If you hear scanner traffic or emergency radio chatter around Rickenbacker International Airport on Wednesday, June 11 — don’t worry. According to the Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CRAA), it’s not an actual emergency, but a routine preparedness drill.
The exercise will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is part of federally required training mandated by the FAA. It’s designed to help airport staff and local first responders stay ready for potential emergencies involving aircraft and fire response.
But unlike some previous large-scale simulations, this is a closed, internal training event. That means no volunteer “victims,” no dramatic crash scenes, and no impact on airport operations.
While details about the specific scenario or goals of the exercise haven’t been shared, CRAA says that the drill is part of maintaining emergency readiness at Rickenbacker. The authority also noted that due to the level of staff involvement, media coverage won’t be facilitated during the event.
If you’re in the area or follow local emergency communications, it’s worth keeping in mind that what you hear on Wednesday is part of a planned exercise, not an actual incident.
Featured image showing the entrance sign at Rickenbacker International Airport. Photo by Sixflashphoto, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
