LA County FD mechanics use composites training for emergency vehicles
The widespread need for aerospace training was fully displayed at Francis Tuttle's Reno Campus last month.
California firefighters whose job is to maintain important emergency aerial vehicles took a two-week class at the Composites Center of Excellence, a new space dedicated to the creation and repair of composite materials used on aircraft.
Kevin McDougall and Adrian De Los Reyes, helicopter mechanics with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, took a two-week class on composite materials repair. They work on helicopters used for search and rescue missions and forest fire response. This training allowed them to fine-tune their skills and master advanced techniques.
“I did a sheet metal course here before, and I had a really good experience,” McDougall said. “In our job, we’re always trying to be more well-rounded.”
Instructor Mark Hynes said this was the first class of its kind to be hosted at the Composites Center of Excellence. It is designed to host regularly scheduled fabrication and repair classes, as well as customized workforce training for employees whose work involves aircraft and drones.
McDougal and De Los Reyes spent two weeks working on the most up-to-date tools and machines for work on composite materials. This includes sanding booths, automated fabric cutting tables, downdraft tables, equipment for various heating and curing methods, and a walk-in freezer.