BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Broward County's Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), in collaboration with various airport stakeholders, will conduct its triennial full-scale training exercise on Thursday, October 12, 2023, from 4PM to 10PM. The training exercise is federally mandated as part of the airport's operating certification. The "Operation Convergent" scenario involves a runway incursion resulting in a collision of two commercial aircraft with over 150 passengers and crew combined.

The mock aircraft crash activity will involve dozens of volunteers from the airport and nearby communities serving as injured passengers and reuniting families. There will be a controlled live-fire activity as part of the exercise. Approximately 20 local/state/federal agencies, six (6) hospitals, one airline, and two non-profit aid/shelter organizations (Red Cross/Salvation Army) 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 is critical in helping to train and prepare FLL personnel and its first responder partners for an airport incident," said Mark Gale, FLL CEO/Director of Aviation. "We hope that something of this nature never occurs, but it is important to be prepared with the proper training so that FLL can respond quickly to mitigate the loss of life or property."

The simulated multi-aircraft incident will occur near the North Runway in the northwest portion of the airfield. The training will include emergency response, search and rescue protocols, triage, and transporting 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.

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. Disaster drills of this type are required every three years as part of the airport's FAA Part 139 Certification. While FLL last performed a large-scale aircraft accident exercise in November 2020, the airport conducts other training activities annually to hone its emergency preparedness.

About Broward's Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) 
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, FLL generated $37.5 billion in economic activity annually and nearly 18,000 direct, local jobs. In 2022, the airport served nearly 31.7 million passengers. FLL is located in Greater Fort Lauderdale in the heart of Florida's Gold Coast. The Aviation Department, FLL's operator, is a self-supporting agency of the Broward County Board of County Commissioners that does not rely on local tax dollars for operations and capital improvements. The department also operates North Perry Airport, a general aviation facility for private and charter aircraft operators. Call 954-359-6100 for more information. For updates on airport programs and services, follow us on X, like us on Facebook, or visit fll.net.