McClellan, CA – CAL FIRE Aviation Training Center welcomes the first of six cohorts for annual Helicopter Continuing Professional Training (HCPT) this week. The 6-day training provides both classroom instruction and hands-on training for helicopter crews and pilots, covering topics such as avionics, safety procedures, and practical aerial rescue and firefighting flights.

Commitment to operational readiness: training flights day and night

Thursday and Friday, December 5th and 6th, 2024, Crews will fly day and night. Day flights take place at Folsom Lake, night flights take place near Mammoth Bar in Placer County.

Residents in the area should expect helicopter activity during daylight hours and after dark until 11 p.m. All flights are operated in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and CAL FIRE safety protocols.

Importance of night training

CAL FIRE’s commitment to mission readiness requires operational training. By conducting exercises at night, pilots and crews gain valuable experience in adapting to the lower visibility environment. You practice urination, navigation and communication visually supported by night vision goggles (NVG).

CAL FIRE is committed to minimizing disruption 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, click here.

Editor’s note: Here is a short video about CAL FIRE’s Fire Hawks night flight training.