Rappel programs have been establish for many years in others crews, Angeles Helitack crew started there rappel program in 2000. Starting a new program took quite an effort, the need for equipment, time and money is always a challenge. Luckly, with Managements support, in May 2000 the Helitack community was willing to help, U.S Forest Service and BLM crews donated equipment allowing the crew to  gain rappel qualifications. There are many steps that must be follow in order to be qualify as a Rappel unit. There is classroom hours follow by tower training and finally rappel out of the hovering Helicopter. In order to be qualifying as a Rappeler you have to complete these steps: The first rappel out of a helicopter is at 50 feet them you start going up till you get to 250 feet which is the maximum. You are require to do and emergency procedure from a hovering helicopter.Nothing prepares you for the real thing!. You must do at least 8 rappels without mistakes in order to be fully qualified. During 2004 and 2005 the rappel program was suspended due to management. In 2006  the program got restarted and currently up and running.     

Reppeler waiting for signal to descend


Crew getting initial rope training.