The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration issued a final rule (PDF) to facilitate the safe development of civil supersonic aircraft. The rule streamlines and clarifies procedures to obtain FAA approval for supersonic flight testing in the United States.
“Today’s action is a significant step toward reintroducing civil supersonic flight and demonstrates the Department’s commitment to safe innovation,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.
This rule will help ensure that companies developing these aircraft clearly understand the process for gaining FAA approval to conduct flight testing, which is a key step in ultimately bringing their products to market.
“The FAA supports the new development of supersonic aircraft as long as safety parameters are followed,” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson. “The testing of supersonic aircraft at Mach 1 will only be conducted following consideration of any impact to the environment.”
The Department and the FAA anticipate taking additional regulatory actions to enable the development of supersonic aircraft.

United announced the largest international network expansion in company history with 10 new international cities and three new routes across Europe and Asia, and debuted the newest international aircr...
RECARO Aircraft Seating introduces the R4, its new generation of premium‑class seating. Building on the legacy of the PL3530 launched in 2015, the R4 integrates advanced ergonomics, upgraded comfort e...
Thrust Flight announced a new partnership with Hampton University’s Department of Aviation to serve as the flight-training partner for the school’s Flight Education curriculum. T...
Sky X officially opened the doors to its stunning new facility, setting a new standard for aviation throughout the Greater Gulf Coast region. Sky X is the region's only FBO offering FAA/DOT-approv...