RHINELANDER, Wis.- The Transportation Security Administration announced the deployment of the latest checkpoint screening technology to Rhinelander/Oneida Airport (RHI).
Advanced imaging technology (AIT) safely screens passengers for metallic and nonmetallic threats including weapons, explosives and other objects concealed under layers of clothing without physical contact. The unit deployed to RHI is a second generation machine with a smaller footprint, known as the AIT-2.
“This is an important tool in detecting current and evolving threats," said Mark Lendvay, TSA’s federal security director for Wisconsin. “We are pleased to offer this technology to passengers flying out of Rhinelander."
All AIT units have automated target recognition software, designed to enhance privacy by eliminating passenger-specific images while streamlining the checkpoint screening process. This means that the system generates the same generic image for all passengers.
"This latest technology puts us on par with larger airports," said Airport Commission Chair Robert G. Heck. "Advanced imaging technology is not only an important security tool, but it also makes the screening process easier and more efficient."
Advanced imaging technology is equipped with millimeter wave technology, which uses harmless electromagnetic waves to perform a single scan. The technology meets all known national and international health and safety standards. In fact, these waves emit 10,000 times less energy than a cell phone call.
Currently, a total of 733 AIT-1 systems and 126 AIT-2 systems have been deployed at 258 airports.
Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration
