"Orlando airport tests new screening technology"

Friday, March 15, 2002

Orlando airport tests new screening technology
The Orlando (FL) Business Journal


Orlando International Airport is serving as the first operational site
for the "Advanced Technology Checkpoint Project." 

The program tests and evaluates new technologies to improve screening of
passengers and carry-on items before boarding an aircraft. 

"With increased focus on safety and security, projects such as these
will eventually contribute to a more secure air transportation system
for the traveling public," says C.W. Jennings, executive director of the
Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, in a written statement. 

The system will be evaluated by the National Safe Skies Alliance, a
non-profit organization that helps the Federal Aviation Administration
and other agencies meet aviation safety and security needs and address
problems. 

The checkpoint features an entry-point screening for trace explosives, a
dual-view X-ray for carry-on baggage, an explosives detection and
identification system, an advanced walk-through weapons detector, a
liquid explosives detector and a body X-ray system. 

Only those who volunteer will be tested, airport officials say. The
screening process differs from traditional screening. When a passenger
enters the checkpoint, he or she will be asked to put carry-on items
through the equipment and to step into a walk-through vapor and particle
detection portal. Then, the passenger will be asked to walk through a
weapons detection portal. When the equipment detects metals, the
passenger will be asked to remove them and keep going through a zoned
metal detector. If further checking is necessary, the passenger will be
directed into a full-body X-ray machine. And finally, if it is
necessary, bottled liquids will be placed in a liquid explosives
detector to determine what they are. During the procedure, Safe Skies
staff members will monitor and evaluate the new technology's
performance. 

Safe Skies plans to collect data on the Advanced Technology Checkpoint
for further evaluation by the Transportation Security Administration.
The organization also intends to adopt additional technology as it is
approved by the administration for testing. 

Orlando airport officials say they plan to continue to work with local
and national agencies to stay at the forefront of passenger safety and
security.


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