HR3410-119

What This Bill Does

The Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act directs the Federal Aviation Administration to modernize the current civil supersonic-flight ban. Within one year, the FAA Administrator must issue or revise regulations, including rules like 14 C.F.R. 91.817, so civil aircraft can operate in the national airspace system faster than Mach 1 without special authorization if operated so that no sonic boom reaches the ground in the United States. The reported version also requires a final rule by April 1, 2027 setting noise standards under part 36 for civil aircraft using that authority, with takeoff and landing noise no higher than the latest standards for subsonic aircraft in operation. FAA must also create a process for periodic review and updates as aircraft noise-reduction technology improves.

Who Benefits and How

Supersonic aircraft manufacturers benefit because the bill creates a regulatory path for overland civil supersonic operations that avoid ground-level sonic booms. Civil aircraft operators benefit from lower approval barriers if aircraft meet sonic-boom and noise limits. Aerospace engineers and aircraft noise-technology developers benefit from demand for boom-suppression and noise-reduction systems. Business aviation passengers and long-distance travelers may benefit from faster service if compliant aircraft enter commercial use. Airports serving business aviation could benefit from new supersonic operations that satisfy takeoff and landing noise rules.

Who Bears the Burden and How

The Federal Aviation Administration must revise flight rules within one year, issue part 36 noise standards by April 1, 2027, and periodically update those standards. Supersonic aircraft operators must prove operations avoid ground-level sonic booms and satisfy noise limits before using the new authority. Communities under potential supersonic routes may bear noise-monitoring and public-comment concerns even though the bill prohibits sonic booms reaching the ground. Aircraft certification staff must evaluate technical claims about boom reduction and takeoff and landing noise.

Key Provisions

• Requires FAA rule changes within one year to allow civil aircraft above Mach 1 without special authorization when no sonic boom reaches the ground.
• Directs FAA to revise rules such as 14 C.F.R. 91.817 that currently restrict civil supersonic operations.
• Requires final part 36 noise standards by April 1, 2027 for civil aircraft using the new authority.
• Limits covered supersonic aircraft to takeoff and landing noise levels no higher than current subsonic aircraft standards.
• Requires periodic review and updates to reflect future aircraft noise-reduction technology.