Rep. Troy E. Nehls and Senator Ted Budd Introduce the Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) and Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) introduced the Supersonic Aviation Modernization (SAM) Act,which would direct the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue or revise regulations, within one year of enactment, to allow for the operation of civil aviation aircraft to operate at speeds of Mach 1 or higher without requiring special authorization, so long as no sonic boom reaches the ground within the United States.

Enacted in 1973, 14 CFR § 91.817 dictates that no person may operate a civil aircraft in the United States at a speed of Mach 1 or higher, thereby prohibiting non-military-related supersonic flight over the United States. American companies have developed quiet supersonic technologies and have already demonstrated that their aircraft can operate above Mach 1. Despite these innovations, outdated FAA regulations continue to restrict supersonic operations.

Congressman Nehls and Senator Budd's legislation would require the FAA administrator to revise certain regulations or issue new regulations to allow for the operation of supersonic civil aircraft. Operators would be permitted to fly their aircraft at supersonic speeds within the National Airspace System as long as no sonic boom reaches the ground.

"The United States is home to many ground-breaking innovations and should welcome these innovations so long as public safety isn't threatened," said Congressman Nehls. "Our nation's laws and regulations should encourage these innovations and uplift companies that are leading in industries, including the aviation industry. My legislation cuts regulatory red tape without minimizing safety, and incentivizes further innovation in the aviation industry, helping America remain competitive and the envy of the world."

"The race for supersonic dominance between the U.S. and China is already underway and the stakes couldn't be higher," said Senator Budd. "To maintain our global leadership in aerospace innovation, we must modernize air travel by lifting the outdated ban on civil supersonic flight. The Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act paves the way to lift decades-old restrictions, allowing for faster air travel. This is a critical step to ensure America leads the next era of aviation."

The SAM Act is cosponsored by Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS-03) in the House and Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), and Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT).

This legislation is supported by Boom Supersonic and the National Business Aviation Association.

"Supersonic flight without an audible sonic boom should obviously be allowed," said Blake Scholl, the founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic. "The ban on supersonic has held back progress for more than half a century. I urge Congress to pass the Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act supersonically, so we can all enjoy faster flights and maintain American leadership in aviation."

"I applaud Chairman Nehls for legislation that will expand aerospace innovation in America," said Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association. "The world is in a race to develop revolutionary transportation technologies, and this commonsense approach fosters an environment where supersonic technology can thrive while maintaining the highest levels of safety."