[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 216 (Wednesday, November 6, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 57511-57512]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-28552]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
[Docket No. 28671; Notice No. 96-13]
RIN 2120-AF95
Explosives Detection Systems
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed amendment to criteria for certification of
explosives detection systems; reopen comment period.
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SUMMARY: This document announces that the comment period for the Notice
No. 96-13, Explosive Detection Systems (61 FR 46011, August 30, 1996)
has been reopened. The FAA has determined that in order to allow all
affected parties adequate time for comment development, the comment
period should be extended. The initial comment period closed on October
29, 1996.
DATES: The comment period is being reopened from November 6, 1996
through January 6, 1997. Comments must be received on or before January
6, 1997.
ADDRESSES: Comments on this notice should be mailed, in triplicate, to:
Federal Aviation Administration, Office of Chief Counsel, Attention:
Rules Docket (AGC-10), Docket No. 28671, 800 Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, D.C., 20591. Comments that include or reference national
security information or sensitive security information should not be
submitted to the public docket. These comments should be sent to the
[[Page 57512]]
following address in a manner consistent with applicable requirements
and procedures for safeguarding sensitive security information: Federal
Aviation Administration, Office of Civil Aviation Security Operations,
Attention: FAA Security Control Point, Docket No. 28671, 800
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, D.C., 20591.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Lon Siro, Aviation Security Specialist (ACP-100), Office of Civil
Aviation Security Policy and Planning, Federal Aviation Administration,
800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, D.C., 20591, telephone (202)
267-9661.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The proposed amended Criteria are responsive to the statutory
mandate for testing and certifying EDS. The FAA has had a long-standing
research and development (R&D) effort to counter the threat of
explosive materials to civil aviation. Along with other technologies,
the FAA invested in detonator detection R&D beginning in 1985. However,
based upon early research, the FAA focused its R&D resources primarily
on the detection of main/bulk explosive charges, because it appeared to
be the most technologically feasible approach. The effort resulted in
the September 10, 1993, Criteria [58 FR 47804], which established
minimum performance standards for main/bulk explosive charges detection
equipment. Recent technological advances suggest that equipment capable
of detecting the different types of detonators used to initiate or
detonate an explosive may also be an effective means of screening
checked baggage. FAA now considers it appropriate to propose minimum
performance standards for the detection of detonators.
In October 1995, the FAA completed its compilation and analyses of
technical design information obtained during visits to 38 detonator
manufacturers located in the United States and 20 other countries.
These analyses were the most extensive examinations yet on the types,
materials, and configurations of detonators. As a result, the FAA
developed a comprehensive database on detonators manufactured
worldwide, as well as global detonator production and consumption
profiles. The types of detonators specified in this proposed amended
Criteria were based, in part, upon reports which identified the types
of detonators used in terrorist acts, as well as those likely to be
used in future attempts to destroy or sabotage civil aviation, other
modes of transportation, and physical structures. This analysis was
conducted by the FAA with advice and consultation from U.S. and
international explosive materials experts, and Agencies of the United
States and other governments.
Reopen Comment Period
The comment period for Notice No. 96-13 closed on October 29, 1996.
Subsequently, the FAA finds that it is in the public interest to reopen
the comment period in order to allow industry additional time for a
more thorough review of applicable issues and drafting of comments.
Accordingly, the comment period is being reopened from November 6, 1996
through January 6, 1997.
Issued in Washington, DC on October 28, 1996.
Cathal L. Flynn,
Associate Administrator for Civil Aviation Security.
[FR Doc. 96-28552 Filed 11-1-96; 2:07 pm]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-M
