The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Flint’s Bishop International Airport has installed a new Computed Tomography (CT) Scanner in the security checkpoint. The scanner utilizes state-of-the-art technology that improves the ability of our TSA officers to detect potential security threats inside carry-on luggage.
“The CT scanner applies a sophisticated algorithm during the screening process, while an x-ray camera takes hundreds of images as the luggage is spun around on its conveyor belt,” stated Airport Director, Nino Sapone. “It then generates a 3-D image of the item being screened. It operates quickly and easily, and will not slow down our passengers as they go through the checkpoint.”
The TSA officer is then able to rotate the resulting x-ray image on-screen for a more thorough visual analysis. This additional capability makes it easier to detect the shapes and densities of items, including bulk and liquid explosives, which are amongst the greatest threats to commercial aviation.
“This new 3-D imagery will allow our TSA officers to manipulate the image on a screen to clear items without having to open a carry-on bag,” said Detroit’s TSA Federal Security Director Steve Lorincz. “This improved security threat detection capability at the airport security checkpoints will help find prohibited items and will also reduce pulling aside a bag to be opened and searched, thus reducing a touchpoint during this pandemic.”
Travelers whose carry-on luggage is screened by the CT scanner may leave their laptops and other electronic devices inside their carry-on bags. However, travel-size liquids should be removed from their luggage prior to x-ray screening.
This technology is similar to that which is currently used by the medical field’s CT scans. The TSA has been using CT technology to screen checked baggage for several years and is in the process of installing the compact CT units in airport security checkpoints across the country. Flint Bishop Airport began utilizing the device earlier this month.
