Many ARFF courses which are offered by other parties only provide training on aircraft live-fire simulator mock-ups. We decided to take a step forward in ARFF training and make an upgrade to the ARFF Basic/Refresher Course which could also be a stand-alone course for heliport operations, so we now also provide training on the latest helicopter live-fire simulator mock-up. The course itself is targeted at ARFF personnel who have completed the ARFF Basic/Refresher Course, and other personnel who are responsible for fire safety at heliports. The programme consists of theoretical classroom lecture and practical hands-on training in the simulator.
The course curriculum has been developed based on the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) published by the International Civil Aviation Organization, as well as on internationally recognized fire protection standards, developed and published by EASA Regulation 139 and the National Fire Protection Association. The course is additionally in compliance with the following standards and regulations:
- NFPA 402: Guide for Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Operations,
- NFPA 403: Standard for Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Services at Airports,
- NFPA 418: Standards for Heliports,
- NFPA 422: Guide for Aircraft Accident Response,
- IFSTA: Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting.
On completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- identify types of helicopter and understand helicopter construction and design;
- define the level of protection required at airports, based on their airport classification as defined by the ICAO and NFPA;
- identify safety and hazards associated with commercial and military helicopters;
- carry out search and rescue operations;
- explain the extinguishing effects and application of foam and other extinguishing agents;
- understand the concepts, principles and theory of helicopter firefighting and rescue tactics;
- implement tactics and strategies, including tactical approach, initial attack, and the selection, application, and management of
ARFF extinguishing agents required for helicopter fire suppression and rescue operations.
The participants, working together as a team, will be challenged by a variety of fire scenarios. They will combat and extinguish:
- a fuel spill fire
- an engine fire
- a cockpit fire
- a cabin fire
- an undercarriage fire