CPA bids for aircraft rescue training
The Commonwealth Ports Authority has submitted a proposal to the Federal Aviation Administration to choose Saipan International Airport as the site for the Western Pacific Regional Aircraft Rescue and Fire Training Facility.
If the ports authority is selected, CPA Executive Director Carlos H. Salas said the training will be in partnership with the Northern Marianas College.
In a letter to Howard S. Yoshioka, FAA airport district office manager, Salas said the ports authority is looking forward to the opportunity for Saipan to take the lead in providing ARFF training to airport and city fire fighters within the Pacific region and nearby Asian countries.
He said the availability of land within the airport property makes Saipan conducive for rescue training.
“Smoke from the training would not hamper any airport operations or disturb any flight operations. Normal path of winds from the north would normally carry the training smoke towards the south and away from the airport active runway and terminal facilities,” said Salas.
Accessibility to the training site, Salas said, is limited to the public but accessible to ARFF personnel. Land area surrounding the proposed site is owned by the airport and is away from residential or commercial buildings.
With the training, CPA would have to purchase additional training equipment such as proximity suites and self contained breathing apparatus for training use.
The existing ARFF vehicles would be used as part of the training program. CPA has submitted to FAA an application to replace a 19-year old 1500 gallon Oshkosh ARFF truck to upgrade it to a 3000-gallon ARFF vehicle to be used for both current ARFF operations and the RATF.
An existing facility, which is about 2,240 sq. ft. area, would be renovated into a classroom and locker/shower room located within the airport property.
Currently, the Northern Marianas College offers a Fire Science Associates Degree program and additional fire service courses through Adult and Continuing Education Department for College Equivalency Units which CPA ARFF is actively involved in.
According to Salas, NMC is willing to work together with CPA to ensure that academic curriculum certification process and instructors are provided for the ARFF training program.
