The Nation - News from Oct. 23, 1987

The Federal Aviation Administration told Congress that tests at 136 U.S. airports show hidden weapons are still able to pass security one out of five times, but steps have been taken to correct the situation. Raymond Salazar, director of the FAA’s office of aviation security, said the agency conducted more than 6,000 tests at the airports during a 10-month period that ended June 30. He told the House subcommittee on government activities and transportation that undercover agents were able to sneak through mock weapons about 20% of the time. “Because passenger screening is the most important component of an airport security program, I find these results particularly disturbing,” said Rep. Cardiss Collins (D-Ill.), who chairs the subcommittee.