There is no need to panic when you see emergency services crews converging on Port Macquarie Airport and operating near the runway. A training exercise will bring together police, ambulance, fire and SES crews to test run the airport's emergency plan.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) requires that certified airports such as Port Macquarie must have a field exercise to test the Airport Emergency Procedures (AEP) every two years.
This year, the live exercise CrashEx 2024 will be held on Tuesday 24 September 2024 between 8:30am and 1:30pm. The exercise will consist of live field activation of the Port Macquarie Airport Aerodrome Emergency Plan (AEP). This will be followed by an exercise to discuss airline requirements if such an emergency were to occur (i.e. passenger reception, relative reception and media facilities).
The exercise scenario this year has been designed to familiarise emergency services participants with the Port Macquarie AEP and focus on a scenario involving a passenger type aircraft that is common at Port Macquarie Airport.
The public can expect to see emergency service vehicles from all services (NSW Fire & Rescue, Rural Fire Service, NSW Ambulance, SES and NSW Police) around the airport precinct (Boundary Street) and airside along the airport runway. These vehicles will be participating in the exercise scenario during the stated times.
A mock aircraft fuselage (bus) will be located at the southern end of the airport for this exercise. A smoke generator may be employed to provide a simulated smoke haze.
Members of the public and other non-participants will not be permitted to access the airside areas of the exercise at any time due to aviation security regulations and safety requirements. At no time will normal airport operations or regular flight schedules be affected by this exercise.
Note: Due to aviation security regulations, attending media will not be permitted airside at any time during the exercise. Footage and photography will be permitted from the carpark area. Interview opportunities available with Mid North Coast Police Superintendent Shane Cribb.
What: CrashEx
Where: Port Macquarie Airport
Who: NSW Fire & Rescue, Rural Fire Service, NSW Ambulance, SES and NSW Police
When: Tuesday 24 September 8:30am – 1:30pm
