BOZEMAN, MT (September 26, 2017) Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) will conduct a full-scale aircraft disaster exercise on Saturday, September 30, 2017 to test on-scene coordination between the airport, airline and emergency response personnel from throughout the valley. This exercise meets the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirement to conduct a full-scale emergency exercise every three years in addition to annual table-top drills.
Approximately 200 participants will take part in the exercise playing the part of passengers, friends and relatives. Multiple agencies, businesses and organizations partner in this exercise with the airport staff including Central Valley Fire, American Medical Response, Reach Air Medical Services, Life Flight Network, Arlin’s Aircraft, Yellowstone Jetcenter, American Red Cross, Hope Animal-Assisted Crisis Response, Horizon Air, students from Montana State University, Gallatin College and Bozeman High School, Albertson’s and numerous others.
“Working with the various emergency responders from throughout the Gallatin Valley helps develop the collaboration required for BZN to achieve and maintain a high level of emergency preparedness and response,” said Deputy Airport Director, Scott Humphrey. “In smaller communities like ours it is necessary to utilize all available resources and for all of us to work together effectively during a crisis. Exercises like this provide us the opportunity to constantly improve each of our emergency response plans.”
Airport neighbors may notice an increased presence of law enforcement and fire personnel; please do not contact 911, this is part of the exercise. The exercise will not impact airline or air traffic at the airport.
About Bozeman Yellowstone International AirportBozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) is Montana’s busiest airport and serves as a year-round gateway to Yellowstone National Park. BZN also serves the recreation areas of Big Sky Resort and Bridger Bowl Ski Area as well as the business centers of Bozeman, Belgrade and Livingston and higher education at Montana State University and the Gallatin College. BZN handles more passengers than any other Montana airport and is served by six airline brands with coast to coast non-stop service including Atlanta*, Chicago, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Denver, Houston*, Las Vegas, Los Angeles*, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Newark*, New York LaGuardia*, Phoenix-Mesa, Portland*, Salt Lake City, San Francisco*, and Seattle/Tacoma. Over 700 people are employed by the 30 entities with offices at the airport. * Denotes seasonal service.
For more information about Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport visit bozemanairport.com or follow Bozeman Airport on Twitter.
