Avoca, PA (October 8, 2020) – The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport will be holding a Live Major Aircraft Accident Response Exercise on Sunday, October 11, 2020. The exercise will take place between the hours of 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM on Airport property.
Carl Beardsley, Executive Director, stated, “The drill will test the Airport Accident Response Plan, demonstrate the ability of the communities to deal effectively with aircraft disasters and provide disaster training for Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighters and supporting agencies.” This exercise will also fulfill the Federal Aviation Administration Regulation Part 139, which requires airport to conduct a major live disaster exercise every three years.
According to Eric McKitish, Director – Marketing & Communications, the drill will involve airport fire fighters, emergency fire and medical equipment from many of the surrounding communities. Also involved are key community agencies, such as Emergency Medical Services of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Lackawanna and Luzerne County Emergency Management Agencies and Communication Centers, and the American Red Cross.
The public is advised – every effort will be exerted to make the drill as realistic as possible. The use of fire, police and ambulance sirens will not be cause for alarm.
The drill will have no effect on airline operations. All flights will operate as scheduled. Any questions regarding this exercise should be directed to the Airport’s Public Safety Office at 570.602.2022.