Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act

Progress

Timeline

• Mar 25Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
• Mar 24Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Summary

**What it does:** This bill aims to update regulations and policies to support the development and operation of supersonic aircraft - planes that fly faster than the speed of sound. **Who it affects:** - Aircraft manufacturers developing supersonic planes - Airlines that might operate these faster aircraft - Passengers who could potentially use supersonic flights - Communities near airports where these planes might operate - Aviation regulators and safety officials **What would change:** The bill would modernize outdated rules that currently restrict supersonic flight over land due to sonic booms. It would establish new standards for noise levels, safety requirements, and certification processes for supersonic aircraft. This could pave the way for commercial supersonic flights to resume in the U.S. for the first time since the Concorde was retired, potentially reducing flight times significantly - for example, cutting a 6-hour cross-country flight to about 3 hours. The bill is currently in the introduction phase and has not been enacted.

How This Affects You