How often must airports conduct a full-scale emergency exercise?

• A. Every year
• B. Every 18 months
• C. Every 3 years
• D. Every 5 years

Answer: (C)

Airports must conduct a full-scale emergency exercise every three years to ensure that their emergency response plans are effective and up-to-date. This timeframe is established to provide enough interval for airports to assess their readiness, train their personnel, and implement any necessary improvements based on lessons learned from previous exercises or actual events. Conducting these exercises less frequently may result in a degradation of skills and preparedness among the emergency response teams.

While some may argue for a more frequent schedule, such as annually or every 18 months, the three-year requirement balances the need for practice and the practical considerations of resources, planning, and personnel availability. Additionally, this interval allows airports to adapt to evolving standards and regulations, ensuring they meet safety and operational requirements.