BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Broward County's Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) will conduct its triennial aircraft disaster training exercise on Friday, November 13, 2020, from 11AM-2PM. The drill is federally mandated as part of the airport's operating certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The "Operation Silver Lining" scenario involves a commercial aircraft's emergency landing at FLL with about 100 passengers and crew.
The mock aircraft crash activity will involve dozens of volunteers from the airport and nearby communities serving as injured passengers and reuniting family members. There will be a controlled live-fire activity as part of the exercise. Approximately 20 agencies and aviation-related businesses will participate in the drill, with several serving as observers and evaluators. Represented agencies include the FAA, Transportation Security Administration, Florida Department of Transportation, Broward Sheriff's Office (Law Enforcement/Aircraft Rescue Firefighters), and Broward County Emergency Management.
"This emergency readiness exercise helps to train and prepare FLL personnel and its first responder partners for an airport incident," said Mark Gale, CEO/Director of Aviation, Broward County Aviation Department, FLL's operator. "The coordination of all these agencies is critical to deal with an incident effectively, and this type of drill plays a vital role in achieving that goal."
The simulated aircraft incident will occur near the South Runway in the Mutual Aid Staging Area (MASA) at the intersection of Griffin Road and South Perimeter Road. The training activity will include emergency response, search and rescue protocols, and triage and transport of the 'wounded' to mock hospitals onsite for treatment. The airport will activate its Emergency Operations Center and a simulated Family Assistance Center as part of the exercise. During this training activity, FLL will be taking extra precautions to ensure that all COVID-19 policies and guidelines are followed to maintain a safe environment for everyone.
Impact on Community/Travelers
The drill will not impact travelers or motorists arriving at or departing from the airport. Additionally, no impacts on public roadways near the staging area are expected.
As part of the airport's FAA Part 139 Certification, disaster drills are required every three years. BCAD last performed this type of training exercise in December 2017.
About Broward's Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
The Aviation Department is a self-supporting department of the Broward County Board of County Commissioners. It does not rely on local tax dollars for operations and capital improvements. FLL is located in Greater Fort Lauderdale in the heart of Florida's Gold Coast. In 2019, the Airport served 36.7 million passengers with more than 380 departures a day and offered nonstop service to 84 U.S. cities and global connectivity to more than 66 international destinations in 33 countries. The Aviation Department also operates North Perry, a general aviation airport for private and charter aircraft operators. Call 954-359-6100 for more information. For updates on airport programs and services, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, or visit fll.net. .
DATE: November 12, 2020
MEDIA CONTACT: Arlene Satchell, Assistant Public Information Officer
Broward County Aviation Department
PHONE: 954-359-6201
EMAIL: asatchell@broward.org