CAL FIRE Aviation Training Center held the annual Helicopter Continuing Professional Training last week. Photo courtesy of CAL FIRE

MCCLELLAN, CA (MPG) - The CAL FIRE Aviation Training Center welcomed the first of six cohorts for the annual Helicopter Continuing Professional Training (HCPT) last week.

The six-day training provides both classroom and practical instruction for helitack crews and pilots, covering topics such as avionics, safety procedures and hands-on rescue and aerial firefighting flights.

Commitment to Readiness: Day and night operations training flights

Thursday and Friday, Dec. 5 and 6, crews flew both day and night. Day flights were held at Folsom Lake, night flights were held near Mammoth Bar in Placer County. 

Residents in the surrounding areas saw helicopter activity during daylight hours and after dark until 11 p.m. All flights were conducted in accordance with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and CAL FIRE safety protocols.

Importance of Training at Night

CAL FIRE's commitment to readiness requires operational specific training. By conducting exercises at night, pilots and crews gain valuable experience in adjusting for the lower visibility environment. They will practice water dropping, navigation and communication visually aided by night vision goggles (NVG).

CAL FIRE is dedicated to minimizing disturbances to our neighboring communities and values the public's cooperation as we strive to maintain operational readiness.

To learn more about the CAL FIRE Aviation Program, visit www.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/fire-protection/aviation-program.