The CFA is enhancing its driver training capability across Victoria thanks to 10 new driver training trucks along with additional driving educators.

Deputy Chief Officer Operational Doctrine and Training, Rohan Luke, said the new custom designed driver training trucks will be delivered to CFA training grounds across the state which will provide greater access to driver training without the need to draw on operational vehicles.

“These trucks have been built to replicate the size, weight and configuration of operational firefighting vehicles,” Mr Luke said.

“We’re one of the first in the Australian fire services to have purpose-built driver training trucks for our volunteers to use for driver training.

“Driver training courses are important for future capability within a brigade as they provide the key elements to ensure our drivers operate safely in high-risk environments whilst protecting Victorian communities.”

The 10 new trucks, which cost a total of $2.2 million, can be used for both on road and 4×4 off road driver training as they are self-sufficient, containing everything the trainer needs to deliver driver training.

CFA recently offered the first female only Driver Educator Course (DEC) which six women have successfully completed.

CFA Commander State Driving, Malcolm Hayes, said this group of newly qualified women will soon be delivering driver training to brigades in their area and across the state when required.

“As a result of this female-only course, we will have tripled the amount of volunteer female driver educators in CFA which is an incredible achievement and asset for the future of driver training,” Mr Hayes said.

“While we always encourage any CFA members to undertake the course, we do find creating female only courses provides a more comfortable space and environment for them to train.”

Fire fighters take flight

The CFA has also created a world-first mixed reality fire aviation simulator which will improve the training and skills of hundreds of the state’s eyes in the sky.

The aviation simulator has state-of-the-art mixed reality goggles with a 280-degree view of the surrounding landscape which provides real-world training and skill testing in a safe, controlled environment.

A prototype trailer of the aviation simulator was originally designed and developed by CFA Aviation Commander, John Katakouzinos AFSM, who started the project in his garage during the pandemic lockdown in 2020. This trailer-based prototype is still being utilised by aviation members across the state.

Mr Katakouzinos said due to the success of the prototype, the need for a permanent aviation simulator became evident.

“The simulator allows aviation volunteers and staff to undertake mapping, air attack missions, direct aircraft and practise communication and radio skills in a simulated environment,” he explained.

“It replicates the interior of an aircraft and uses photorealistic mapping software and communication technology to immerse pilots and students in the flight experience.

“It’s also designed to be programmed to train students in any scenario in any of the aircraft used for aerial firefighting in Australia including re-enacting past operations for pre-season training.”

Both the prototype and new permanent aviation simulators have achieved successful training outcomes with more than 300 Air Attack Supervisors, Air Observers and Airborne Mission Commanders trained or re-accredited over the past few years.

CFA Chief Officer, Jason Heffernan, commended Mr Katakouzinos and everyone who worked hard to develop this world-first technology.

“The new aviation simulator at Bangholme as well as the existing simulator trailer are vital Fire training boosted on land and in the airassets for aviation training across Victoria,” he said.

“Aviation is important for providing intelligence and support to our crews on the ground during a fire and we’re excited to be able to share this simulator with our partner agencies.

“There has already been further interest from our airborne partners with a portable aviation trailer being built for NSW Parks and Wildlife.

The $640,000 project was jointly funded by CFA and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).

This article appeared in the Corryong Courier, 21 November 2024.