Airport to Host Disaster Drill

Broome County Executive Debbie Preston and Aviation Commissioner Dave Hickling  say there will be a mock disaster drill held June 6 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Greater Binghamton Airport.

The drill will simulate an accident involving the largest type of passenger aircraft that currently serves the Greater Binghamton Airport (BGM).  That aircraft is a 50 seat regional jet.

The drill is in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations and helps to bolster emergency preparedness.

The drill is designed to test the airport's emergency plan through a controlled accident scenario.  Results will be analyzed in an effort to identify any areas that need to be improved.

Airport and mutual aid firefighters will fight a simulated fuel fire that a disaster like this could trigger.  The drill involves emergency services personnel (EMS) who will deal with triage, treatment and then transporting any casualties that have occurred.

Officials advise that there will be plenty of activity at the airport and much traffic on EMS radio channels in the morning and caution the public that what will be occurring is a drill and not a real emergency.

Hickling advises that the drill will not affect normal airport operations.  All flights are expected to operate on schedule.