Sixteen CFA members are currently taking part in a new aviation training course at VEMTC Bangholme.
Developed by Commander Aviation John Katakouzinos AFSM and Coordinator Aviation Programs Sherri McKerley, the new course is designed to introduce members to a five to 10-year aviation training pathway that begins with qualifying as an Air Observer.
It includes ground-based and air-based activities, allowing participants to learn about mapping, reporting and directing aircraft in a simulated environment before taking to the skies to put what they have learned into practice.
A role performed by both CFA staff and volunteers, Air Observers work closely with pilots, planners, incident controllers and airbase personnel to provide information and intelligence while in the air, assisting with the planning of fire suppression and other incidents such as floods.
They play a critical role in assisting firefighters and personnel on the ground during the fire season and are key to implementing the right strategies and tactics particularly at large-scale or challenging fires.
John said the new course took a different approach to aviation training which would set a standard for future courses.
“The new course provides members with a holistic understanding of the role of aviation at CFA, introducing them to the type of environments they will be working in early in their training,” John said.
“It has a fairly rigorous selection process which means that members participating in the training are committed to developing new skills in the aviation space in the long term.
“Just like our resources on the ground, aviation is a crucial part of Victoria's ability to respond to and manage emergency situations, and it will only become more important as environmental challenges require us to manage more unpredictable fires and incidents.
“It is vital that we continue to develop and grow our resourcing and capability in the aviation space through continually improving, revitalising and building our training program.”
| Submitted by |
Martin Anderson and Shaunnagh O'Loughlin |