H.R. 3410 · Passed House · Transportation and Public Works

Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act

What it does

Directs the FAA to allow civil aircraft to fly faster than Mach 1 over land in the United States without special authorization, as long as no sonic boom reaches the ground.
Requires a final rule setting noise standards so supersonic civil aircraft do not exceed the takeoff and landing noise levels required of subsonic aircraft.
Requires the rule to include a process for periodically reviewing and updating the noise standards as technology and regulations change.
Replaces current regulations that bar supersonic flight over land without a special flight authorization.

Official summary

Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to allow civil aircraft to operate at speeds above Mach 1 (i.e., supersonic) over land in the United States under certain conditions. Specifically, the FAA must issue or revise regulations to allow for the operation of civil aircraft at speeds greater than Mach 1 in the national airspace system without a special authorization, so long as no sonic boom reaches the ground in the United States. The FAA must also issue a final rule to establish noise standards that prohibit civil aircraft operating at speeds greater than Mach 1 from exceeding takeoff and landing noise levels required for subsonic aircraft (i.e., aircraft that operate at speeds that do not exceed Mach 1). As part of the rule, the FAA must specify a process to periodically review and update the noise standards to reflect future advances in aircraft noise reduction technology and regulatory changes. Current regulations prohibit civil aircraft from operating above Mach 1 speeds over land in the United States without a special flight authorization issued by the FAA.

Latest action

Mar 25, 2026: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation