Senator Ted Budd of North Carolina has called for updated federal policy to permit civil supersonic aviation, citing advancements in technology that mitigate noise concerns. Budd’s statement was made on the social media platform X.
“For 52 years, we’ve had a speed limit in the sky,” said Budd, US Senator for North Carolina. “It’s time to cut red tape and flight time coast-to-coast. Boom Supersonic proved supersonic flight is possible without a sonic boom reaching the ground. My SAM Act would legalize civil supersonic flight over land.”
Currently, U.S. regulations prohibit civil aircraft from flying faster than Mach 1 over land due to the potential disturbance caused by sonic booms in populated areas. As reported by AVweb, lawmakers introduced the Supersonic Aviation Modernization (SAM) Act in May 2025. This legislation aims to revise a 52-year-old restriction, allowing supersonic flight if no boom reaches the ground. The bill reflects technological advances in “quiet supersonic” design and growing industry interest in faster commercial travel.
Boom Supersonic is developing the Overture jet, designed to cruise at Mach 1.7 while minimizing noise through innovative design features. According to Boom’s website, the aircraft incorporates chevrons, acoustic liners, and advanced engine mixers to reduce engine noise. Its “Boomless Cruise” technology enables supersonic travel without creating an audible boom on the ground. These features have been tested in Boom’s XB-1 demonstrator aircraft.
Subsonic flights across the U.S. typically take between five and six hours, whereas the Concorde previously demonstrated supersonic capability with a two-hour and fifty-two-minute New York–London flight in 1996. Simple Flying reports that Boom Supersonic’s upcoming Overture aircraft aims to cut U.S. coast-to-coast flight times by up to 90 minutes, potentially completing them in about three and a half hours, pending regulatory approval.
Budd serves on the Senate Armed Services and Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committees, where he influences national infrastructure and aerospace policy. According to Aviation Pros, Budd co-sponsored legislation to lift the federal ban on civil supersonic flight as part of his broader focus on innovation and economic growth within the transportation sector.
North Carolina is emerging as a hub for aerospace innovation due to its skilled workforce and pro-business environment. The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina notes that companies like Boom Supersonic have invested significantly in the state by establishing facilities such as the Overture Superfactory at Piedmont Triad International Airport. This positions North Carolina as a central player in advancing supersonic air travel.
