Plane Pull competition pushed back to July 31

Teams itching for the opportunity to showcase their strength and teamwork skills will have to wait a little under more as organizers of the “Plane Pull” competition have rescheduled the event, saying it is now slated to unfold on July 31.

Hosted by the American Red Cross, Continental Airlines, and Commonwealth Ports Authority Employees Association, the event is intended to raise funds for the NMI Red Cross Chapter, as well as “provide local businesses with an evening of fun and excitement for employees and families.” It was originally set to take place on July 10.

The contest features the tough task of hauling a 145,000-lb Boeing 737 courtesy of Continental Airlines for a distance of 12 feet. The plane is 129 feet long, 41 feet high, and 112 feet wide.

Local businesses are urged to organize teams consisting of no more than 20 members, three of which must be women, who are not necessarily required to have affiliation with the business. However, the females must not be from other teams participating in the event.

Teams will pull on a rope attached to a tow bar that is connected to the front wheels of the aircraft. The team captain of each team will signal the start of the pull, with officials starting the stopwatch as soon as there is tension on the rope. Time on the stopwatch will cease the second the team pulls the aircraft across the 12-foot mark.

Times of each team will be recorded, and the team with the fastest time will be crowned champion, receiving the first place trophy, certificates and bragging rights. Trophies and certificates will also be presented to the second and third place finishers.

Organizers also disclosed in a statement that none of the participants would go home empty-handed, as t-shirts will be presented to each. Refreshments will also be provided.

Before suiting up for the task, though, each member is required to submit a signed waiver of liability and must present an ID for entry to the airport tarmac area. Each participant is also required to wear closed-toe footwear, such as athletic shoes, and gloves for protection while pulling the aircraft.

Each team is also required to submit a competition entry fee of $750 payable to the American Red Cross.

The competition will be held at the Aircraft Parking Spot #1 of the Francisco C. Ada-Saipan International Airport, with check-in time at 7pm. The contest is set to begin at 8pm and is expected to end at midnight.

“This unique event, originally launched in 2001 during the 25th anniversary of the Saipan International Airport, is a great opportunity to support the Red Cross while promoting team building excellence for your staff and management,” a statement from Red Cross read. “The NMI Chapter works closely with CPA and all involved in the transportation industry during disasters. The American Red Cross is part of the U.S. government Federal Aviation Disaster Response Plan and plays a critical role in providing assistance to victims and their families after an aviation or ship accident.”

For more information or to pick up a team registration form, contact American Red Cross-NMI Chapter executive director John I. Hirsh at 234-3459 or Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Station chief Stanley C. Torres Jr. at 664-3542.