Rescuers donned air masks and protective suits as they led victims from a mock 747 plane crash at the Nashville International Airport yesterday.

Although the Metro Nashville Airport Authority reviews emergency procedures every year, the FAA mandates a full scale drill every 3 years.

Tracy Weaver and her 12-year old son were two of the 59 volunteer victims who participated.

“I wanted my son to experience it and we thought it would be something not only helpful, but something interesting to do…I was the hysterical mother. I know there is always someone on the plane who will stand up and say, ‘What about me!? Take care of us!’ and I took that upon myself to be the hysterical, maybe too many cocktails on the plane.”

Deputy Operations Commander Mike Hasselbrink says he sees an improvement from 3 years ago.

After the 2003 drill, a family assistance program was added which offers, among other things, counseling, food and phone use. It was tested in an emergency situation for the first time yesterday.