WASHINGTON, DC, October 16, 2003 – The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) recently submitted comments to the docket encouraging the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) to change its regulations prohibiting supersonic flight.

In support of changing the current regulations, GAMA Vice President of Operations Ron Swanda stated, “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.”

Swanda continued by stating that FAA’s rules are a barrier to the development and application of supersonic technologies in advanced general aviation aircraft. “As most supersonic civil operations will involve international flight, FAA should also begin negotiations to revise international standards and recommended practices to allow these new supersonic aircraft to operate in the international environment,” Swanda said.

GAMA will continue to participate in any FAA activities that foster revising domestic and international standards for supersonic aircraft.