FAA – Fact Sheet – Supersonic Flight
March 30, 2020
Contact: Henry J. Price
Background
The Supersonic Transport (SST) Concorde aircraft was introduced in the early 1970s. At that time, many in the aviation community thought that the time had arrived for regular supersonic air travel for passengers.
However, the Concorde was retired nearly two decades ago because of the high cost of meeting the environmental restrictions on sonic booms, inefficient fuel consumption, and other factors. Ultimately, the Concorde’s future as a viable transportation vehicle was limited.
Companies in the United States and abroad are now taking a new look at supersonic air travel. Lighter and more efficient composite materials, combined with new engine and airframe designs, may offer the potential for introduction of a viable SST.
In the area of supersonic aircraft noise, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) continually works to ensure the United States keeps pace with latest scientific, technological, and environmental advancements to maintain the safest, most efficient, and advanced airspace system in the world.
Supersonic Aircraft Noise Standards Development
As part of the Department of Transportation’s (DOT’s) priority on innovation in transportation, the DOT and the FAA are taking steps to advance the development of civil supersonic aircraft.
In line with this, the FAA is initiating two rulemaking activities on civil supersonic aircraft noise. The first…