Alaska Regional Aircraft Fire Training Center

A limited number of aircraft fire training centers are funded by the FAA across the country. K+A programmed and designed this 23,460 square foot facility to accommodate FAA required aircraft firefighter training on live fire props for the Alaska region. Development of this project included a propane-fueled fire trainer designed with a 125-foot diameter spill fire simulation including an inactive 737 mockup. Thermo-coupler propane burners that surround the prop are computer controlled from the building’s control room. A specialized aircraft trainer that is an active mockup with ten ‘fireplaces’ provides fire training capabilities for cockpit, galley, restroom, passenger area, baggage hold, tire and engine fires. Training building functions include Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle bays, turn-out gear areas, laundry, locker rooms, draft well, a tiered lecture room, two classrooms, offices and reception area on the first level. The lecture room is fitted with camera and video capabilities to accommodate distance learning. A unique approach to design outside of ARFF training was to include Non-FAA lease areas. The City of Kenai used the second floor area for an emergency response area and made provisions for future classroom space. Allowances were made for future vehicle storage areas.  The project also includes planning and design of access roads and an off-road driving course for ARFF vehicles located within a security fenced 15 acre site.