US Paves Way for Supersonic Jets to Zoom Over Land Again
Published Date: 6/11/2025
Presidential Document
Summary
The U.S. is clearing the runway for supersonic flight over land by updating old rules that held back fast, quiet planes. The FAA will scrap outdated bans and set new noise standards within 180 days to 18 months, opening doors for faster, safer, and more eco-friendly air travel. This move boosts American innovation, helps businesses, and puts the U.S. back in the lead for supersonic aviation.
Free Policy Watch
New rules are filed every week. Most people never see them.
Pick a topic. PRIA watches every federal rule and tells you when one hits your household.
Pick a topic to get started
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Ban on Overland Supersonic Flight Removed
The FAA must repeal the prohibition on overland supersonic flight in 14 CFR 91.817 within 180 days of this order (issued June 6, 2025). This change removes a legal ban that has limited supersonic operations over land.
Interim Noise Certification Standard Required
The FAA must establish an interim noise-based certification standard and may modify 14 CFR 91.818 as necessary within 180 days of this order (June 6, 2025). The interim standard is meant to govern certification while longer-term rules are developed.
Noise Standards Rulemaking Launched
Within 18 months of June 6, 2025, the FAA must issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to set supersonic aircraft noise certification standards under 14 CFR Part 36 and amend 14 CFR 91.817, and any final rule must be issued within 24 months of the order. The proposed rule must define acceptable noise thresholds for takeoff, landing, and en-route operations and specify a process for periodic review.
Additional Regulatory Barriers Repealed
The FAA is directed to take immediate steps to repeal 14 CFR 91.819 and 14 CFR 91.821, removing additional regulatory barriers to supersonic aviation. The order instructs these repeals as part of the regulatory reform effort.
Federal Coordination of Supersonic RDT&E
The Director of OSTP will coordinate supersonic research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) through the National Science and Technology Council, including identifying RDT&E needs, coordinating federally funded and industry-led testing at Federal test sites, and collecting and sharing results to inform regulatory development.
International Alignment and Safety Agreements
The Secretary of Transportation and the FAA, in consultation with OSTP and the Secretary of State, must engage the International Civil Aviation Organization and foreign partners to seek global alignment on supersonic regulations and pursue bilateral aviation safety agreements needed for safe international supersonic operations.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Take the PRIA Score to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in