The Republic of Korea Air Force’s Air Combat Command conducted an emergency runway approach drill on Tuesday at the Jukbyeon emergency airstrip in Uljin County, North Gyeongsang Province.
Seven aircraft participated in the exercise, including F-16 and FA-50 fighter jets, KA-1 airborne command and attack aircraft, TA-50 trainer jets, and CN-235 transport aircraft. Operational support personnel such as air traffic controllers, communications staff, and firefighting teams were also involved.
Emergency runways are critical facilities used to sustain air operations when main base runways are destroyed due to enemy attacks or when aircraft require urgent refueling or rearming.
Though vital to maintaining air force capabilities during emergencies, emergency runways are unfamiliar to many pilots. Training is therefore essential to familiarize them with the runways’ specifications and takeoff and landing patterns.
This training was designed to help pilots master the procedures for approaching emergency runways in the event of a real contingency.
The exercise began as aircraft from various bases entered the airspace over the designated target area for the approach. For safety, approach times were staggered by aircraft type. Under the direction of air traffic controllers, the F-16 was the first to initiate the approach to the emergency runway.
The F-16 descended to an altitude of 800 feet (approximately 240 meters) following a designated flight path. It approached the central section of the runway, then ascended and banked right according to the departure procedure. FA-50, KA-1, TA-50, and CN-235 aircraft followed the same procedures in sequence.
Lieutenant Colonel Lee Su Hwan, Operations Director of Air Combat Command, stated that flying in unfamiliar conditions with limited experience increases the risk of spatial disorientation. He emphasized that practical training exercises like this one will continue to ensure that both pilots and operational support personnel are always prepared for unpredictable situations.
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