The purpose of the exercise is to test the effectiveness of the Airport's Emergency Plan (AEP) and is being conducted in coordination with other fire, rescue, law enforcement, and medical organizations that will be participating.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations require Barkley Regional Airport and other airports that are issued FAA Airport Operating Certificates to hold comprehensive emergency exercises periodically to test emergency plans and community coordination. This year, particular emphasis is being placed upon communications between the airport and responders from around the region, and testing the abilities the airport's new radio system.
This exercise will be conducted in real-time in multiple areas in the western part of McCracken County. So residents should not be alarmed if they see fire trucks, ambulances, aircraft, and law enforcement vehicles as part of Tuesday's exercise.
Approximately twelve airport and community organizations and over 125 individuals are scheduled to participate in the exercise.
The airport's first comprehensive emergency exercise was conducted in 1986 and again every three years since. The exercises have proven to be an excellent evaluation tool for the airport and the community's emergency services.
