Bill would let boomless supersonic jets fly over US without special approval

What does this do?

The Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act would direct the FAA to update rules allowing civilian supersonic flight over the U.S. without special permission, as long as the flight causes no sonic boom at ground level. The FAA would have one year after enactment to write or revise the needed regulations.

Who does it affect?

Aerospace companies developing supersonic jets, airlines considering faster domestic flights, and the FAA, which must create new standards, would be affected. Air travelers and communities near flight paths could also feel the effects.

Why does it matter?

Current rules generally ban civilian supersonic flight over U.S. land due to sonic boom disruption; this bill shifts the standard to whether a boom reaches the ground, potentially expanding where such flights can legally occur. How well the FAA enforces the "no boom" requirement would determine impacts on nearby communities.

Where does it stand?