Ocala Regional Airport

This state-of-the-art facility, located in Ocala, Florida, provides realistic training for aircraft rescue fire fighting and emergency technical rescue. All courses taken at the FETF will include classroom and scenario-based, hands-on training. The FETF staff will train students in rescue vehicles and practical applications similar to their own realistic operations. The quality training received will minimize unnecessary risk-taking and reduce costly mistakes, and ultimately save lives and reduce property damage. The Florida facility is located in north central Florida. It is home to Florida's Silver Springs, "Nature's Showplace," and approximately 70 miles from central Florida's many theme parks, such as, Walt Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios, and Busch Gardens.

Airport personnel realize the need for highly-trained emergency responders to deal with the dangers and complications involving aircraft incidents and accidents at their own facilities. FETF has two 737 aircraft mock-ups to simulate the most realistic training possible for airport fire fighters. One aircraft mock-up is specifically for fuel spill training. It is centered in a 153 foot, propane-controlled fuel spill pit. Students will need to respond to the fuel spill using hand lines and/or turrets.

The other aircraft mock-up is a Specialized Aircraft Fire Trainer (SAFT). This will simulate interior fires involving cockpit, lavatory, engine #1 and #2, 3D fuel spill, baggage compartment, APU, galley, seat, hull and wheel/brakes fires. All one-day training meets the FAA Part 139 regulations for Live Fire Training. The fires are computer controlled and respond realistically to the student's action when applying water or foam.

Central Florida Community College is working in conjunction with the Florida Emergency Training Facility to present classes in the areas of Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting, Confined Space training and Trench Rescue.

Fire departments and rescue services, as well as many individuals from around the nation and abroad are among those who have expressed a strong interest in upgrading their abilities in these areas.

Central Florida Community College Continuing Education P.O. Box 1388 Ocala, Florida 34478-1388 -An Equal Opportunity College-