Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/03/07

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Subject: Re: [Leica] Film inspection at USA domestic airports-corrected web address
From: Rob McElroy <idag@pce.net>
Date: Wed, 07 Mar 2001 10:04:43 -0500
References: <000a01c0a6cd$ae90b700$02000003@dnai.com>

For All,

The correct web address for the FAA regulations on the "Use of X-ray Systems" is:
http://www.faa.gov/avr/AFS/FARS/far-108.txt.

The paragraph relevant to photographic film is as follows:

(e) No certificate holder may use an X-ray system to inspect carry-on or
checked articles unless a sign is posted in a conspicuous place at the
screening station and on the X-ray system which notifies passengers that such
items are being inspected by an X-ray and advises them to remove all X-ray,
scientific, and high-speed film from carry-on and checked articles before
inspection. This sign shall also advise passengers that they may request that
an inspection be made of their photographic equipment and film packages
without exposure to an X-ray system. If the X-ray system exposes any carry-on
or checked articles to more than 1 milliroentgen during the inspection, the
certificate holder shall post a sign which advises passengers to remove film
of all kinds from their articles before inspection. If requested by
passengers, their photographic equipment and film packages shall be inspected
without exposure to an X-ray system.

I have made a copy of the entire x-ray section, to bring with me when I fly - for those times when under-trained FAA employees decide to hassle my
request for a hand-check.   Another interesting note from the FAA (from a November 20, 2000 news release) stated "Don't pack unprocessed film in bags
you plan to check. New explosives detection systems used to screen checked baggage might damage your film. Instead, pack your film in a carry-on bag
or bring it with you on board the plane. X-ray equipment used at the security checkpoints to screen carry-on bags will not damage film below 1000ASA."

Anyone have any other x-ray information or helpful airport tips/stories to share regarding film and x-rays.

Cheers,
Rob McElroy
Buffalo, NY


Roland Smith wrote:

> At website www.faa.gov/art/AFS/FARS/far-108.txt, the rules for x-ray of film
> are indicated.   Section 108.17 supports the removal of film from the x-ray
> for hand inspection.
>
> Roland Smith

In reply to: Message from "Roland Smith" <roland@dnai.com> ([Leica] Film inspection at USA domestic airports)