9 hours? I'd drive for sure. For me it's an hour to the airport, another hour or two getting through security, pat downs and naked pics ("sir, what's that thing dangling from your belly?"). Then add flight time with hopefully no delays, then wait for baggage pickup, wait for a rental car...add it up and you won't be far off that 9 hours. Drive and you don't have the hassles and save on airfare and car rentals. Yeah, gas is expensive, but since you are doing PD you are probably the independent, do-it-yourself type anyway.
Now pack that car and get going!