Federal Register #2026-17212

FAA adoption of Air Force categorical exclusion for supersonic flight operations under NEPA

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), part of the Department of Transportation, is announcing the adoption of a categorical exclusion (CATEX) established by the Department of the Air Force (DAF) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation - Department of the Air Force (DAF) consulted - Scope: - Adoption of DAF's CATEX for supersonic flight operations - Applies to flights over land above 30,000 feet MSL and over water above 10,000 feet MSL, more than 15 nautical miles from land - Purpose: - FAA will use this CATEX to approve Special Flight Authorization applications for supersonic flight testing - Designated corridors include Edwards Air Force Base, Bell X1 High Altitude Supersonic Corridors, Black Mountain High Altitude Supersonic Corridors, PIRA Supersonic Corridor, and Eglin Air Force Base - Notable Requirements: - Consideration of extraordinary circumstances as outlined in NEPA procedures - No procurement of products or services; no OEMs or vendors involved - No contract, purchase, or solicitation for goods or services is associated with this announcement

Description

This notice announces the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) adoption of a categorical exclusion (CATEX) established by the Department of the Air Force (DAF) for certain supersonic flight operations. The CATEX covers supersonic flying operations over land above 30,000 feet MSL or over water above 10,000 feet MSL and more than 15 nautical miles from land. The FAA will use this CATEX to approve Special Flight Authorization applications for supersonic flight testing within specified corridors. The adoption is effective immediately and includes consultation with the DAF and consideration of extraordinary circumstances.

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