Ohio State provides airport for U.S. Army Reserve parachute training
On Saturday, June 11, and Sunday, June 12, up to 60 U.S. Army Reserve paratroopers will practice drops on Don Scott Field at The Ohio State University Airport. From 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on both days, the airport will be closed for take-offs and landings.
In an effort to afford Army specialists training opportunities closer to home, the U.S. Army Reserves and Ohio State entered into a partnership in 2013 to allow the Columbus-based 412th Civil Affairs Battalion to conduct airborne training operations at the airport.
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, located on West Case Road in Columbus.
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. However, everyday civilian jump operators from around the area are not permitted to use the facility for this purpose. Only the military may use the facility with advanced notice.
The public is welcome to view the parachute drops 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.
