Can the human body withstand a sonic boom?
Can the human body withstand a sonic boom? Greater than 720 psf:16 damage to human eardrums. (Sonic booms created by supersonic aircraft flying at very low altitude that have generated over-pressure of between 20 and 144 psf have been experienced by observers without causing injury.) Greater than 2160 psf: damage to human lungs.
Is it illegal to go Mach 1?
Currently, U.S. law prohibits flight in excess of Mach 1 over land unless specifically authorized by the FAA for purposes stated in the regulations. The two supersonic rulemaking activities would not rescind the prohibition of flight in excess of Mach 1 over land.
Why are sonic booms illegal?
Fifty years ago, the federal government banned all civilian supersonic flights over land. The rule prohibits non-military aircraft from flying faster than sound so their resulting sonic booms won't startle the public below or concern them about potential property damage.