FAA May Finally Allow Supersonic Flights Over America
Published Date: 7/2/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Overland Supersonic Flights Allowed
The FAA proposes to repeal the long-standing ban on civil supersonic flight over land and replace it with a performance-based framework that would allow civil supersonic operations in the U.S. if operators meet FAA requirements and receive an Administrator finding. Comments are due by August 17, 2026.
0.11 psf Sonic-Boom Limit
The proposal requires that primary and secondary sonic boom overpressure at the surface not exceed 0.11 pound per square foot (psf). Operators must demonstrate compliance using FAA-approved measurement, modeling, or other methods and obtain a finding from the Administrator before conducting such supersonic operations.
Estimated SFA Processing Savings
FAA estimates the proposed rule would save industry $1,567,636 and FAA $852,135 in flight-authorization processing over the analysis period, for a total of $2,419,771 in administrative savings.
SFAs Still Required for High Booms
The proposed rule keeps the Special Flight Authorization (SFA) process unchanged for operations where sonic booms may reach the surface above the 0.11 psf limit, so operators that cannot meet the interim standard must continue to use SFAs for research, testing, or other authorized flights.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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