This book advises the Federal Aeronautics Administration (FAA) on the detection of small, concealed explosives that a terrorist could plant surreptitiously on a commercial airplane. The book identifies key issues for the FAA regarding explosive detection technology that can be implemented in airport terminals. Recommendations are made in the areas of systems engineering, testing, and technology development.

Examines the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) efforts to develop new equipment for detecting explosives and methods to improve aircraft survivability. Recommendations in this report will ensure that (1) FAA's process for approving new explosive detection equipment can provide the aviation community and the flying public with effective and reliable technology, and (2) FAA's research efforts are properly managed to meet the threats to aviation. Charts and tables.