Auto-EDS explosive detection system to be tested at Waco airport

Published 27 May 2009

The Transportation Security Administration has chosen two small airports — Waco Regional Airport in Texas and Hyannisport, Massachuseets — to test a new explosive detection system

A $360,000 explosive detection system has arrived at Waco Regional Airport, Texas, one of two U.S. airports taking part in a federal pilot program to determine the system’s effectiveness. The system is called Auto-EDS, and it represents cutting-edge technology for the inspection of carry-on bags for explosives and weapons, said Andrea McCauley, a Transportation Security Administration (TSA)spokeswoman.

McCauley said Auto-EDS makes use of computer tomography, or CT X-rays, that allows TSA officers to virtually unpack bags without physically removing items. “Images appear on a screen, and if an item of interest pops up, the security officer can rotate it around, viewing it from all directions without ever touching the bag,” McCauley said. If necessary, officers will physically open a bag and look at the item, but Auto-EDS should reduce the need for that, she added. “This will be very beneficial to our officers,” McCauley said. “It’s like turning an old TV into HDTV.”

Joel Martinez, who manages Waco Regional Airport, said the system involves a 44-foot-long conveyor belt on which carry-on bags take a ride and get examined by Auto-EDS. It has been in use about a week, and the TSA has scheduled a demonstration today.

Wacotrib.com reports that Waco Regional had an X-ray machine to examine the contents of carry-on bags, “but it didn’t provide the image quality this one does,” Martinez said. “Now we have a three-dimensional look at what’s inside.” He said the new equipment is located in the same area of the airport where passengers are accustomed to being screened.

DHS provided the equipment for Waco Regional Airport at a cost of $360,000. Martinez said about 225 people per day get screened at Waco Regional Airport for trips to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport on American Eagle or to Houston on Continental Express. He said screenings for each flight last about forty-five minutes. In this pilot program, the Auto-EDS will be used only to examine carry-on items. Passengers and other luggage will be screened separately. “Once training is complete on the use of this equipment, I think it actually will speed up the process,” Martinez said.

McCauley said Auto-EDS also is being tested at Hyannisport, Massachuseets. TSA chose it and Waco Regional Airport because of their size and flight volume.

If the technology proves worthwhile, McCauley said, the TSA will recommend its use in other small- to mid-size airports. “I’m glad we’re getting the latest technology, and to the extent we can contribute to testing a procedure that makes people travel safer, that’s good,” said Jim Vaughan, president of the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce. “But I’ve never felt unsafe flying in Waco. I always figured if somebody was going to do something bad, they would not do it here.”

Martinez said he is not aware of anyone maliciously trying to get a weapon through security at Waco Regional Airport, though he’s certain a small pocketknife or two has been discovered. Still, he said, “It’s always good to be on the innovative edge of security and technology.” “The great thing about Auto-EDS is that it’s upgradeable,” McCauley said. “We can always respond to emerging threats we may have.”