Rappellers exit a helicopter at the National Rappeller Recertification Academy May 16 in John Day.

Rappellers from the 12 rappel bases located across the nation descended on John Day for the National Rappeller Recertification Academy, May 15-18. More than 65 rappellers attended this year’s academy, along with trainers, helicopter pilots and support personnel. The week included training and recertification exercises on the rappel simulator tower, mock-up scenarios on the ground and live helicopter rappels in sloped and timbered areas.

The academy has several objectives, including the insurance that all veteran rappellers receive the highest quality training experience possible. The centralization and standardization of academy makes this possible, ensuring all participants meet the same high standard. To develop and promote an attitude of safety is also on the mind of all program managers, and is an integral part of the academy and agency philosophy.

The U.S. Forest Service National Helicopter Rappel Program’s primary mission is initial attack. Rappel crews may be utilized for large fire support, all hazard incident operations and resource management activities.

A rappel operation consists of a rapid delivery of a minimum of two firefighters by helicopter, usually in wilderness areas, rugged backcountry conditions and far from roads. Specialized equipment for rappel maneuvers include a flight helmet, specialized rappel gloves, rappel harness, belly bag (containing line gear, hard hat and fire shelter), a descent device and 250 feet of rappel rope. All equipment necessary to sustain rappeller suppression efforts for 36 hours is delivered by a cargo letdown procedure. Additional equipment needs and re-supply can be provided by aircraft.

Once on the ground, rappellers build firelines using hand tools, chainsaws and other firefighting tools. Rappellers often prepare helispots (helicopter landing zones) that provide better access to a fire. After completing their assignment, crew members pack up to 120 pounds of equipment over difficult terrain to reach a pick-up point.