Is a sonic boom illegal

Answer 1

Yes, a sonic boom is illegal without special permission, See FAA guidelines below. How many people are running around with leftover Soviet MIG's anyway? You aren't doing 761 mph in most affordable aircraft (propeller aircraft), you HAVE to have a jet engine. You also need special controls because breaking the sound barrier requires different control surfaces.. without them you run an extreme risk of crashing the aircraft.

§ 91.117 Aircraft speed.

(a) Unless otherwise authorized by the Administrator, no person may operate an aircraft below 10,000 feet MSL at an indicated airspeed of more than 250 knots (288 m.p.h.).

(b) Unless otherwise authorized or required by ATC, no person may operate an aircraft at or below 2,500 feet above the surface within 4 nautical miles of the primary airport of a Class C or Class D airspace area at an indicated airspeed of more than 200 knots (230 mph.). This paragraph (b) does not apply to any operations within a Class B airspace area. Such operations shall comply with paragraph (a) of this section.

(c) No person may operate an aircraft in the airspace underlying a Class B airspace area designated for an airport or in a VFR corridor designated through such a Class B airspace area, at an indicated airspeed of more than 200 knots (230 mph).

(d) If the minimum safe airspeed for any particular operation is greater than the maximum speed prescribed in this section, the aircraft may be operated at that minimum speed.

§ 91.817

(a) No person may operate a civil aircraft in the United States at a true flight Mach number greater than 1 except in compliance with conditions and limitations in an authorization to exceed Mach 1 issued to the operator under appendix B of this part.

(b) In addition, no person may operate a civil aircraft for which the maximum operating limit speed MM0exceeds a Mach number of 1, to or from an airport in the United States, unless-

(1) Information available to the flight crew includes flight limitations that ensure that flights entering or leaving the United States will not cause a sonic boom to reach the surface within the United States; and

(2) The operator complies with the flight limitations prescribed in paragraph (b)(1) of this section or complies with conditions and limitations in an authorization to exceed Mach 1 issued under appendix B of this part.

• 7 months ago

Answer 2

No, a sonic boom itself is not illegal. However, creating a sonic boom over populated areas is regulated by aviation authorities due to potential safety concerns and noise pollution. Pilots are required to take measures to minimize the effects of sonic booms on the ground.

Answer 3

sonic booms happens when the craft moves speed more than speed of sound.if it happens very close To the ground it can damage the eardrum and damage the hearing capacity of human