Trump Lifts Ban on Supersonic Flight Over US
President Donald Trump signed an executive order to lift the 52-year-old ban on supersonic flight over US soil. This significant policy change follows recent bipartisan legislation with the same goal. The order directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to end the ban and develop noise-based certification standards. This allows faster-than-sound travel, provided no sonic boom is heard on the ground.
The reality is that Americans should be able to fly from New York to LA in under four hours.
This quote comes from Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Boost for Commercial Supersonic Development
This move could accelerate the development of commercial supersonic flight, including efforts by companies like Boom Supersonic. Boom's XB-1 demonstrator recently became the first privately developed civil aircraft to break the sound barrier over the continental US.
Boom CEO Blake Scholl celebrated the decision, stating that with the regulatory barrier removed, the return of supersonic passenger air travel is just a matter of time.
Other Aviation-Focused Executive Orders
President Trump also signed two additional executive orders related to the future of flight. One aims to accelerate the development of drones and electric vertical takeoff vehicles. The other establishes a federal task force to address drone flight restrictions.
- Faster-than-sound travel now possible over US soil.
- FAA to develop new noise-based certification standards.
- Potential boost for companies like Boom Supersonic.
- Further executive orders address drones and eVTOL development.
Learn more about the executive order on drone flight restrictions.
