Manufacturers Ask FAA To Update SST Flight Rules

The FAA’s rules are a “barrier to the development and application of supersonic technologies in advanced general aviation aircraft,” said the General Aviation Manufacturers Association in comments submitted to an agency request for information on SST noise rules. According to GAMA v-p of operations Ron Swanda, the FAA must recognize that since most SSTs will involve international flight, “the FAA should begin negotiations to revise international standards and recommended practices to allow these new supersonic aircraft to operate in the international environment.” Added Swanda: “Technologies have advanced significantly since these rules were put in place, and recent studies have shown that safe and environmentally acceptable designs for aircraft and engines are possible.”