CHO's Station 9 Leads Local Emergency Drill on August 16th
Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport is served by Station 9, a group of aircraft firefighters that train for hundreds of hours a year for all types of airport emergencies. On Saturday, August 16, all of their hard work will be put to the test as evaluators follow them through a mock emergency exercise.
The Federal Aviation Administration requires that all commercial service airports undergo a live drill every three years to ensure responding units are prepared, and that the local emergency system is working correctly. Drills in the past have included law enforcement action in the terminal, hostage activity on an aircraft, and various aircraft emergencies both on and off airport property.
The Virginia Department of Fire Programs will provide a propane fueled aircraft simulator to create realism. This year's drill will include emergency personnel from the airport as well as local fire, rescue, police and the Red Cross. For those traveling with CHO that day, be assured daily operations will not be affected. Signage will notify travelers and broadcasts will be made in the terminal to keep everyone informed about the mock emergency event.
The drill will be conducted from 0900 to 1200, and will require multiple emergency vehicles entering and exiting airport property.
My Letter to the Editor was published this morning in the Daily Progress. Here it is in full for the reading pleasure of the CHO blogging community. Good work to all CHO staff!
This past Saturday morning, Aug 16, saw the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport conduct its triennial Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Exercise. Numerous professionals and volunteers from around our community tirelessly worked together to ensure a proper response at the airport in the event of an actual emergency. Planning for this event began in the spring, and required countless hours of preparation and coordination. As a member of this community, and chair of the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport Commission, I wanted to recognize and thank all of the airport staff for their professionalism and tireless dedication to ensuring a safe environment for the traveling public.
Gregory W. Edwards
Charlottesville