Latest news with #ARFF
CBS News
20-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Fire crews conduct emergency training at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport
Firefighters at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport took part in specialized training on Monday, designed to prepare crews for emergencies that most departments never face. The Minneapolis Airport Fire Department ran through Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) drills on a mobile training unit. The training is required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and is unique to airports that manage incoming and outgoing aircraft. "Today, we're out here to do our annual ARF training," Mark Watczak with the Minneapolis Airport Fire Department said. "This is pretty unique for us at the airport, where we have this specialty training, and it's aircraft Rescue [and] firefighting." The exercises started with smaller "pan fires" and gradually moved into full-scale drills inside a mock aircraft. Firefighters used powerful bumper and roof turrets mounted on their trucks to simulate an initial attack on aircraft fires. "We start out with a lot of hand line training, and eventually we work ourselves into the trucks," Watczack said. "This allows them to get that water on the fire early on." This year, multiple incidents across the country — including runway collisions and emergency landings — have underscored the importance of this kind of preparation. Watczak says the crews at MSP are ready. "MSP firefighters are highly trained," he said. "As the 18th busiest airport, they're exceptionally trained and well-versed in any sort of scenario, whether it's a structural fire or an aircraft incident." In total, 16 firefighters participated in this week's drill. Watczak says the department continues to run additional training sessions throughout the year to stay sharp and meet all federal requirements. "We're just here as a measure to ensure that we fortify that safety," he said.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Grand Forks International Airport's firefighters vote to unionize
May 19—GRAND FORKS — Grand Forks International Airport's firefighters voted to unionize, according to the interim president of the union local, not because of any current issues, but because of the expected benefits. "It's just, really, the additional benefits," said Tim Burrows, ARFF operations specialist. "It has nothing to do with the politics." At a Thursday, May 15, Airport Authority Board meeting, it was announced that the firefighters had voted to unionize. Among the benefits that led them to make this decision, according to Burrows, were additional training opportunities, additional health benefits, access to an international peer group, the ability to support research regarding firefighter safety — such as cancer and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — as well as the ability to participate in charitable events like the Fill the Boot campaign and Toys for Tots. "We look forward to having a great relationship with all constituents that we work for and work with," Burrows said. Ryan Riesinger, executive director of the airport, said he learned about the announcement earlier in the week, but before then, he was unaware there were plans to unionize. Burrows said the group submitted its paperwork a couple weeks ago and is still getting everything in order, so more information is likely to come within the next month. He said the process officially started back in March, before there were any discussions about possible changes in oversight or any other politics ongoing with the Airport Authority. Riesinger said late last week he had not yet received any official paperwork or documentation, either from the local union or the International Association of Firefighters, but did meet with a designated representative and had a good discussion about what the firefighters were looking for — which he said mainly revolved around training. "We meet all of the (Federal Aviation Administration) requirements as it relates to our fire responsibilities, but I believe some on staff, and some in the union, are wanting to look at where we can exceed some of those minimum requirements," Riesinger said. "We already do in some cases, but I think they're looking for additional training, or additional areas where they can really go beyond the minimum requirements. We're open to those discussions." He said he was told directly that the decision to unionize was not related to concerns about pay, benefits or scheduling. "They're happy with all of those things, so I was pleased to hear that," Riesinger said.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New rescue facility at Ford Airport complete
CASCADE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — A new $14.5 million building to house emergency response crews at Gerald R. Ford International Airport is finished, the airport says. The Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting building is 25,000 square feet has large bays to facilitate the airport's firefighting vehicles and more space for training and storing equipment. Headed to Disney World? Ford Airport adds another nonstop Orlando flight on the ARFF in August 2023. It's next to the Airport Operations Center so crews can easily communicate in the event of an emergency. 'As the Airport continues to grow and serve more travelers, we strive to maintain the highest level of safety and operations for our community,' Airport Authority Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Alex Peric said in a Wednesday statement. 'This significant investment will further support our efforts to respond swiftly and efficiently to any emergency situation that may arise, and we are grateful to our team and partners for making this possible.' Rental car facility at Ford Airport celebrates construction milestone A number of improvements are underway at the airport, which saw a record-breaking 4.17 million passengers in 2024. Crews are building a consolidated car rental facility and working on the terminal enhancement project, which will relocate ticket counters. The air traffic control tower is set to be relocated and a new parking garage is set to be built. The money for the ARFF came from state and federal grants, plus airport dollars. —News 8's Madalyn Buursma contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hans India
21-04-2025
- Business
- Hans India
GMR Aero Academy Restarts ARFF Training from May 14 in Hyderabad
GMR Aero Academy will restart its Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) training program on April 21, at its Hyderabad campus, marking a strategic step to support growing demand for skilled aviation safety personnel. The ARFF initiative, aligned with global aviation safety standards, is resuming after a hiatus, with the upcoming ninth cohort commencing on May 14. Previously, over 350 professionals were trained under this program between 2013 and 2018 in Hyderabad. The training spans 24 weeks and integrates International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards with practical exposure to modern fire safety systems. It offers hands-on sessions involving real-time firefighting equipment and simulations. The faculty comprises industry professionals experienced in aviation emergency response. Participants completing the course gain access to job opportunities across GMR's aviation network, which includes over 15 airports across India. The academy also maintains recruitment partnerships with major Indian airlines such as IndiGo and Air India Express. This program relaunch coincides with a significant expansion in India's aviation infrastructure. As more airports come online, the need for certified fire and rescue staff has become critical, especially in Telangana and neighboring southern states. GMR Aero Academy President Ashok Gopinath stated that the role of airport firefighters is vital in ensuring safety in aviation operations. He highlighted that the training not only enhances technical capabilities but also instills operational readiness for emergency scenarios. With accreditations from ICAO, International Air Transport Association (IATA), and Airports Council International (ACI), the academy provides training modules that include hazardous material management, aircraft recovery techniques, and structural firefighting drills. The ARFF curriculum is designed to meet global safety and emergency standards. The academy reports a 90 per cent placement rate, having trained and placed nearly 1,000 professionals across airports in India. GMR Aero Academy continues to focus on producing mission-ready fire and rescue personnel to support India's rapidly growing aviation sector.
The Hindu
21-04-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
GMR Aero Academy to resume firefighting training programme
GMR Aero Academy has announced the relaunch of its Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) training programme, with operations resuming at its Hyderabad campus. The programme, which had trained over 350 professionals between 2013 and 2018, will commence its 9th batch on May 14. Designed as a 24-week intensive course, the ARFF programme is structured around an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)-compliant curriculum. It combines classroom learning with hands-on experience using advanced fire fighting equipment, and is led by experienced industry professionals. Graduates of the programme are expected to benefit from GMR Aero Academy's strong industry linkages, including access to a network of over 15 airports managed by the GMR Group across India, and connections with major airlines such as IndiGo and Air India Express. 'Airport firefighters are the guardians of aviation safety, whose split-second decisions and actions save countless lives. Like our armed forces who serve the nation, these professionals work with unwavering dedication and courage, often putting themselves in very challenging situations for the greater good of passengers and aviation personnel. There is a growing demand for such highly skilled professionals, and the need far outweighs the current supply, making their role critical in sustaining the aviation ecosystem,' said GMR Aero Academy president Ashok Gopinath.
