b'60 LEX EMERGENCY RESPONSEA new, larger classroom features upgraded technology. The centers other new unit is a 30-foot UH-60 BlackhawkFacility Upgradessimulator, also from Alpine Metal Tech. It helps trainers prepareRenovations to accommodate the advanced simulators began in ARFF crews for the specialized rescues that helicopter accidents2023, with construction scheduled to reduce impact on day-to-day can require due to the unique aircraft design and construction.operations. That was a tricky feat because crews had to demobilize the existing simulator before replacing it. We had to go dark as a training center for a while, says Miller of the roughly six-month hiatus. Demolition of the previous simulator proved more challenging than anticipated due to unforeseen underground conditions that required additional site prep. There was quite a bit of rock that EXPERIENCED | TIME-TESTED the contractor had to deal with, which led to unusable soil and the need to backfill, Joseph explains. After the new simulators were online in 2024, contractors accelerated their work renovating and expanding the building. During this six-month period, classroom instruction was conducted in a conference room at the airport fire station. For Miller, the projects unexpected challenges and extra FULLY INTEGRATED HANGAR & DOOR SYSTEMS adjustments were worth it. The updates and expansion have really solidified our role and made us even more relevant and valuable to the industry, he remarks. Serving the IndustryThe Blue Grass Regional ARFF Training Center is a separate business entity that operates independently from the airports fire department. From an executive mindset, I think this is a very good example of our airport identifying one of our differentiators and then HANGAR investing in it and maximizing our opportunities, says Miller. Although the newly expanded and upgraded training center is &DOOR expected to attract more non-aeronautical revenue, Miller stresses that 1957 2023 isnt the primary focus for LEX. If we dont make a lot of money off of EXPERTS the training center itself, we recognize the value that it has in the airport industry and how our role is to serve aviation as a whole, he explains.Im really proud of the facility that weve introduced, and were START TO FINISH EXPERTISE proud that the training center is self-sustaining, Miller elaborates. Single-source for Design, Manufacturing, & On-Site ServicesI think its a great example of our airport team prioritizing a project that a lot of the Lexington public will not see on an everyday basis.800.274.0144|FULFAB.COM This truly is a project of service to the industry. March | April 2026AirportImprovement.com'