Helitack Program

The Angeles Helitack program was started in 1957 and is currently running strong in the Angeles Nation Forest. As the nations first ever Helitack we pride ourselves on professionalism, tradition, pride, integrity, diversity, safety and success. Our training is extensive and thorough in the classroom and out on the field. The nature of this job keeps crewmembers in a constant state of learning and training. The crew consists of 14 individuals a superintendent, 1 captains, 2 squad bosses, 4 lead firefighters, 5 seasonal firefighters and  apprentices. As a multifunctional helicopter crew with tasks ranging from everyday initial attack fire responses, fire rappelling, logistical fire support, large campaign fire support in California and across the United States.

            As one of the firefighting helicopters serving the Angeles National Forest and the nation we respond to every fire on the forest and in surrounding areas. Responding in a helicopter provides an aerial view of the fire allowing the crew to form better fire suppression tactics to insure safety and success. At times we respond to multiple fires in a day keeping the crew in a constant state of readiness. Arriving on a fire we provide a variety of suppression tactics such as line construction, water points, and coordinating water drops. As a seven person initial attack crew our physical training is arduous and held to higher standards.

            Our fire rappel program which started in 2000 has given our crew the ability to suppress fires and construct helispots in remote and rugged terrain. The rappel procedure consists of the helicopter hovering over a spot, the helitack crewmember will then move to the skid of the helicopter and descend down a rope from heights as high as 250 feet. Our rappel training program consists of classroom training, ground school, mock rappel set-ups, and finally live rappels to complete the training and become a certified rappeller. As a rappel ship we can do a variety of fires ranging from initial attack, lightning fires and large campaign fires.

            Logistical fire support is one of our more common services in which our abilities as a multifunctional unit are put to use by having personnel doing a variety of jobs. One important job is Helibase radio communications in which personnel coordinate and keep constant contact with all aircraft on the fire. As helitack personnel we are responsible for the safe and successful transport of cargo and personnel to the fire line in order to support fire suppression efforts.

             As a national resource we have the capabilities of traveling all around the United States. We are logistically supported to be on the road for six months. The jobs that we are able to perform do not change when called out of state.             

The experiences and work ethics that are learned on helitack can be used as a stepping stone. Every fire season it is our goal to ensure safety and a better understanding of the aviation program. We hope this gives you an overview of the many career opportunities available with the Angeles Helitack and within the U.S. Forest Service.

• For employment with the Angeles Helitack please make sure you fill out and application with Avue website there is a link below. Please check the Miscellaneous Items page for more information on job.