fiscal impact
Not applicable: No CBO cost estimate available
Effective dates
Not applicable: Official Summary does not address effective dates
Relationship to existing law
This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration to revise current regulations that prohibit civil aircraft from operating at supersonic speeds over land without a special flight authorization.
Stated purpose
The bill aims to modernize aviation regulations by allowing civil aircraft to operate at supersonic speeds over land in the United States, provided that no sonic boom reaches the ground.