News
19 Sep 2013
Emergency response exercises took place at Almaty International Airport on the 16th of September
“On September 16, 2013, at 09:15 am after the take-off of the Aerotrack’s aircraft Х-237, a flight dispatcher received information that the rightlanding gear did not retract and lock up, and then apilot-in-command took a decision to return to Almaty aerodrome. The flight dispatcher took a decision to accept that aircraft, after fuel discharge and depletion, on the runway 05 L –23 R with landing heading 232°, and using the warning system he communicated a signal of ‘Alarm’ so that a search and rescue team and mobile controlling facilities to be set along the runway. The estimated time of landing was 10:05 am.
There were 50 passengers and 4 crew members aboard”. Fortunately, this is only an excerpt of a possible emergency scenario at the airport.
Such exercises in accordance with the standards and recommended practices of ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) are held at Almaty airport regularly every two years. Each time various situations that can arise in case of aircraft accident are simulated. The following airport divisions are involved during the exercises: Search & Rescue Service, First Aid Post, Aerodrome Service, Passenger Handling Department, Special Transport Service, Aviation Security Department, Security Check Service, and Cargo Handling Department.
The exercises on liquidation of aircraft accident consequences at the airport are held in close interaction with the city services such as Air Traffic Service Units, Line Department of Internal Affairs, Fire Fighting Service, Rescue Service of Almaty Emergency Department, Ambulance Service and hospitals of Almaty.
Totally the exercises involved 176 people, including 50 extra figurants. As well as 4 fire tenders, 1 communication and lighting vehicle, 2 buses from Special Transport Service, 4 specialized vehicles, 7 ambulances, 2 passenger stairs, 3 trucks, 2 truck loaders, and KUNZ, a special equipment for evacuation of immobilized aircraft.