Remarks as Prepared by TSA Administrator John Pistole to AVSEC World 2010 (Checkpoint of the Future)

[The Straight Story]

Technology:

As I mentioned earlier, deploying cutting-edge technology is vital to our mission of improving aviation security. But technology is only useful if we can depend on its reliability.

And it will only be reliable if we all work together to implement the best technology in airports around the world.

Just one weak link could render all our collective efforts ineffective.

One piece of new technology that we’re focusing on in the United States, and that we believe has an important role in the future of aviation security, is Advanced Imaging Technology, or “body scanners,” some refer to it.

In the spirit of our commitment to engage the international community, the United States will host an “Advanced Imaging Technology Policy Summit” next week to continue the discussions around AIT.

Approximately 30 countries will be in attendance.

The summit will cover a wide range of policy questions including deployment strategy, safety, privacy, legal challenges, checkpoint configuration, and more.

We will also demonstrate the technology in both a controlled and live airport environment.

In the United States, we have deployed nearly 350 AIT units in nearly 70 U.S. airports. By the end of calendar year 2011, we plan to have deployed approximately 1,000 units.

As we rapidly deploy technology as it exists today, we are also exploring enhancements to it, such as Automated Target Recognition (ATR), or auto-detection software.

ATR is already in use at Schipol, the airport in Amsterdam, and is being tested elsewhere.

This capability would make screening more efficient and would eliminate most privacy concerns about the technology.

AIT has an important role in the future of aviation security, but the possibilities for new technology don’t stop there.

In the U.S., we’re also working on a long-term, technology-based solution for screening liquids, aerosols and gels, while recognizing that those of you who are part of the E.U. are also moving quickly to meet the April, 2013 deadline.

Restrictions on these items burden travelers and make air travel less efficient. But until an acceptable solution exists, they remain an important layer of security.

Part of the solution will include carry-on baggage X-ray units that use advanced technology to distinguish between liquids that present a threat and those that do not.

The solution will also rely on specialized bottled liquid scanners, advanced imaging technology, and explosives trace detection technology.

Additionally, worth noting given recent events, the U.S. currently has dozens of qualified technologies for use in air cargo screening and is working with industry to further develop new technologies.

We are making progress, and you can be assured that the United States is committed to this engagement on technology development and we look forward to working with all of you on this important effort.
Snip:


Checkpoint of the Future:

As I wrap up, I’d just remind all of us that this new technology only adds up to part of the picture for the future of checkpoint screening.

It’s important that we continue to discuss what the future holds, but the outlines are clear:

New technologies must be developed that can rapidly identify and respond to emerging threats.

New hardware platforms should be developed that are “future proof” and can be upgraded with additional functionality as it's developed.

And screening equipment should be consolidated for better performance and a better screening experience for the public.

The bottom line is that the future must be focused on providing the best possible security for travelers in a way that provides greater scrutiny to those who need greater scrutiny, and not using a cookie cutter approach for everybody.

http://www.tsa.gov/press/speeches/110210_avsec_world_2010.shtm

[ChairmanAgnostic]

1. a Brave New World, indeed, and in deed.