Ruth Haines
The first metal detector was introduced at New Orleans International Airport in July 1970, marking a significant milestone in aviation security. This walk-through metal detector, originally designed to find metal pieces in logs, was implemented to address the rising incidents of airplane hijacking in the 1960s. The use of metal detectors, along with X-ray scanners for baggage, became mandated in 1973, with federal laws requiring all passengers and their luggage to be screened before boarding a flight. Over time, airport security has continued to evolve, with full-body scanners being introduced in 2007 and becoming standard worldwide by 2010.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First airport to use metal detectors | New Orleans International Airport in Louisiana |
| Date of first use | July 17, 1970 |
| Reason for implementation | Increased incidents of hijacking airplanes |
| Type of metal detector | Walk-through |
| Company that developed the technology | Outokumpu |
| Year the technology was commercially available | 1970 |
| Year metal detectors became mandatory in airports | 1973 |
| Year full-body scanners were first used in Europe | 2007 |
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What You'll Learn
- The first airport metal detectors were installed in 1970 at New Orleans International Airport
- Metal detectors were originally used to find metal pieces in logs before they went under the saw
- Airports began using metal detectors due to a series of hijackings in the 1960s
- Metal detectors were not mandatory until 1973
- Full-body scanners were introduced in 2007 at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
The first airport metal detectors were installed in 1970 at New Orleans International Airport
Metal detectors are now commonplace in airports around the world. However, this was not always the case. The first airport metal detectors were installed in 1970 at New Orleans International Airport in Louisiana. This was the first instance of walk-through metal detectors being used to screen passengers.
Before the introduction of metal detectors, there was very little security at airports. Passengers could carry items onboard aircraft with ease, and others could accompany them to the aircraft. Things began to change after a series of hijackings in the 1960s. There was a particular spike in hijackings in 1968, with several US private and commercial aircraft hijacked and flown to Cuba. In 1969, there were 40 hijackings in the US and 89 worldwide.
In response to this growing threat, New Orleans International Airport became the first airport to install walk-through metal detectors. Usage began on July 17, 1970. These metal detectors were designed to detect metal components used in weapons but would, of course, detect any metallic object. Initially, it was not a requirement to screen all passengers, and the walk-through metal detectors were likely used alongside selective screening.
The introduction of metal detectors at New Orleans International Airport marked a significant milestone in aviation security. It set a precedent for airports worldwide, and metal detectors soon became standard equipment for passenger screening. While the technology and security processes have evolved since the 1970s, metal detectors remain an essential component of airport security, working alongside newer technologies such as full-body scanners and X-ray baggage scanners.
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Metal detectors were originally used to find metal pieces in logs before they went under the saw
Metal detectors are now commonplace in airports, but they were originally designed for a very different purpose: to find metal pieces in logs before they went under the saw. This technology was first implemented in airports in 1972, in response to a series of aircraft hijackings. These early airport metal detectors, or magnetometers, were often four or five feet long and tunnel-like. They were based on pulse induction (PI) technology, which uses powerful, short bursts (pulses) of current to generate a magnetic field that can detect metal objects.
The development of metal detectors can be traced back to the 1930s, when Fisher Labs in the United States invented and commercially manufactured the first metal detector. These early machines were large and complex, but they served as the prototype for all subsequent metal detectors. Over time, other companies like Garrett refined and improved the technology and features of metal detectors.
In the logging industry, metal detectors played a crucial role in ensuring safety. Logs often contain metal pieces, such as spikes or nails, that can damage saw blades if not detected beforehand. Metal detectors designed for this purpose typically feature an arc-shaped coil that curls around the log to detect any metal objects within. While some metal detectors for logs are expensive, there are also cheaper options available, such as the Bounty Hunter Pioneer 505, the Discovery 3300, and the Garrett Ace 250.
As aircraft hijackings became more prevalent in the early 1970s, authorities sought a way to screen airline passengers for weapons and other contraband. The Finnish company Outokumpu adapted mining metal detectors housed in large cylindrical pipes into commercial walk-through security detectors. These detectors were initially used to detect spikes and metal pieces in logs, but they found a new purpose in airport security. The development of these systems continued, and the rectangular gantry design became the standard in airports.
Today, airport metal detectors are an essential component of aviation security, protecting passengers, airplanes, and personnel by detecting concealed weapons. There are two main types of metal detectors used in airports: hand-held wands and walk-through detectors. These detectors have evolved to become more sensitive, able to detect even small pieces of metal. Additionally, advancements in technology have enabled detectors to pinpoint the height of the detected metal object, aiding security personnel in quickly locating the source.
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Airports began using metal detectors due to a series of hijackings in the 1960s
Metal detectors are now commonplace in airports, but their introduction was prompted by a series of hijackings in the 1960s. The 1960s saw a significant number of hijackings, with multiple US private and commercial aircraft hijacked and flown to Cuba. In 1969 alone, there were 40 hijackings in the US and 89 worldwide. This surge in hijackings led to the implementation of security measures at airports, including metal detectors.
Initially, security measures involved profiling passengers and visually selecting individuals for secondary screening, which could include the use of handheld metal detectors or magnetometers. These early metal detectors were adapted from mining detectors, which were designed to find metal pieces in logs. Over time, the technology evolved into a commercial walk-through detector, with a Finnish company called Outokumpu developing the rectangular-shaped metal detectors commonly seen in airports today.
By the early 1970s, the use of metal detectors in airports became more widespread. New Orleans International Airport in Louisiana became the first airport to install walk-through metal detectors in July 1970. These early metal detectors were designed to detect metal components in weapons but would, of course, detect any metallic object. While metal detector screening was not yet mandatory, it marked a significant step towards enhancing aviation security.
The 1970s saw further developments in airport security, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) introducing a requirement in 1973 for all passengers to be screened before boarding a flight. This mandate was reinforced by the Air Transportation Security Act in 1974, which made it federal law and also included a provision for the X-ray inspection of all carry-on luggage. These measures significantly enhanced aviation security, reducing the number of hijackings and security incidents from their peak in the 1960s.
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Metal detectors were not mandatory until 1973
Metal detectors have become a standard security measure at airports worldwide. However, it was not always this way, and for the first several decades of flying, there was very little to no security at airports. Passengers could carry items onboard aircraft with ease, and others could accompany them to the aircraft.
This began to change in the late 1960s, with an alarming rise in the number of airplane hijackings. In 1968, there were several US private and commercial aircraft hijacked in the air and flown to Cuba. In 1969, there were 40 hijackings in the US alone, with a total of 89 worldwide. As a result, metal detectors, sky marshals on planes, and behavioural profiling of passengers were introduced as security measures.
In 1970, the walk-through metal detector became commercially available, and New Orleans International Airport in Louisiana became the first airport to install them. However, their use was not mandatory, and they were likely used alongside selected screening. It was not until 1973 that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) introduced the requirement for all passengers to be screened before a flight.
January 5, 1973, marked the deadline for federal mandatory airline passenger inspections. From this point on, metal detectors and X-ray scanners became standard security measures at airports. The Saferay system, designed by Lemelson, was one of the first X-ray machines to be used for security purposes. It utilised low-dose X-rays to view the contents of briefcases, purses, and suitcases carried onboard aircraft, allowing security personnel to identify weapons and hazardous items.
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Full-body scanners were introduced in 2007 at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
The use of metal detectors at airports was implemented in 1972 due to an increase in airplane hijacking incidents. The first airport to use metal detectors was New Orleans International Airport in July 1970. However, it was not until 1973 that the FAA mandated that all passengers be screened before a flight, and it became federal law in the US in 1974.
Over time, security technology has evolved, and full-body scanners were introduced as the next iteration of security measures. In 2007, Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport became the first airport in the world to implement full-body scanners as part of its security and customs control procedures. The full-body scanners, also known as millimetre wave scanners, use electromagnetic radiation or millimetre wave reflection technology to detect any items on or around a person. The scanners produce an image of the body contours, allowing security staff to identify prohibited items without exposing passengers to radiation.
The introduction of full-body scanners at Schiphol Airport was a joint initiative of the NCTb (National Counter-Terrorism Coordinator), Customs authorities, and the airport itself. The scanners were designed to simplify passenger control and improve security. According to Schiphol's Chief Operations Officer, Ad Rutten, the scanners offered a more client-friendly and efficient alternative to hand frisks.
The implementation of full-body scanners at Schiphol Airport was not without controversy. Some groups raised privacy concerns about the technology. To address these concerns, Schiphol implemented strict privacy measures. The digital images were viewed by security personnel in a separate room and were deleted immediately after being inspected. Additionally, passengers' heads were made invisible in the scans to further protect their privacy. Despite the initial concerns, full-body scanners are now used in many countries and have become an essential aspect of airport security.
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Frequently asked questions
The first metal detector was used in an airport in July 1970. New Orleans International Airport in Louisiana was the first airport to install them.
Metal detectors were introduced as a security measure to protect passengers, airplanes, and airline personnel by detecting weapons concealed on an individual's body. This was in response to a series of hijacking attempts in the 1960s, with 40 hijackings in the US and 89 worldwide in 1969 alone.
Airport security has evolved significantly since the introduction of metal detectors. By 1973, the FAA mandated that all passengers and their luggage be screened before a flight. This became federal law in the US in 1974. Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, security measures were further tightened, with full-body scanners introduced in 2007 and the banning of liquids and certain items from cabins.
