In a significant move to bolster aerospace innovation in the United States, President Donald Trump has issued an executive order aimed at revitalizing the country’s supersonic flight capabilities.
This order emphasizes the need to update outdated regulations that have hindered American advancements in high-speed aviation for over 50 years.
The president’s initiative outlines a comprehensive approach to transition from the current prohibitions on overland supersonic flight and paves the way for the establishment of a new regulatory framework that aligns with contemporary technological advancements.
The underlying goal of this executive order is to restore the United States as the global leader in aviation, showcasing the government’s commitment to supporting engineers, entrepreneurs, and innovators dedicated to the next generation of air travel.
The importance of modernizing the regulatory landscape cannot be overstated, as advancements in aerospace engineering, noise reduction, and materials science have made supersonic flight not only feasible but also safe and sustainable.
In the first section of the order, President Trump mandates that the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) take the necessary steps to repeal the prohibition on overland supersonic flight found in 14 CFR 91.817.
This repeal is set to occur within 180 days of the order’s signing and will include the establishment of an interim noise-based certification standard aimed at facilitating the advancement of supersonic aviation technology in the United States.
Additionally, the order calls for the immediate repeal of other regulatory barriers, such as 14 CFR 91.819 and 91.821, which have been identified as impediments to progress in this sector.
In terms of further advancements, the FAA is instructed to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking within 18 months to establish a new noise certification standard for supersonic aircraft.
This proposed rule will outline acceptable noise thresholds during takeoff, landing, and in-route operations while taking into account operational testing, research and development data, community concerns, economic feasibility, and technological advancements.
Moreover, the establishment of a process for periodic review and updates will ensure the rules remain relevant as technology evolves.
The second section of the order concentrates on advancing research and development related to supersonic flight.
President Trump has directed the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to collaborate with other key federal agencies, including the Departments of Defense, Commerce, Transportation, and NASA, to assess and coordinate RDT&E efforts.
These efforts will be crucial in identifying the regulatory developments needed for the commercial viability and operational integration of supersonic aircraft into the National Airspace System.
Furthermore, the director will play a pivotal role in overseeing federally funded research and development initiatives alongside industry-led testing of supersonic technologies at federal test sites, ensuring that the results are shared to inform both domestic regulatory development and international engagement on civil supersonic matters.
One of the ambitious components of the order is to promote international collaboration regarding civil supersonic flight regulations.
The Secretary of Transportation, through the FAA, will engage with the International Civil Aviation Organization and foreign partners to seek global regulatory alignment.
Additionally, efforts will be made to secure bilateral aviation safety agreements with foreign aviation authorities to facilitate the safe international operation of supersonic aircraft.
In summarizing the executive order’s provisions, President Trump has made it clear that this initiative will not interfere with the authority granted by law to executive departments and agencies.
The administration aims to implement these changes consistent with applicable laws and available appropriations, reinforcing the government’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for aerospace innovation.
Ultimately, this executive order represents a critical step forward for the American aerospace sector.
By eliminating outdated regulations and embracing cutting-edge technologies, the United States is poised to reclaim its leadership position in high-speed aviation, creating faster, quieter, and more efficient air travel experiences for the future.
This initiative reflects a broader vision for revitalizing American ingenuity and competitiveness in the global arena, as the stakes in technological advancement and aerospace innovation continue to rise.
The publication of this order will be managed by the Federal Aviation Administration, signaling a robust commitment to transparency and progress in the regulatory process regarding supersonic flight.
As these plans unfold, the aerospace industry and the public will be watching closely for the advancements that will undoubtedly shape the future of air travel.
image source from：https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/06/leading-the-world-in-supersonic-flight/
