Airports Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Training at OGG By: Shelly Kunishige Photo: OGG ARFF
Do you ever see notices on fire training exercises at Maui International Airport (OGG) and wonder why they are so frequent? Annual training to put out a live fire is one of many requirements for the Federal Aviation Administration Part 139 certification needed for almost all airports. The OGG fire pit allows Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighters (ARFF) at smaller airports to do this training safely. On May 27, Lanai Airport (LNY) ARFF B shift conducted their annual training. Following the exercise, the LNY ARFF and Maui Fire Department (MFD) Tanker #8 showed their support and aloha for Lanai High School
Captain Guy Desilva, George Purdy, and Kain oa Liu worked to put out the practice burn.
graduating seniors by doing a surprise water lei. “MFD and LNY ARFF strive to be a positive and integral part of our community as the community members have always been highly supportive of us,” said Kainoa Liu.
New Face at Airports - Noelani Ortiz, AIR-K Welcome Noelani Ortiz to our DOT ‘ohana as she joins AIR-K as their new Airport Operations Controller II.
interested in?
What aspect of my new role am I most
Working on the frontline and now on the operations side of things, it’s quite interesting and it keeps me on my toes. I’ve got ants in my pants, sometimes I can’t keep still. So for me to run from one side of the terminal to the next, I love it and I don’t mind at all. Who is your favorite mentor and what did you learn from them?
My father was a career Marine who instilled teamwork, personal accountability, humility and confidence in not only myself, but everyone he has had the pleasure of directing. I have used these skills and succeeded and excelled my past endeavors. Where is your most treasured travel destination and why? There is no place like home. I would be content here on Kaua`i if I couldn’t travel. We live in the most sought after destination in the world. I’d choose Iceland. Snow covered volcanoes, glaciers, terrain and rock formations unlike any other in the world. I would love to observe the Aurora Borealis and stargaze from up there and maybe enjoy a hot spring or two.
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