Regulation Text
(a) Applicability. This section applies to civil supersonic airplanes that have not been shown to comply with the Stage 2 noise limits of part 36 in effect on October 13, 1977, using applicable trade-off provisions, and that are operated in the United States, after July 31, 1978.
(b) Airport use. Except in an emergency, the following apply to each person who operates a civil supersonic airplane to or from an airport in the United States:
(1) Regardless of whether a type design change approval is applied for under part 21 of this chapter, no person may land or take off an airplane covered by this section for which the type design is changed, after July 31, 1978, in a manner constituting an “acoustical change” under § 21.93 unless the acoustical change requirements of part 36 are complied with.
(2) No flight may be scheduled, or otherwise planned, for takeoff or landing after 10 p.m. and before 7 a.m. local time.
The short answer
(14 CFR § 91.819) covers civil supersonic airplanes that never showed compliance with the Stage 2 noise limits of part 36 (in effect October 13, 1977) and operate in the U.S. after July 31, 1978. Except in an emergency, type-design “acoustical changes” must meet part 36, and no flight may be scheduled between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. local time.
Research Notes
Common Questions
Does § 91.819 ban nighttime supersonic operations?
Yes — for the covered airplanes, no flight may be scheduled or otherwise planned to take off or land during the overnight window.
“No flight may be scheduled, or otherwise planned, for takeoff or landing after 10 p.m. and before 7 a.m. local time.” — 14 CFR § 91.819(b)(2)
Which airplanes does this section apply to?
It applies to civil supersonic airplanes not shown to meet the Stage 2 noise limits of part 36 (in effect October 13, 1977) using applicable trade-offs, that operate in the U.S. after July 31, 1978.
“This section applies to civil supersonic airplanes that have not been shown to comply with the Stage 2 noise limits of part 36 in effect on October 13, 1977 ... and that are operated in the United States, after July 31, 1978.” — 14 CFR § 91.819(a)
What happens if the type design is changed?
Angle of Attack is an aviation flight-training brand founded by Chris Palmer, a two-time Master Aviation Educator and Gold Seal CFI. We decode the FARs so pilots understand not just the words, but what they mean in the cockpit.
AOA's Decoded pages are plain-English interpretation for training and reference. They are not legal advice and do not replace the official regulation. Always confirm current requirements against the authoritative source before acting.