Travelers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) will see emergency response vehicles on the airfield the morning of Wednesday, May 13, between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.
“THIS IS AN EXERCISE ONLY!” the Port of Seattle said.
The Port of Seattle will conduct a full-scale emergency exercise simulating an aircraft accident as part of exercises required every three years by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), named a Triennial Exercise. Area first responders will also participate in the exercise with the Port of Seattle Fire Department, which will include volunteers acting as ‘victims’ next to SEA’s portable mock aircraft training fuselage.
“Again – THIS IS AN EXERCISE ONLY!”
Preparations for the exercise will begin as early as 8 a.m. with the placement of the mock aircraft along Taxiway Tango between Runways 16R/34L and 16C/34C. The fire vehicle response will begin shortly after 10 a.m. The exercise is expected to last for about two hours with clean-up until 1 p.m.
The exercise will NOT affect or delay any air travel. SEA works together with FAA Air Traffic Control for the safety of the exercise within the normal operation of aircraft flights. The exercise will NOT affect any customer activity within the terminal. Signage will be posted along areas where the exercise may be visible. Residents nearby the airport may notice emergency vehicles staging as part of the exercise.
Multiple King County area mutual aid police and fire agencies will participate in the exercise responding to access locations to the airfield along S 188th St and Starling Road on the south end of the airfield.
Media and travelers are encouraged to view photos of the exercise that will be posted on SEA Airport social channels.
Photo courtesy Port of Seattle.
