Exercise required by FAA every three years

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Scott Miller
(717) 948-3900

(Middletown, PA – September 10, 2022) Harrisburg International Airport (HIA), in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, will conduct a full-scale emergency plan training exercise at the airport in Middletown on Saturday, September 10, 2022 beginning at 9:00 AM. 

“The FAA requires airports to conduct a full-scale exercise every three years to test the Airport Emergency Plan.  This exercise provides an opportunity for the airport to work with area mutual aid organizations to plan a coordinated response should an actual emergency incident take place on the airport,” said Tim Edwards, Executive Director, HIA. “We anticipate no impact to normal airport operations.  We’re asking area residents to not be alarmed should they see emergency vehicles at the airport. This is only a drill.”

The exercise will simulate a large air carrier incident. It will involve actual response from the airport’s mutual aid fire, police and emergency medical services, as well as other organizations. Other organizations invited to participate in the drill are the American Red Cross, County Coroner’s Office, and the 193rd Air National Guard. Organizations from multiple counties are expected to participate including York, Lancaster, Dauphin, and Cumberland County areas. Volunteer “victims” will be made up to simulate injuries ranging from minor bumps and bruises to fatalities. The drill will take place rain or shine and is expected to last until approximately 12:00 PM.   

Media parking will be provided in the HIA Cell Phone Lot.  Any media intending to cover this event must arrive by 8:00 am.  From the cell phone lot, walk west to the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Building to be registered, receive an airport issued bracelet and attend a safety briefing.  Without these credentials, no access to the site will be permitted. 

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