U.S. Army Reserve parachute training to occur at Ohio State's airport

On Saturday, July 18, between 12:00pm and 3:30pm, up to 60 U.S. Army Reserve paratroopers will practice drops on Don Scott Field at The Ohio State University Airport on West Case Road in Columbus.

In March 2013, The Ohio State University and the U.S. Army Reserves entered into a partnership to allow the Columbus-based 412th Civil Affairs Battalion to conduct airborne training operations at the airport. The Army approached the university because of a significant loss of training sites across the state due to on-airport development. The unavailability of sites resulted in the battalion travelling out-of-state for training exercises, creating logistical issues and impacting effectiveness.

The training exercises begin with a C-130 aircraft, filled with reservist paratroopers, taking off from Rickenbacker International Airport or Port Columbus International Airport. In previous exercises, the C-130 has made up to six passes over Don Scott Field.

Airport and battalion officials have discussed plans to conduct the training drills every other month. Since the operations require complete closure of the airspace, they are scheduled to minimize disruption of normal airport activity.

The public is welcome to view the July 18 parachute drop from The Ohio State University Airport parking lot or observation tower, which is open to the public daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day and accessible through the terminal building.