Supersonic Flights: Air Force Use of Training Areas in Texas and New Mexico

Pursuant to congressional requests, GAO reviewed the Air Force's decision to use two military operations areas for training involving supersonic flights to determine: (1) the Air Force's need for the projected number of supersonic flights for the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW); (2) the adequacy of the Air Force's evaluation of the alternative to supersonic flights over both Valentine, Texas and Reserve, New Mexico; (3) the Air Force's compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act's procedural requirements; and (4) the actions the Air Force has taken to ensure that supersonic flights do not enter Mexican airspace, and the repercussions if Mexican airspace is entered.