The US House of Representatives passed H.R. 3410, the Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act, by voice vote on March 24, 2026. This legislation requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to revise regulations within one year, permitting civil aircraft to exceed Mach 1 over land without special authorization if no sonic boom reaches the ground.
The bill addresses a 1973 FAA prohibition on overland civil supersonic flights, implemented due to sonic boom noise concerns. Although Concorde provided transatlantic supersonic service, the ban prevented routine domestic overland operations. The measure also mandates FAA noise standards by April 1, 2027, aligned with current subsonic aircraft limits, including a review process for future technology advancements.
Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas), chair of the House aviation subcommittee, introduced the bill to advance aviation innovation and implement President Donald Trump’s June 2025 executive order directing FAA review of the ban. Nehls stated the legislation ensures the US does not lag behind foreign competitors in supersonic technology.
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) supported the action, noting it creates a framework for supersonic flight without ground-reaching booms, leveraging low-boom advancements. Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 tests and NASA’s Lockheed Martin X-59 program demonstrate quieter supersonic feasibility.
The bill awaits Senate approval; passage would task the FAA with developing standards for boom, noise, and certification.