The United States Changes Rules to Allow Supersonic Flights Over Land
美國修改規則 允許在陸地上空進行超音速飛行
Introduction
The United States government is updating its aviation rules to allow supersonic flights over land. This change is possible because of new technology that can reduce the noise created by these aircraft.
美國政府正在更新航空規則，以允許在陸地上空進行超音速飛行。這項改變得益於能減少此類飛機所產生噪音的新技術。
Main Body
Since 1973, civilian supersonic flights over land have been banned to prevent the disturbance caused by sonic booms. Because of this rule, planes like the Concorde could only fly at supersonic speeds over the ocean. The Concorde began service in 1976 but was retired in 2003 due to high costs and a serious accident in 2000.
自 1973 年起，為了防止音爆造成的干擾，民用超音速飛機被禁止在陸地上空飛行。由於這項規定，像協和客機這樣的飛機只能在海洋上空以超音速飛行。協和客機於 1976 年開始服務，但由於成本高昂以及 2000 年發生的一起嚴重事故，於 2003 年退役。
Now, the government is moving toward a system based on noise limits rather than a total ban. In June 2025, an executive order stated that the old rules were stopping American companies from being competitive. Consequently, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposed new noise limits in June 2026. Further rules regarding takeoff and landing noise are expected soon, and the entire framework should be finished by mid-2027.
現在，政府正將制度從全面禁止轉向基於噪音限制的體系。2025 年 6 月的一項行政命令指出，舊有規則阻礙了美國公司的競爭力。因此，美國聯邦航空管理局 (FAA) 在 2026 年 6 月提出了新的噪音限制。預計很快將出台有關起飛和降落噪音的進一步規定，整個框架應於 2027 年中完成。
To test this, NASA and Lockheed Martin developed the X-59 experimental aircraft. On June 5, the X-59 reached its target speed and altitude, producing a 'quiet thump' instead of a loud boom. Although the X-59 is not for passengers, its data will help the FAA set the new standards. If these rules are approved, flights from New York to Los Angeles could take only three hours, while New York to London could take four hours. Other companies, such as Boom Supersonic and Spike Aerospace, are also working on similar projects.
為了測試這一點，NASA 與 Lockheed Martin 開發了 X-59 實驗機。在 6 月 5 日，X-59 達到了目標速度與高度，產生的是「輕微的砰聲」而非巨大的音爆。雖然 X-59 並非用於載客，但其數據將幫助 FAA 設定新標準。如果這些規則獲得批准，從紐約飛往洛杉磯可能僅需三小時，而紐約飛往倫敦可能僅需四小時。其他公司，如 Boom Supersonic 和 Spike Aerospace，也在開發類似的項目。
Conclusion
The US is moving from a complete ban on overland supersonic flight to a system based on noise standards, which the FAA expects to finalize by 2027.
美國正從全面禁止陸上超音速飛行，轉向基於噪音標準的體系，FAA 預計將於 2027 年定案。
Vocabulary Learning
⚡ The "Cause & Effect" Upgrade
At the A2 level, you likely use because for everything. To reach B2, you need to vary how you connect ideas. This article is a goldmine for Logical Connectors—words that act like bridges between a reason and a result.
🛠️ From Basic to Advanced
Look at these three transitions from the text. Instead of saying "This happened, so that happened," use these:
-
"Due to..." (The Reason)
- A2 Style: The Concorde stopped because it was expensive.
- B2 Style: The Concorde was retired due to high costs.
- Coach's Tip: Use "due to" followed by a noun phrase to sound more professional.
-
"Consequently..." (The Result)
- A2 Style: The old rules were bad, so the FAA proposed new limits.
- B2 Style: The old rules were stopping companies from being competitive. Consequently, the FAA proposed new noise limits.
- Coach's Tip: Start a new sentence with "Consequently," to create a strong, formal link between two facts.
-
"Rather than..." (The Comparison)
- A2 Style: They don't want a total ban; they want noise limits.
- B2 Style: A system based on noise limits rather than a total ban.
- Coach's Tip: Use this to show a preference or a change in strategy.
🧩 Quick Pattern Map
| A2 Connector | B2 Alternative | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Because of | Due to | Follow with a noun (e.g., due to rain) |
| So | Consequently | Use at the start of a result sentence |
| Not X but Y | Rather than | Used to replace one idea with a better one |
The B2 Challenge: Try to rewrite your last three English sentences. Replace every "so" or "because" with one of these three tools. It instantly changes your writing from 'student' to 'professional'.