Latest technology designed to fit smaller terminals

BY EILEEN PERSIKE
Editor

Rhinelander/Oneida County Airport Manager Joe Brauer stands inside the new AIT-2 screening unit recently deployed in the airport. It has the latest technology which can detect concealed objects and provide enhanced privacy.

Until recently, airline travelers flying out of the Rhinelander/Oneida County Airport were screened by walking through a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) metal detector. Now, the same level of security offered at large airports is available here.

A next-generation Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT-2) unit has been deployed at the Rhinelander airport. According to the TSA, this unit “safely screens passengers” without physical contact for metallic and nonmetallic threats, including weapons, explosives and other objects concealed under clothing.

“We’re excited to have it,” said airport manager Joe Brauer. “This puts us on par with larger airports. It’s a good deterrent.”

The smaller footprint of the AIT-2 has made it possible for the image screening device to fit in airports with smaller terminal checkpoint areas. Rhinelander/Oneida County Airport is one of 15 of the next-generation units being used in Wisconsin.
The advanced software is designed to enhance privacy by eliminating passenger-specific images, according to TSA spokesperson Carrie Harmon.

“The screen shows a full-body cookie-cutter image for all passengers,” Harmon said. “A box appears around the area of the body if anything of concern is detected.”

The AIT-2 doesn’t use x-rays, but is equipped with millimeter wave technology which uses electromagnetic waves to perform a single scan. According to the TSA, the technology meets all known national and international health and safety standards, and emits 10,000 times less energy than a cell phone call.

The AIT-2 was installed May 9.