Executive Order Ignites Supersonic Comeback

Good morning! I’m getting ready to list two aircraft for sale: a 1975 Cessna 180J and a 180 hp 1968 PA-18 Super Cub. Both are currently owned and maintained by a Part 135 operator. If you’re interested or want to chat more, feel free to shoot me an email at [email protected]. 🛩️

-Rob Roy

In today’s email:

• Federal Action Sparks High-Speed Aviation Revival

• Around the Skies: Hot summer, hotter airspace rules, The mental toll of flying, Electric aircraft lands at JFK, Camp CAVU takes flight this summer, Pressurization loss prompts emergency descent, Goodyear Blimp celebrates centennial flight

• PilotTube: How a Small-Town Pilot Took on the Aerobatic World

THE BUSINESS OF AVIATION

America Reclaims Role in Supersonic Race

President Trump has signed an executive order calling for the repeal of the decades-old ban on overland supersonic flight, claiming the current restrictions have throttled innovation and held back American leadership in high-speed aviation. The move aims to clear the runway for U.S. companies to revive civilian supersonic travel, which has been grounded since 1973 due to concerns over disruptive sonic booms. The White House says that with modern noise-reduction technology, supersonic jets can now be safe, sustainable and commercially viable.

The order directs the FAA to develop new noise standards based on community tolerance, economic logic and technological feasibility. It’s a major win for companies like Boom Supersonic, which recently broke the sound barrier with its XB-1 demonstrator in California. The company is developing a next-generation airliner called Overture and hopes to launch service before the end of the decade.

Boom welcomed the announcement with enthusiasm, thanking the President for “unlocking the future of faster and quieter travel.” With Congress also exploring ways to ease the ban—particularly for flights that don’t produce a ground-level sonic boom—the stage is set for a new race toward high-speed coast-to-coast flight.

The timing is no accident. As China’s state-backed Comac advances development of its C949 supersonic jet, the U.S. is eager to reclaim its place at the front of the Mach-speed pack. After all, America once led the way with the X-1 and Concorde partnerships—now it’s looking to lead again, just without rattling any windows.

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AROUND THE SKIES

🛩️ Summer skies over Washington may be buzzing with airshows and Blue Angels but pilots beware—TFR season is here. The FAA’s Seattle office is urging aviators to double-check NOTAMs before every flight with a surge in temporary flight restrictions expected due to airshows, sports events and wildfires.

🛩️ A new French study is pulling back the curtain on the mental health struggles many airline pilots face behind the yoke. Surveying more than 1,200 pilots, researchers found that 40% met the criteria for risky alcohol use and nearly a quarter reported symptoms of anxiety. High workloads, back-to-back flights and fear of losing their license keep many from seeking help.

🛩️ Beta Technologies just made history by flying its all-electric Alia into JFK, marking the first passenger-carrying electric flight into one of New York’s major airports. Founder Kyle Clark piloted the sleek, ultra-quiet aircraft from East Hampton with industry execs onboard—all for just $7 in energy cost. With a cruise speed of 150 knots and a 336 nm range, Alia has already proven itself across the U.S. and now Europe.

🛩️ Camp CAVU Aviation Camp is ready for takeoff, offering teens ages 14 to 18 an unforgettable five-day adventure into the world of aviation. With four hours of flight time, simulator sessions, ground school and behind-the-scenes airport tours, this hands-on camp gives young aviators a true taste of life in the cockpit. Two sessions run this summer in late June and early July. It’s $2,000 for a front-row seat to the skies.

🛩️ An Alaska Airlines 737-900ER bound for Hawaii made an unexpected U-turn after losing cabin pressure at cruising altitude, prompting an emergency descent and return to Seattle. The aircraft leveled off at 9,000 feet and landed safely, with passengers later continuing on a replacement jet. Though the situation was handled smoothly, it was a sharp reminder that even routine flights can face turbulence in unexpected ways.

🛩️ The Goodyear Blimp is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a nostalgic flight over Ohio, honoring the launch of its first airship “Pilgrim” in 1925 near Akron. Once used for Navy patrols and now a staple at major sporting events, the blimp has become a beloved symbol of aviation history and American culture. With just 10 full-time pilots and over 500,000 passengers flown, it continues to float through the skies as both a marvel of engineering and a piece of living nostalgia.

PilotTube

In this episode of Aviator Spotlight, follow Alex Coats as he charts his path from humble beginnings at a local flight school to becoming a skilled aerobatic pilot. Flying the Edge 540 and Christian Eagle, Alex brings precision, power and plenty of Gs to the skies. His passion for flight is matched only by his mission to grow the aerobatic community in Hemet, California. It’s an inspiring look at the thrills, discipline and heart behind every roll and loop.

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