Triennial Exercise
Triennial Emergency Exercise
The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport will conduct its next Triennial Full-Scale Emergency Exercise on June 13, 2026. As a commercial service airport, the FAA requires a full-scale aircraft incident exercise every three years to ensure continued preparedness and compliance.
This exercise allows the airport to implement and evaluate its Airport Emergency Plan (AEP) in coordination with our mutual aid partners, including Aspen Fire Protection District, Roaring Fork Fire Rescue Authority, and Aspen Ambulance District. It also provides a good opportunity to strengthen coordination among agencies and give the community a better understanding of how airport emergency response operations work, along with a behind-the-scenes look at the airport.
Looking for a unique way to get involved in your community? Volunteer for the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport’s Triennial Emergency Exercise on June 13, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This FAA-required full-scale training simulates an aircraft incident and brings together local partners such as Aspen Fire, Roaring Fork Fire Rescue, Aspen Ambulance, and more to practice real-life emergency response.
Volunteers play a key role by acting as “victims,” complete with mock injuries and rescue scenarios, making it a hands-on, behind-the-scenes experience you won’t get anywhere else. It’s a fun, immersive way to support first responders, learn how emergency operations work, and see the airport in action. Plus, lunch is provided!
Volunteer Expectations:
- Volunteers will be assigned one or more simulated injuries to act out
- Realistic moulage (injury makeup) will be applied
- Participants will take part in a live rescue scenario with first responders
- Volunteers may be outdoors and in the sun for up to an hour, please dress appropriately.
- Comfortable clothing is recommended (you may be sitting, lying down, or moved during the exercise)
- Some volunteers may be transported to Aspen Valley Hospital as part of the simulation, with return transportation provided
- Participants should expect to be on site from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Advance registration is required
- A valid driver’s license (or ID) is required for check-in
- Minors (under 18) must provide parent or guardian contact information
- Carpooling or use of RFTA is encouraged due to limited parking
- Lunch will be provided after the training