The FAA has proposed new rules permitting supersonic aircraft over land in the US, provided their sonic booms are reduced to a mere thump. This proposal follows legislative pushes like the Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act, which aims to allow overland supersonic flights if sonic booms do not reach the ground. The agency's move comes as NASA tests its X-59 Quesst aircraft, designed to convert loud booms into quieter thumps.

NASA's X-59 utilizes a needle-nosed design to achieve a target of 75 Pld B, comparable to a car door closing nearby. Community feedback from future flights over US towns will inform regulatory bodies. The FAA plans a second rule this year addressing takeoff and landing noise for supersonic jets, aiming for final noise regulations by mid-2027.

While quieter supersonic flight is becoming technically feasible, commercial viability remains a challenge. The original Concorde faced profitability issues despite cutting travel times. Boom Supersonic's Overture airliner, with orders from major airlines, faces scrutiny from its own CEO regarding its chances of flying, even as the company diversifies into AI data center turbines.