issue memo

Issues Memorandum Assignment

The U.S. bans supersonic flight over land and since the Concorde stopped flying in 2003 there is no supersonic commercial air travel available at all. But in the last few years some companies (e.g. Boom Supersonic) and public policy thinkers are hoping to change this and open up the possibility of supersonic jet transport. The 2018 Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) Reauthorization act is also encouraging development of supersonic passenger travel. (More information on this in the references section at the end of this document.)

If supersonic transport were to return to the U.S consumers would have a faster option for air travel, significantly reducing travel times to some destinations. But there are several concerns with supersonic transport including noise associated with supersonic flight, particularly the potential for a sonic boom. Supersonic aircraft are also louder than conventional aircraft during takeoff and landing. Instead of a ban on supersonic flight because of these concerns some have advocated that FAA set a noise standard. Supersonic aircraft are also less fuel-efficient than conventional aircraft which leads to additional concerns.

Be sure to include the following sections in your memorandum. They should be labeled

• Issue Summary of the issue being considered

• Scope of your analysis (e.g., who has standing)?

• Major benefits, who enjoys them, and how they might be valued

• Major costs, who bears them, and how to estimate them

• Other significant impacts, transfers, or issues

• Major conclusions