H.R. 3410: Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act

This bill, known as the Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act, aims to facilitate civil supersonic flight within the U.S. by modifying regulations concerning the operation of supersonic aircraft. Here are the key points of the bill:

Regulatory Changes

The bill mandates that within one year of its enactment, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must issue or revise regulations to permit civil aircraft to operate at speeds greater than Mach 1 without requiring special authorization. The allowance for these flights is contingent upon the condition that no sonic boom is audible on the ground in the United States.

Definition of Supersonic Flight

Supersonic flight refers to flying at speeds that exceed the speed of sound (approximately 343 meters per second or 1,125 feet per second at sea level). The bill specifically targets civil aviation, which includes non-military aircraft used for commercial purposes.

Focus on Environmental Impact

One of the critical components of the bill is the emphasis on preventing sonic booms from disturbing those on the ground. Sonic booms are loud noises caused by shock waves from an aircraft traveling faster than the speed of sound, which can cause disturbances and potential damage. The bill seeks to support technological advancements that would enable ways to mitigate or eliminate sonic booms associated with supersonic flights.

Industry Implications

The legislation is expected to promote the development and use of advanced supersonic aircraft technology within the aviation industry, thereby potentially opening the market for commercial supersonic travel that can operate under the constraints set forth by this bill. This could also lead to competitive benefits for manufacturers of supersonic aircraft, increasing the feasibility of such aircraft in the commercial market.

General Goals of the Bill

• To modernize aviation regulations to accommodate new technologies in supersonic flight.
• To boost the competitiveness of the U.S. aviation industry in the realm of supersonic travel.
• To encourage innovation that will allow supersonic flights without adverse impacts to the population on the ground.

Relevant Companies

• BA (Boeing) - Boeing is involved in the development of supersonic aircraft technologies and could benefit from new regulations that allow for their commercial use.
• GE (General Electric) - GE is involved in the aviation sector, particularly in providing engines for commercial aircraft, including any future supersonic models.
• RTX (Raytheon Technologies) - Raytheon, through its Pratt & Whitney division, supplies engines for aircraft and could be involved in the development of supersonic aircraft engines.
• ERJ (Embraer) - Embraer is another player in the aviation industry that might be affected by changes in regulations regarding supersonic flight.