how long is aircraft fire fighting course

by Alysha Feeney PhD 8 min read

ARFF classes range from the 40-hour airport firefighter course to mass casualty incident training. Particular training needs can be met through custom designed classes from individual specifications. Several classes are eligible for Pro Board, TCFP or IFSAC certifications.

Full Answer

How many hours do you need to become an aerial firefighter?

Many of our rotary wing pilots require a minimum of 250 hours on the specific aircraft you’re applying for. However, we will look at overall aerial firefighting experience in addition to flight hours when hiring. Obtain your instrument rating What Other Roles Exist for Aerial Firefighting Companies?

What is the aircraft rescue firefighting program?

Industrial Emergency Council’s (IEC) aircraft rescue firefighting program is an intense, hands-on class that will require participants to participate in simulated, realistic live-fire exercises. Trainer is compliant with FAA Part 139 and NFPA 1003 and includes: Simulated wheel, multiple engine, APU and cabin fires with smoke.

What is the goal of an aviation firefighting team?

In the professional world of aviation firefighting it’s CRITICAL that all team members are working towards one common goal; the goal of carrying out SAFE aerial firefighting missions. The intent of every team member has to be flight safety, and the safety for the firefighters on the ground.

How long does it take to become a TEEX certified firefighter?

The state recommends 120 hours; TEEX uses a competency-based method to deliver the course in 80 hours. The course is more detailed than the 40-hour course and involves tours of airport maintenance facility and ARFF fire station. The course consists of classroom, tabletop scenarios, hands-on tactics, and strategy training.

How long is fire fighting training UK?

Duration: 18-month apprenticeship, then up to 36 months to achieve full competency as a firefighter. Assessment: an assessment at 18 months that includes a knowledge test, practical observation and a professional discussion.

How much does a fire fighter course cost in South Africa?

Firefighter training costs 4500 for 1 week. Fire fighting certificate is awarded.

What is a ARFF firefighter?

Aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) is a type of firefighting that involves the emergency response, mitigation, evacuation, and rescue of passengers and crew of aircraft involved in aviation accidents and incidents.

What is FAA ARFF certification?

This three-day emergency vehicle operator's course for aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) drivers includes interactive lecture, intimate truck familiarization, driving, and live fire truck operations.

How much do firefighters earn in rands?

Salary range for the majority of workers in Fire-fighters - from R3 399 to R12 012 per month - 2022. A Fire-fighters typically earns between R3 399 and R6 377 net per month at the start of the job. After 5 years of service, this is between R4 406 and R8 877 per month for a working week of 45 hours.

How long is the firefighter course in South Africa?

Throughout the four month course, values such as teamwork, discipline and perseverance are instilled, ensuring all recruits have a solid basis to start a rewarding career in the CTFRS.

What is a Category 4 airport?

Class IV airports are those airports that serve only unscheduled operations of large air carrier aircraft. Air carrier operations are so infrequent at these airports that in the past, FAA only required them to comply with some Part 139 requirements.

What do aviation firefighters do?

Aviation firefighters fight fires in aircraft and buildings at airports, provide rescue and first-aid services for aircraft passengers and crew, provide technical advice about fire safety and assist in educating airport users about firefighting and safety.

What are airport fire trucks called?

An airport crash tender (known in some countries as an airport fire appliance) is a specialised fire engine designed for use in aircraft rescue and firefighting at aerodromes, airports, and military air bases.

How many ARFF indexes are there?

(1) Index A includes aircraft less than 90 feet in length. (2) Index B includes aircraft at least 90 feet but less than 126 feet in length. (3) Index C includes aircraft at least 126 feet but less than 159 feet in length. (4) Index D includes aircraft at least 159 feet but less than 200 feet in length.

What is aircraft pre fire planning?

A pre-fire plan provides emergency services with information about your property so a more efficient and effective operation can be conducted, meaning less damage to your property and a better chance of a successful rescue. This document captures building characteristics, occupancy, protective features and hazards.

How do you fight a jet fuel fire?

In a real emergency, crews would be using a solution of water and 3 percent special foam known as aqueous film-forming foam designed to help put out jet fuel fires.

What is the purpose of the Firefighter Course?

This course provides firefighters with the correct procedures for rescuing personnel from burning aircraft and for fighting aircraft fires. Preservation of life and prevention of injury should be the first objective of all firefighters; the saving of aircraft is secondary.

What is the purpose of section 1 of the Air Force?

Section I includes general information on the characteristics of fire as they pertain to aircraft and aircraft materials . Section II familiarizes firefighters with the specific components of aircraft and the fire hazards associated with them. Section III describes emergency procedures, and gives illustrations of the general arrangement and the emergency procedures for typical aircraft.

What is evacuation in aviation?

Evacuation covers the types of entry/egress for aircraft as well as aircraft doors and hatches, including the concerns associated with both. The considerations for evacuation during aircraft and rescue firefighting operations and when to act will also be covered. Full course information and schedule. Contact Information.

What is the need for emergency responders in airports?

The unique needs of the global airport industry require emergency and disaster responders to have specialized training for effective response. For more than 35 years, the Emergency Services Training Institute has been training firefighters in Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting to respond to accidents, disasters, and other emergencies.

What is the ARF600?

ARF600 – Aircraft Emergencies for Firefighters. This course is designed to prepare the fighter for the initial response to an aircraft disaster in their jurisdiction. The firefighter will also be able to apply the main purpose of their role during the emergency; rescue, fire control, and loss control efforts.

How to become an aerial firefighter?

Step 1: Getting Your Pilot License/Certificate. Decide if you’d like to get or have a fixed wing or rotary pilot license. Obtain a Commercial, or preferably an Airline Transport Pilot License through your accrediting transportation bureau. Step 2: Getting Your Flight Hours.

What is the highest priority for aerial firefighters?

Safety is the NUMBER ONE priority for professional aerial firefighters, and the only way to accomplish the highest level of safety is to embrace day in and day out repetition, before the thrill of takeoff begins. The aviation world is a tight community and the aerial firefighting world is even tighter.

What is the most important factor in hiring an aerial firefighting pilot?

Attitude is by far one of the most important factors we look at when hiring an aerial firefighting pilot. Most people think they are team players and will quickly state that they are, but for some individuals, when under fire (no pun intended) it becomes clear they’re not suited to work seamlessly as part of a team.

How many hours do you need to fly a rotary wing?

Many of our rotary wing pilots require a minimum of 250 hours on the specific aircraft you’re applying for. However, we will look at overall aerial firefighting experience in addition to flight hours when hiring. Step 3: Next Steps After Getting Hired.

How many hours of flight do you need to fly a Coulson plane?

Coulson Aviation would prefer 2,500 flight hours experience along with the necessary licenses and designations before beginning our training program.

Is the aviation world tight?

The aviation world is a tight community and the aerial firefighting world is even tighter. If you enjoy working in a team environment and you’re just as good a listener as you are an action-taker, then you may have what it takes to join the illustrious family of aerial firefighting pilots. Coulson Group April 14, 2020. Previous.

Experience: No pilot starts off in aerial firefighting

It takes years to build up the technical skills and experience necessary to become an aerial firefighter. Piloting backgrounds are diverse and span military, corporate and agricultural applications.

Traits: Aerial firefighting takes more than technical piloting skill

To succeed as an aerial firefighter, you need more than technical skill.

What are the traits of a firefighting pilot?

There are common traits that we find are almost always present in the best firefighting pilots: Team-first attitude: Wildfire suppression is impossible without teamwork. From the dispatchers to the ground crew to the planes overhead, every piece of a response team must be working in harmony.

What is an aerial firefighter?

A top-notch aerial firefighter isn’t a pilot – they’re a firefighter with an airplane. They know fire behavior and suppression tactics. They understand that fire is the mission and their expert piloting skills are part of what they need to help their team win the war against these threats. While fighting wildfires from the air or ...

What is corporate piloting?

Corporate or airline piloting can build away-from-home experience as well. It also gives pilots important familiarity with weather fluctuations that come with flying diverse and cross-country routes. Traits: Aerial firefighting takes more than technical piloting skill.

Why is flying without automation important?

In general, experience with smaller stick and rudder or tailwheel planes without automation is critical, because there’s no automation or autopilot in aerial firefighting.

What does military service teach you?

Perhaps just as importantly, military service teaches you what it’s like to be away from home for extended periods of time, which is a tough reality for many wildland firefighters and their families. Military service people and their families know the sacrifice it takes to beat a powerful and relentless enemy.

What is the military pilot?

A critical skill for every firefighter, military piloting teaches you how to be your best in high-intensity situations. You know what it’s like to work as part of a team, communicating effectively and working together to ensure a successful and safe mission.

Is it easy to become an aerial firefighter?

Although it may sound like a cool job, it is far from easy. The sacrifices are worth it if you have a mental toughness and passion for the fire mission at hand. There are specific requirements for becoming an aerial firefighter, including minimum flight hours and specific aircraft experience.

What are the DVDs for firefighting?

The FAA has produced two DVDs that provide a foundation upon which firefighters can build during the required annual recurrent training. The first DVD is appropriate for inclusion in initial training, i.e., contributing knowledge of basic aircraft rescue and firefighting principles. The second DVD provides more information on the use of the High Reach Extendable Turret (HRET), extrication techniques, and cargo aircraft. These DVDs are not meant to qualify viewers to become Certified ARFF Specialists. They are currently available from your regional Airport Certification Safety Inspector (ACSI) or by requesting them from the FAA ARFF Specialist via email

What is the purpose of the ARFF manual?

It has been organized for ready reference by rescue teams and is intended to serve both as an operational guide and a training manual for rescue personnel. This publication has been prepared for use by crash crew members and their supervisors engaged in aircraft rescue operations. It provides detailed information about aircraft hazards, danger areas, procedures for aircraft entry, engine shutdown, ejection seat safing, aircrew and passenger release and extraction, and other actions important to aircraft rescue and firefighting personnel. It is available from:

What is IFSAC certification?

The IFSAC Certificate Assembly provides accreditation to entities that certify the competency of and issue certificates to individuals who pass examinations based on the NFPA fire service professional qualifications and other standards approved by the Assembly. IFSAC certification meeting the NFPA 1003 standard is an acceptable means to the Administrator of providing firefighting and rescue personnel with the training considered necessary to perform their duties at airports. The fire fighter will still be required to receive airport specific training prior to being assigned to an ARFF

Is NFPA required for airport firefighter?

NFPA certification is not required by 14 CFR Part 139, but it would be a worthwhile goal of a training program to enable personnel to meet proficiency criteria as detailed in NFPA 1003, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Airport Fire Fighters. The NFPA Technical Committee on Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications developed the standard. It specifies the minimum requirements of professional competence required for service as an airport firefighter. It does not restrict any jurisdiction from exceeding the minimum requirements set forth in the standard. A training program that leads to the fulfillment of the professional qualifications for an airport firefighter identified in NFPA 1003, latest edition, is another means acceptable to the Administrator of providing firefighting and rescue personnel with the training considered necessary to perform their duties at airports. The fire fighter will still be required to receive airport specific training prior to being assigned to an ARFF vehicle for duty. Copies of NFPA 1003, latest edition, may be ordered from NFPA at the address in the Appendix.

Do firefighters need to be trained at airports?

The FAA highly recommends that firefighters receive hands-on training on the aircraft that regularly serve their airport if possible . Such training is very difficult unless there are aircraft that remain overnight or there is an aircraft maintenance facility on the airport. Where such hands-on training is not feasible, the FAA recommends that ARFF crews have access to aircraft diagrams.

Do structural firefighters need to complete ARFF training?

Before firefighters assume any ARFF duties, they must complete their initial ARFF training. It is not acceptable to simply take structural firefighters and assign them to ARFF duties without the necessary additional training. The training curriculum must include current instruction in at least the areas listed in 0 through 1.3.13 below (also see Part 139.319).

Is ARFF required at non-certificated airports?

There are no regulatory requirements for ARFF services at non-certificated airports. However, the FAA recommends at those airports that have ARFF coverage, or for fire departments that have airport responsibility, the use of AC. The FAA also provides valuable information on First Responder Safety at a Small Aircraft or Helicopter Accident and the Ballistic Parachute System Familiarization. See

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