Albany and Rensselaer to get buzzed
We're pretty sure this is what the helicopter will look like.
A disaster preparedness drill next week will include a helicopter buzzing downtown Albany and Rensselaer. From the NYS Disaster Preparedness Commission:
Residents in New York State's Capital Region can expect to see a low-flying Bell 412 helicopter flying at altitudes ranging from 150 to 1,000 feet above the ground from Monday, June 1, through next Friday, June 5. The helicopter is owned by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration
The silver and black with blue trim helicopter is flying in support of the Empire 09 Exercise that is taking place primarily in Albany during the same time period. The aircraft will be based out of the Albany International Airport and will fly mostly over downtown Albany, areas of the Hudson River and western Rensselaer County.
The training exercise is reportedly for a "dirty bomb" event in the Capital Region -- and the helicopter will be equipped with a radiological detector. [TU]
photo: Alan Radecki
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Comments
Okay, I'm part of that training (for everyone's favorite international humanitarian organization, the Red Cross), and this is the first I've heard about the helicopter. I'm going to TOTALLY pitch a hissy if I don't get a helicopter ride.
... said Siobhan on May 29, 2009 at 4:07 PM | link
Just remember everyone, keep your radiological sources in the lead lined box that day! :)
... said Andy on May 29, 2009 at 4:20 PM | link
I am sitting in my office in South Troy and I heard something. I just watched it out the window. The heads up was good as it was flying rather low. Could freak people out if not publicized.
... said Jaime on Jun 2, 2009 at 3:37 PM | link
so i was just having lunch on the patio at el mariachis and helicopters went over twice during our meal. pretty low and very loud...went right over our heads. my lunch-mate said, "what the?" and i felt totally clued in because i could tell him about it, since reading this a couple days ago on AOA. wow i'm a dork!
... said Kim D. on Jun 3, 2009 at 2:00 PM | link
Just heard the chopper and like Kim D. enjoyed my "in-the-know-edness" .
... said Elizabeth on Jun 3, 2009 at 4:26 PM | link