Page 44 - World Airnews Magazine February Edition 2021

SUPERSONIC

SUPER SONIC PATH CLEARED

the information or

closely examining the
he FAA took another step toward environmental impacts
Tfacilitati ng the development of civil on a proposed test area
supersonic aircraft with the release of a in determining whether

final rule today that clarifies procedures for to grant a particular

obtaining special flight authorisations for special flight authorisa-

flight testing beyond Mach 1. tion,” the agency said.

Adopted largely as proposed in June “The language was
2019, the final rule outlines the informa- also not intended to

tion needed for applications of special imply shifting the bur-

flight authorisation and designates the den of complying with

FAA programme office that will process NEPA to the applicant However, in simplifying the approach for

those applications. It also creates a more rather than the FAA.” special issuance applications, the agency
“user-friendly” format, the agency said. According to the FAA, a number of is helping pave a path toward the return of

The rule further recognises that super- requests in comments surrounding the civil supersonic flight. It is one of several
sonic flight testing could be used to gather ability for more than one programme to steps the FAA is taking, including working

noise data. However, the rule does not lift use a designated test site were received. with international regulators, as well as

the ban on supersonic flight over land. In response, the FAA said the application developing a separate rule making alto-

Nor does it represent a policy change; process provides latitude for requesting gether regarding take-off and landing noise
certification standards.

instead, the rule streamlines and simplifies such test sites and added regulations do

access to the various information necessary not limit a flight test area to one applicant. “This is a significant step toward reintro-

for special flight authorisations. However, each applicant is expected to ducing civil supersonic flight and demon-
strates the [Transportation] department’s

The FAA did revise language in the submit its own environmental information

final rule involving the environmental regarding a test site. That comes as the FAA commitment to safe innovation,” said US
transportation secretary Elaine Chao.

review process. It had originally proposed has reached an agreement with the state of
language to clarify information necessary Kansas, in the US, establishing a supersonic “The FAA supports the new development

for the FAA to make a National Environ- flight-test corridor. of supersonic aircraft as long as safety pa-
mental Policy Act (NEPA) determination. Meanwhile, the agency dismissed more rameters are followed,” said FAA adminis-

However, after receiving comments, the general opposition from environmental trator Steve Dickson.

agency found the language actually gen- groups and certain municipalities about “The testing of supersonic aircraft at

erated confusion. possible harm supersonic operations could Mach 1 will only be conducted following

“The proposed language providing more have on the environment. These arguments consideration of any impact to the environ-
detail about what an applicant could are outside the scope of the rule, the FAA ment.” Q

submit was not intended to imply that FAA maintained, adding the final rule does not Article courtesy of https://www.ainonline.

would forego independently evaluating permit regular supersonic operations. com/aviation-news/business-aviation/

AIRCRAFT
500TH DA40 NG

iamond Aircraft Industries
DGmbH has built the 500th
single-engine DA40 NG at their Austrian
headquarters in Wiener Neustadt.
“This is a very exciting milestone for

Diamond Aircraft. The DA40 NG is the

ideal aircraft for both private pilots and

flight training operators globally. She

offers a superb balance of performance

and efficiency while being very reliable

and durable. Congratulations to the proud

new customer of this jubilee DA40 NG,” It offers a combination of modern and worldwide service, a big number of

said Reinhard Schwaiger, team leader civil safe composite structure, advanced those in high utilisation commercial fleet

aircraft sales at Diamond Aircraft Austria. Garmin G1000 NXi glass cockpit, sophis- operations, the DA40 fleet is providing its

The DA40 NG powered with the 168hp ticated EECU controlled jet-fuel engine, durability and safety, day in and day out.

AUSTRO AE300 jet-fuel engine received remarkable fuel-efficiency, excellent Diamond Aircraft is proud of a long DA40

EASA certification in April 2010. The sin- flight characteristics and a panoramic NG customer list of renowned fleet oper-

gle piston engine aircraft is an all-round canopy with excellent views. ators, airlines, aero clubs and loyal private
practical and versatile multi use four seat With over 2,200 DA40s - all types - in owners in its Diamond Aircraft Family. Q

airplane for the 21st century.
World Airnews | February 2021
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