SW Georgia News

On May 17, 2024, Representative Mike Collins (R-Ga.) announced that his amendment to facilitate the future of commercial hypersonic travel has been signed into law by President Biden as part of H.R. 3935, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.

"As hypersonic manufacturers work to make high-speed, high-altitude passenger travel a reality, the FAA must think ahead and be ready to certify and integrate these new aircraft into our national airspace," said Rep. Collins. "I am proud that the enactment of my amendment to the FAA reauthorization bill clears the runway for the arrival of commercial hypersonic aircraft, and I look forward to continuing to advocate for policies that encourage innovation."

The United States is currently in a competitive race with nations such as China and Russia in developing hypersonic aviation technology. A significant challenge for hypersonic manufacturers is the lack of an established policy framework by the FAA for incorporating commercial hypersonic aircraft into the national airspace system. This absence has raised concerns about whether the agency will be prepared to certify and regulate these aircraft when they are ready for deployment.

Rep. Collins' amendment mandates that the FAA study and develop this framework in coordination with NASA. The collaboration aims to determine at what altitude sonic booms caused by hypersonic aircraft become inaudible on the ground and then authorize flights at or above that level.