Orlando airport drill tests response, communications

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando International Airport was the scene today of a full scale exercise to test the local response to a “large aviation incident.”

Taking part were representatives from the airlines, federal government, Orlando police and emergency management, Orange County Health Department, the FAA and airport fire rescue teams.

Some airport workers volunteered to be passengers in the incident drill, which involved a fire on the plane.

As part of the drill they were taken to a triage center for medical care.

While the federal government requires major airports to conduct such drills every three years, OIA schedules these every two years, according to Public Affairs Director Carolyn Fennell.