The Federal Aviation Administration has proposed ending its long-standing prohibition on overland civil supersonic flight, replacing the blanket ban with a performance-based noise standard.
The FAA originally established the prohibition in 1973 to protect the public from exposure to sonic booms generated by aircraft travelling faster than the speed of sound.
On July 2, 2026, the FAA proposed to remove its ban on overland supersonic flight, stating the existing rules are “outdated,” “no longer appropriate,” and “unnecessary” given advancements in aviation technology.
Under the proposal, supersonic overland flights would be permitted provided operators can demonstrate that sonic boom overpressure at the surface will not exceed 0.11 pounds per square foot.
The FAA has acknowledged that this interim en route standard is a “first step of a multi-step regulatory process,” with further rulemakings still required to fully enable commercial supersonic operations across the United States.
A key feature of the proposal is its novel performance-based framework, which sets the noise limit but allows operators to propose their own methods of demonstrating compliance, subject to FAA approval.
The FAA indicated it may approve “measurement, modeling, or other methods” put forward by operators, with further guidance to follow via a Draft Advisory Circular.
The existing regulations that permit offshore supersonic operations and overland flights conducted under a Special Flight Authorization would be retained under the proposed changes.
Future rulemaking will be required to establish a landing and takeoff noise standard, technical standards for sonic boom abatement technology, and other operational requirements for supersonic aircraft.
The FAA has stated it will continue working through the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection to develop a globally harmonised en route standard for supersonic aircraft, though that body does not anticipate adopting such a standard before 2031.
The FAA’s action follows Executive Order 14304, titled Leading the World in Supersonic Flight, which directed the agency to advance the regulatory framework for civil supersonic aviation.
Environmental groups and noise advocates are already signalling opposition to the proposal, which is likely to face scrutiny under the Administrative Procedure Act if it is finalised.
The proposed rule could also have implications beyond aviation, potentially influencing sonic boom analysis in commercial space launch and reentry licensing, as well as National Environmental Policy Act reviews for spaceport approvals.
Aviation stakeholders, including aircraft manufacturers, airlines, business jet operators, airports, and their trade associations, are being urged to submit comments to help shape the final rule before the August 17, 2026 deadline.