Two rappellers descend from a training platform at the Grant County Airport in 2017.

The Malheur National Forest announced on April 29 that the rappel certification training will run May 3 through May 8 and continues on May 24 through May 28, according to a press release.

Starting May 3, the John Day Airbase will host a weeklong annual certification session for returning rappellers.

During the May 5 session, approximately 50 rappellers and training cadre will utilize the 50-foot high rappel tower, two rappel simulators and helicopters to accomplish their required annual certification. The training sessions are also refreshers for helicopter rappel spotters and pilots, according to the press release.

Classes will be training in small groups to assist in maintaining social and physical distancing. Returning rappellers sessions are held for re-certification purposes; the sessions involve safety review, tower training, helicopter mockups and live rappels.

The May 24 session is an initial certification event to train approximately 35 new rookie rappellers. Each rappeller must complete equipment review, ground and tower training, and finish with eight error-free live rappels to be certified as a helicopter rappeller with the U.S. Forest Service.