Thesis (M.S.)--Boston University / Public relations probably can do more to gain public tolerance of a phenomenon such as the sonic boom than any other procedure or proqram that might be undertaken by a service or commercial organization. This study attempts to show how the United States Air Force has applied an intense program of public relations toward that goal. T11e Air Force campaign of briefings, publicity, and handling of citizens' complaints was -investigated through inspection of Air Force official records and joint Air Force-commercial campaign materials. The methods currently used were found to be generally effective, with some parts more effective than others. The findings of this study may be of interest to commercial airlo.nes for assistance in planning their own approach to the problem when supersonic airliners are put into general use.