Who conducts the training and certification of airport fire and rescue personnel?

The training and certification of airport fire and rescue personnel are primarily the responsibility of the FAA and state aviation authorities. This designation is crucial because airports are required to meet specific safety regulations and standards set forth by these governing bodies to ensure effective emergency response capabilities. The FAA establishes guidelines that define the necessary training programs and qualifications to ensure that personnel can effectively respond to various emergency situations, including aircraft incidents and hazardous material spills.

Local fire departments may provide some collaborative support or mutual aid, but they do not typically conduct the specialized training required for airport-specific operations. Airlines operating at the airport do not have the authority to certify or train fire and rescue personnel, as their main focus is on flight operations and passenger services. Airport operations managers play a key role in overseeing the airport’s overall function and safety guidelines, yet they do not directly carry out the training and certification process for fire and rescue personnel. Therefore, the most accurate source of training and certification remains with the FAA and state aviation authorities.