Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

[11th Fighter Wing] Runway normalization for emergencies

On May 15, 11th Fighting Wing had training to master procedures, improving quickly and accurately step-by-step their situation handling capabilities when the runway is closed. 

The runway is closed when any emergency situation, such as bombing, aircraft breakaway, etc. occurs. Quick action and handling is necessary to minimize air operation gaps. 

The training started with a situation of an aircraft returning to the base causing a fire because it was unable to control its speed due to tire failure during landing. 

After receiving the news, the control tower issued the accident situation, and then the ground salvage unit arrived at the scene in only 5 minutes to manage the situation. 

A fire fighting squadron and emergency team suppressed the fire and saved pilots, while the explosive ordnance disposal team disjointed various armaments for safety measures. 

The training ended when the aircraft team moved the aircraft to a safe zone outside the runway and completed disposal clearance and site recovery. 

Colonel-to-be Doh Kyung-ku, Base Protection Commander, who led the training said, “Emergency situations can always occur on runways due to a wide range of variables. With practical training, we will continue to attain greater capabilities to normalize the runway in the shortest time possible.”

By Sang-Yun, Kim < ksy0609@dema.mil.kr >
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