Supersonic Jets Get a Boost as FAA Issues Rule to Spur Tests

New regulations for testing the next generation of ultra-fast jets were finalized by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, an attempt to streamline the development of supersonic flight. From a report: The FAA on Wednesday announced the regulations as several companies work on developing prototypes of aircraft capable of flying faster than the speed of sound, it said in a press release. The move is an attempt to make it easier to receive permission from FAA for conducting supersonic test flights. U.S. rules prohibit routine flights beyond the speed of sound -- about 660 miles (1062 kilometers) per hour at high altitudes -- over land. The agency is also working on setting broader new standards for such aircraft, it said. "Today's action is a significant step toward reintroducing civil supersonic flight and demonstrates the departmenta(TM)s commitment to safe innovation," Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao said in the press release. Companies including Aerion Corp. and Boom Technology are attempting to design aircraft capable of flying at speeds far faster than existing models, but concerns remain over sonic booms and other environmental issues.

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