[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]
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