The Country Fire Authority’s (CFA) air flying team has developed a prototype fire aviation trailer-based simulator, the first of its kind in Australia.
Making the most of the 2020 lockdowns, Commander, Operational Response and Coordination at CFA, John Katakouzinos begun the project in his garage.
Mr Katakouzinos said that over the past few years, 220 CFA Air Attack Supervisors, Air Attack Observers and Airborne Mission Commanders had been trained or reaccredited with the prototype simulator.
“The simulator has also been used to train pilots and ground staff in team resource management,” Mr Katakouzinos said.
“The simulator has provided real-world training and skill testing in a safe, controlled environment as well as the ability for training to be tailored to suit a student’s needs,” he said.
“In additional to enabling airborne firefighters to train prior to completing their practical sky-based assessments, a simulator of this kind allows for reaccreditation of aviation personnel in situations such as during the pandemic where restrictions meant in-person training couldn’t take place.”
Mr Katakouzinos said the trailer-based prototype was designed to enhance the training of fire aviation personnel, allowing them to undertake mapping, air attack missions, direct aircraft, and to practice communication and radio skills in a mock environment.
The Commander said the simulator replicated the interior of an aircraft and used photorealistic mapping software and communication technology to immerse pilots and students in the flight experience.
“It can 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 After Action Reviews and pre-season training,” he said.
“Our goal now is to seek funding to develop one fixed and two of the trailer simulators with the view to sharing these across the emergency services sector.”
Mr Katakouzinos said that with the help of CFA training staff Paul Cockrill and Chris Thom, he was able to finesse the final concept by utilising CFA Training’s virtual reality technology, a prop trailer and existing audio and visual equipment.
CFA said the prototype had been approved to proceed with a funding model to be developed over the coming months.
