Collins' Hypersonic Amendment Signed Into Law

Washington, D.C.—Today, Representative Mike Collins (R-Ga.) issued the following statement after his amendment to clear the runway for commercial hypersonic travel in the future was 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."

Background

The United States is in a tight race to lead in the new field of hypersonic aviation against adversaries like China and Russia. The challenge facing hypersonic manufacturers is that the FAA has yet to implement a policy framework for the incorporation of commercial hypersonic aircraft into the national airspace system. This has led to concerns that the agency will not be prepared to certify and regulate hypersonic aircraft when the technology is ready to be deployed.

Rep. Collins' amendment, which was included in the enacted legislation, requires the FAA to study and create that framework and to coordinate with NASA to determine at what altitude sonic booms caused by hypersonic aircraft are inaudible on the ground and then authorize flights at or above that level.

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