2026 Full-Scale Triennial Exercise

Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026

What is the Triennial Exercise?

Required under Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 139, the triennial exercise is a realistic, scenario‑based event that tests Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s coordinated response to a simulated aircraft accident. The exercise activates the Airport Emergency Operations Center, deploys fire and medical units, and uses volunteers to portray passengers, family members, and friends. It is the closest we can get to a real emergency without impacting daily operations.

Why We Do It

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport conducts these exercises to:

Meet or exceed federal regulations
Provide hands‑on, immersive training for airport and mutual‑aid responders
Evaluate new equipment, procedures, and emergency plans, such as the Airport Emergency Plan and Post‑Disaster Family Assistance Plan

Training together gives responders a clear view of how their roles integrate within the airport’s emergency structure, building stronger coordination and improving readiness during real events.

Exercise Details

This year’s full‑scale event, Tri‑Ex 26, will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, across multiple locations on and around the airport campus. More than a dozen partner agencies will participate, along with 200 volunteers. Exercise check-in will begin at 9 a.m., followed by an exercise briefing at 11 a.m. The exercise will officially begin at 12:30 p.m. and is expected to conclude at approximately 4 p.m.

Exercise Contacts

Jeff Wainscott, C.M., ACE
Airport Duty Manager (Emergency Preparedness)

Captain Ruben Saavedra
Phoenix Fire Department

Captain Mark Vanacore
Phoenix Fire Department

Jeff LaFleur
American Airlines

Cheryl Trujillo
Administrative Assistant

Ezra Pinckney
Administrative Intern

For questions, email email us at avn.ep@phoenix.gov.

Exercise Participants

VOLUNTEER TO BE A TRIENNIAL EXERCISE ROLE PLAYER!

We are looking for 200 volunteers to simulate airline passengers, family, and friends. If interested, scan the QR code or click the link to be taken to our Tri-Ex 26 Registration Page.

All role players will receive additional logistics instructions – including reporting locations and parking details – as the exercise date approaches.

A boxed lunch and bottled water will be provided to role players before the exercise begins.

Some roles will require the application of moulage (makeup and simulated injuries) before the exercise begins.

Firearms, weapons, and ammunition are strictly prohibited at the exercise. Role players are subject to the same screening procedures administered by the Transportation Security Administration when you are traveling by air.