White House Directs FAA To Lift Supersonic Overland Flight Ban

The White House took a step to clear obstacles to supersonic overland flight with the signing of an executive order on June 6 that directs the FAA to lift the ban within 180 days and release a final rule establishing new aircraft noise certification regulations for such operations within two years.

In signing the executive order, the U.S. administration noted that “decades of stifling regulations grounded progress” on supersonic flight, which the order is intended to remove. “Advances in aerospace engineering, materials science, and noise reduction now make supersonic flight not just possible, but safe, sustainable, and commercially viable,” according to the executive order.

“By updating obsolete standards and embracing the technologies of today and tomorrow, we will empower our engineers, entrepreneurs, and visionaries to deliver the next generation of air travel, which will be faster, quieter, safer, and more efficient than ever before.”

The order directs the FAA to take the necessary steps, including through rulemaking, to repeal the prohibition on overland supersonic flight within 180 days. The FAA is also to establish an interim noise-based certification standard and to remove any other regulatory barriers to supersonic technology advancement.

In addition, the executive order calls for the FAA to follow with a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) within 18 months and a final rule within 24 months for a permanent supersonic aircraft noise certification standard that establishes acceptable thresholds for takeoff, landing, and en-route operation based on operational testing and research. The NPRM should outline a process for periodic review to reflect further advances and aircraft noise-reduction technology.

Noting that the standard should consider community acceptability, economic reasonableness, and technological feasibility, the order seeks consultation between the Office of Science and Technology Policy, NASA, and the Departments of Defense and Transportation—coordinating through the National Science and Technology Council. This collaboration should identify needs for regulatory development, commercial viability, and operational integration into the National Airspace System. In addition, it should coordinate on supersonic testing at federal sites and the collection of data.

The executive order also looks internationally, directing the FAA and other agencies as appropriate to engage with the International Civil Aviation Organization on global alignment on supersonic policies and to work with various foreign aviation authorities to secure bilateral aviation safety agreements for the safe international operation of supersonic aircraft.

New Wave of Supersonic Jets

This move comes as a few companies have stepped into the supersonic market, including Boom Supersonic, which earlier this year passed the Mach 1 marker in testing of its subscale XB-1 testbed as the company eyes bringing its Overture airliner to market later in the decade. Lockheed Martin, meanwhile, has been working with NASA on an X-59 demonstrator to evaluate community reaction to low- or no-boom supersonic flight, and anticipates flight of that aircraft this year.

In addition, Spike Aerospace last month announced its renewed efforts to enter the market with a Mach 1.6 business jet, and Hermeus is looking to field a 20-passenger hypersonic jet over the next decade.

Other companies that have researched supersonic business jets in the past, such as Gulfstream Aerospace and Dassault Falcon, have stayed on the sidelines given the regulatory barriers. And Aerion, which had poured substantial funds over two decades into such research, liquidated. However, Boeing acquired the patents and intellectual property from that research.

"Legalizing supersonic flight makes a renaissance in supersonic passenger travel inevitable,” said Boom Supersonic founder and CEO Blake Scholl in reaction to the executive order. “This important step allows us to accelerate development of our Overture supersonic airliner."

Meanwhile, the order drew praise from Capitol Hill. “Since 1973, FAA regulations have hindered innovation in the United States’ aviation industry,” said House aviation subcommittee chairman Troy Nehls (R-Texas). “President Trump’s executive order unleashes American innovation in the aviation sector, ensuring we remain competitive against our foreign adversaries.”

Nehls further stressed the need for Congress to pass his bill, the Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act, that would codify the directive for the FAA to repeal the overland ban on supersonic flight.

“President Trump’s swift leadership to unleash supersonic flight will boost America’s ability to compete with China in the race for next-generation aircraft and revolutionize commercial air travel,” added Sen. Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), who has introduced companion legislation in the Senate. “For too long, outdated restrictions on civil supersonic flight have stifled innovation.”