NTSB Archives - Aviation Today

Washington D.C., United States: In a landmark move for the future of air travel, the United States has officially lifted its nearly 50-year-old ban on civilian supersonic flights over land, clearing a major hurdle that has long held back the comeback of high-speed commercial aviation. The reversal of the 1973 regulation marks a significant policy shift and is expected to reshape the aviation landscape in the coming decades. The decision was confirmed through an executive order signed by President Donald Trump earlier this month. The order directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to update its rules and certification standards for supersonic aircraft, specifically those that can operate with reduced noise levels. While this does not mean an immediate return of Concorde-like aircraft to the skies, it lays the legal groundwork for aerospace companies to test and eventually launch next-generation supersonic jets designed to fly over populated areas without causing disruptive sonic booms. The original 1973 ban was introduced following widespread public concern over the loud sonic booms generated by the Concorde, which could be heard and felt on the ground. These concerns, coupled with environmental and operational limitations, confined supersonic commercial flight to transoceanic routes only. As a result, the Concorde, though technologically advanced for its time, was restricted to operating primarily between cities like London and New York. With modern engineering advancements, however, new aircraft designs are now able to minimize or eliminate the traditional boom associated with breaking the sound barrier. Companies like Boom Supersonic, NASA, and Lockheed Martin have been working on low-boom and "quiet supersonic" technologies for several years. The lifting of the ban gives these developers a long-awaited green light to move forward with real-world testing and route planning for overland operations. Boom Supersonic, a Denver-based aerospace company, is leading the commercial supersonic race with its flagship airliner Overture, designed to fly at Mach 1.7 with 64–80 passengers. The aircraft aims to operate on sustainable aviation fuel and is backed by major airlines including United and American. The company’s smaller test jet, the XB-1, recently broke the sound barrier during flight testing in California, marking a key milestone toward its 2029 commercial goal. Lockheed Martin, in partnership with NASA, is developing the X-59 QueSST (Quiet Supersonic Technology) aircraft. Unlike commercial models, the X-59 is a research jet built to demonstrate low-boom supersonic flight aiming to reduce sonic booms to a soft “thump.” The data from this project will support future noise regulations and pave the way for civilian supersonic travel over land. FAA officials have stated that this is not a blanket approval for all supersonic aircraft but a carefully controlled shift. Any new aircraft seeking to fly over land at supersonic speeds will still need to comply with stringent noise regulations and complete thorough testing and certification. This includes proving that their noise levels are comparable to those of subsonic aircraft during takeoff, landing, and cruise. The change is already being hailed by aviation industry leaders and investors as a turning point. With the regulatory obstacle removed, companies can now confidently accelerate development timelines and raise funding for commercial production. Boom Supersonic, for instance, recently completed successful flight tests of its prototype, the XB-1, and is targeting a 2029 debut for its full-scale Overture airliner. The lifting of the ban also places the U.S. in a leading role in shaping global supersonic policy. Other countries are expected to watch closely, and a successful implementation could prompt similar regulatory shifts in Europe, Asia, and beyond. While environmental groups have expressed concerns about fuel use and emissions, manufacturers are emphasizing the use of sustainable aviation fuels and efficient engine technologies in their designs. This move revives a long-dormant dream in commercial aviation, the ability to fly from coast to coast in under three hours. With development already in motion and regulatory doors now open, the return of supersonic passenger travel is no longer a matter of “if,” but “when.”

US Lifts 50-Year Ban on Supersonic Overland Flights with New FAA Regulations

Aviation Today News Desk / June 13, 2025

Picture Credits: Lockheed Martin Washington D.C., United States: In a landmark move for the future of air travel, the United […]

Boeing has reached a tentative $1.1 billion agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice to settle criminal charges related to the 737 MAX crashes of 2018 and 2019, which killed 346 people. The deal includes financial penalties, a victims' fund, and enhanced oversight measures. Boeing avoids trial but admits to misleading the FAA, drawing criticism from victims' families and sparking debate on corporate accountability

Airplane Crashes, Boeing, Investigation, United States

Boeing Escapes Trial, $1.1B Deal With DOJ Over 737 MAX Crashes That Killed 346 People

Aviation Today News Desk / May 24, 2025

Picture Credits: PK-REN (Flickr) Seattle, United States: In a major legal development, Boeing has reached a tentative $1.1 billion agreement

Incidents, Pilots, United States

Aerobatic Pilot Rob Holland Dies in Crash at Langley Air Force Base Ahead of Airshow

Aviation Today News Desk / April 25, 2025

Picture Credits: Rob Holland Aerosports, Ultimate air shows Virginia, USA: Rob Holland, a world-renowned aerobatic pilot, lost his life on

Airlines, Airports, Incidents, United States

Delta Plane With 294 Passengers Onboard Evacuated After Engine Fire at Orlando Airport

Aviation Today News Desk / April 23, 2025

Picture Credits: neothin, CodyAlcorn (X) Orlando, USA: A Delta Air Lines aircraft preparing for departure at Orlando International Airport on

Accidents, Aircraft Crashes, United States

4 from Wisconsin Killed as Small Plane Crashes in Illinois Field Near Power Lines

Aviation Today News Desk / April 22, 2025

Picture Credits: CBS News Illinois, USA: A small plane crash in rural Illinois claimed the lives of four individuals from

Helicopter Crash, Investigation, United States

FAA Suspends NYC Helicopter Tour Company After Deadly Hudson River Crash

Aviation Today News Desk / April 15, 2025

Picture Credits: Associated Press New York, USA: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has suspended the operating license of New York

Aircraft Crashes, Uncategorized, United States

Three Dead, One Injured in Boca Raton Plane Crash; NTSB Opens Full Investigation

Aviation Today News Desk / April 15, 2025

Picture Credits: Associated Press Florida, USA: A small aircraft crashed and exploded into flames near a major highway in Boca

A medical transport helicopter crashed in a wooded area near Jackson, Mississippi, on Monday, killing all three people on board| Aviation Today

Helicopter Crash, United States

Medical Helicopter Crash Kills Pilot and 2 Crew in Mississippi, FAA Investigates

Aviation Today News Desk / March 11, 2025

Picture credits: UMMC Mississippi: A medical transport helicopter crashed in a wooded area near Jackson, Mississippi, on Monday, killing all

Newark: A FedEx Express cargo plane made an emergency landing on Saturday, 1st March 2025 at Newark Liberty International Airport after a bird strike caused one of its engines to catch fire | Aviation Today

Emergency Landing, Incidents

Bird Strike Sparks Fire on FedEx Cargo Plane, Forcing Emergency Landing in Newark

Aviation Today News Desk / March 4, 2025

Image credits: A collage featuring a screenshot from a video on X by (nojumper) and Wikipedia Newark: A FedEx Express

Incidents, United States

Pilots’ Quick Action Prevents Near-Collision Between Southwest Flight & Private Jet

Aviation Today News Desk / February 26, 2025

Picture credits: AirNavRadar X, from a video Illinois: A Southwest Airlines flight came dangerously close to colliding with a private

NTSB

US Lifts 50-Year Ban on Supersonic Overland Flights with New FAA Regulations

Boeing Escapes Trial, $1.1B Deal With DOJ Over 737 MAX Crashes That Killed 346 People

Aerobatic Pilot Rob Holland Dies in Crash at Langley Air Force Base Ahead of Airshow

Delta Plane With 294 Passengers Onboard Evacuated After Engine Fire at Orlando Airport

4 from Wisconsin Killed as Small Plane Crashes in Illinois Field Near Power Lines

FAA Suspends NYC Helicopter Tour Company After Deadly Hudson River Crash

Three Dead, One Injured in Boca Raton Plane Crash; NTSB Opens Full Investigation

Medical Helicopter Crash Kills Pilot and 2 Crew in Mississippi, FAA Investigates

Bird Strike Sparks Fire on FedEx Cargo Plane, Forcing Emergency Landing in Newark

Pilots’ Quick Action Prevents Near-Collision Between Southwest Flight & Private Jet

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