Leading the World in Supersonic Flight
- Executive Order Number
- 14304
- President
- Donald Trump
- Signed
- June 6, 2025
- Published
- June 11, 2025
- Source
- Federal Register
- Original Document
- https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-06-11/pdf/2025-10800.pdf
AI-Generated Summary
Executive Order Summary
Purpose
The purpose of this executive order is to reestablish the United States as a leader in high-speed aviation by updating outdated regulations and embracing new technologies. The order aims to enable supersonic flight over land, which has been restricted for over 50 years, to foster innovation, enhance global competitiveness, and promote advancements in aerospace engineering, materials science, and noise reduction.
Key Actions or Directives
- Regulatory Reform: The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is directed to:
- Repeal the prohibition on overland supersonic flight (14 CFR 91.817) within 180 days.
- Establish an interim noise-based certification standard and modify related regulations as necessary.
- Repeal additional regulatory barriers (14 CFR 91.819 and 91.821) immediately.
- Issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) within 18 months to establish noise certification standards for supersonic aircraft and amend 14 CFR 91.817, with a final rule within 24 months.
- Research and Development: The Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) is tasked with coordinating supersonic research and development through the National Science and Technology Council, focusing on:
- Identifying needs for regulatory development, commercial viability, and operational integration.
- Coordinating federally funded research and industry-led testing.
- Collecting and sharing research results to inform domestic and international regulatory development.
- International Engagement: The Secretary of Transportation, through the FAA Administrator, is to engage with the International Civil Aviation Organization and foreign partners to align global supersonic regulatory approaches and secure bilateral aviation safety agreements.
Significant Changes to Policy or Law
- Repeal of the prohibition on overland supersonic flight.
- Establishment of new noise certification standards for supersonic aircraft.
- Removal of additional regulatory barriers to supersonic aviation technology.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Increased workload for the FAA and OSTP in revising regulations and coordinating research. Potential need for additional resources to implement changes.
- Citizens: Enhanced air travel options with faster, quieter, and safer supersonic flights. Possible noise and environmental concerns in areas near flight paths.
- International Relations: Potential for improved cooperation with international partners on supersonic aviation regulations and safety standards.
Stakeholders
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP)
- Department of Defense
- Department of Commerce
- Department of Transportation
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- Aerospace Industry
- International Civil Aviation Organization
- Foreign Aviation Authorities
- General Public
Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The order mandates regulatory changes within specific timeframes, which must be consistent with applicable laws. The FAA's rulemaking process will need to comply with the Administrative Procedure Act.
- Constitutional: The executive order is grounded in the President's authority under the Constitution and laws of the United States, ensuring that it does not infringe on the authority of other branches of government.
- Political: The order reflects a policy shift towards deregulation and technological advancement, potentially sparking debate on environmental and safety concerns. It may also influence U.S. competitiveness and international relations in the aerospace sector.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.