NORWICH – The Simulated Emergency Test (SET) Sunday was born in October of 2007. In a discussion with Airport Manager, Jamie Baciuska of Privatair (the Fixed Base Operator and Management Company of the Lt. Warren E. Eaton Airport), it was indicated the airport had not had an Emergency Drill in several years.  Though neither the Airport nor Privatair are required to after the discussion, it was decided by Privatair to have a drill put in place to test the Airport and surrounding community emergency agencies.

Robert Benton, of TASIS, (tactical and strategic intervention services) sent letters letter to over twenty New York State, county, private and local agencies to coordinate the event. 

  The committee first met in December 2007 where basic parameters of the disasters were laid out and Benton was appointed Committee coordinator and public information officer. The final plan and execution for the SET was passed and accepted April 1.

Benton said “The economic impact on the agencies involved is substantial.” “Privatair [now Gama Aviation] will lose between $20,000 to $30,000 dollars of revenue taking the Citation Jet out of service for the day.  The airport will be closed most of the leading to a loss in revenues.  They will also be calling in airport employees in on overtime.”