August 28, 2025—Today, Blue Grass Airport’s Regional Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting (ARFF) Training Center celebrated a recent 4,200 square foot expansion of its facility with an Open House showcasing new interior and exterior enhancements. As one of only a few Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-designated training centers nationwide, the training center offers basic and advanced ARFF training for professionals. This expansion provides an upgraded experience for both the firefighters and instructors, as well as allows for larger class sizes to accommodate a growing number of participants.
Improvements to the facility totaled $4.8 million and included upgrades to the existing classroom and training areas, as well as entirely new spaces for apparatus, storage and cleaning. The modernized and expanded classroom now accommodates class sizes up to 30 participants and features updated technology in a more comfortable environment. The building expansion provides dedicated areas for equipment and fire gear storage, an apparatus bay, a personal protective equipment training area and a gear cleaning/washroom. These upgrades improve the firefighters’ experience, provide instructors with the necessary tools to deliver enhanced training and better prepare participants for the unique challenges of aircraft firefighting.
“We are proud to celebrate the completion of our expanded training center, which not only enhances the resources available to class participants but also provides modern amenities to make their training time more comfortable and productive,” said Eric Frankl, president & CEO of Blue Grass Airport. “This investment reflects the commitment of the FAA and Blue Grass Airport to delivering excellent training while ensuring participants have the facilities necessary to learn and collaborate.”
These renovations build upon the new training simulators that were installed in 2024. These simulators, including a plane modeled after a Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, and a 30-foot-long helicopter modeled after a UH-60 Blackhawk, expand the training center’s ability to offer a wider variety of classes and instruction.
Blue Grass Airport’s Regional Fire Training Center, established in 1997, is one of only 12 airport-operated training centers in the United States and provides top-tier education for ARFF professionals at Blue Grass Airport and airports of all sizes across the country. Designated by the Federal Aviation Administration as a regional training site, the center plays a vital role in preparing aircraft rescue and firefighting professionals from across the nation. Each year, the airport hosts more than 1,000 firefighters representing over 125 public safety departments from more than 30 states and several Canadian provinces. Offering a full spectrum of basic and advanced courses—from intensive weeklong training to annual recertifications—the facility also serves as a valuable resource for Blue Grass Airport’s own fire department.
Information on courses offered at the training center can be found at www.bluegrassairport.com/training. Receive the latest news by liking us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BGAARFF or visiting us at www.bluegrassairport.com/arff-facility.