As an aerodrome operator, we need to ensure safety procedures are up to scratch. Late last month, we conducted emergency simulation exercises at both Tākaka and Motueka aerodromes.
The exercises enable emergency services to familiarise themselves with the airfield for access, risks, and key emergency information should actual events occur in the future.
Led by Murray Hart from Nelson Airport Rescue Fire, the Tākaka event involved fire brigades from Tākaka, Upper Tākaka, and Collingwood. Police also turned out as did all three ambulances in Golden Bay. The emergency scenario was that a small aircraft crashed on the aerodrome. There were four passengers and unfortunately one was dead at the scene upon arrival of the emergency services.
The teams gained onsite exposure to the aerodrome, access and challenges. The fire team located three natural water supplies and documented that as well as access concerns.
The latest ecologically friendly firefighting foam was used to extinguish the Avgas and JetA1 fuel fires. The crews got hands-on experience with the foam with Murray’s expert guidance on how to best use it.
The Motueka event was a similar scenario with crews from Motueka, Tasman, and Kaiteriteri joining the exercise.