Agency helicopter pilots ensure all is clear before taking off during a training exercise.

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, agency helicopter pilots ensure all is clear before taking off during a training exercise. Helicopter pilot Bill Martin, a URS Federal Technical Services in the agency's Aircraft Operations, is seen in the front seat. Behind Martin on the left, is Mark Huetter, of Chenega Security & Support Solutions. Martin serves as assistant chief of Training for the center's Fire Rescue Department.

The activity taking place in Kennedy's Launch Complex 39 turn-basin parking lot was only one of several drills. It was part of a new training program that was developed by Kennedy's Fire Rescue department along with NASA Aircraft Operations to sharpen the skills needed to help rescue personnel learn how to collaborate with helicopter pilots in taking injured patients to hospitals as quickly as possible. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper