Unofficial Malheur Rappel Crew Site (circa 1998)

These pages went up when I was rappelling on the Malheur back in 1998. I got out of fire a number of years back, and haven't kept up with the Forest Service helicopter rappel program or what's going on in John Day, so there's a pretty good chance more than some of the information here is outdated. Considering that, treat these pages as a historical snapshot of rappelling in the 1990s. For more current information, here's a link to the MRC's official Web site, where you'll find up-to-date beta on recruiting and contacts. - Joel McNamara, 12/14/2009

The Malheur Rappel Crew (MRC) is a Type I, twenty person crew that specializes in initial attack and helicopter operations. Operating out of the John Day, Oregon airport, it is one of 5 US Forest Service helicopter rappel crews in Region 6. The crew serves the Malheur National Forest, and has been used on fires throughout the Western United States and Alaska.

This page presents information about the crew, its aircraft, and fire rappelling. This is not an official Forest Service site, but simply reflects the personal opinions and observations of a rappeler on the MRC.

Rappelling

Rappelling is a fast and efficient way of getting to fires in remote areas. Firefighters rappel from helicopters hovering at altitudes of up to 250 feet above the ground. It's basically just another way to get to work. On the ground, rappelers are like any other wildland firefighter, using the same type of gear and tools.

Specialized equipment for rappel operations includes a flight helmet, optional flight suit, heavy leather rappelling gloves, a Sky Genie descent device, rappel harness, belly bag that converts to line gear (containing hard hat, water, survival gear, and food) and 250 feet of bagged rope.

Once the rappelers are on the ground, a fire box containing two Pulaskis, a shovel and 36 hours of food and water for two people is lowered from inside the helicopter with a letdown line. A chain saw box can may also be lowered depending on the need.
John in Rappel Gear
The Malheur receives a large number of lightning caused fires. A typical initial attack mission with the Type III helicopter includes the pilot, spotter, and two rappelers. The helicopter has its doors removed for increased visibility and easy rappeler access to the skids. Once over the fire, the spotter selects an appropriate hover site and communicates with the pilot. He then signals the rappelers to throw out their rope bags. Once the bags are on the ground, the spotter gives the signal to go to the skids. The rappelers exit the helicopter, stand on the skids with knees bent, holding the bottom of the door frame with one hand, and the Genie descent device with the other. When the spotter gives the rappel hand signal, the rappelers step off the skids and start their descent. Under ideal conditions, a 250 feet rappel will last roughly twenty seconds. Rappelers may encounter trees, strong winds, conditions that cause the rope to spin, uneven terrain, and obstacles on the ground. Once on terra firma, the rappelers begin their job as firefighters.

After the fire is controlled and mopped up, the rappelers will pack out to a road or trail head. Packs often will exceed 100 pounds, and the rappelers may hike up to six miles over varied terrain.

There are 5 rappel bases in Region 6, and crews often get a chance to work with each other. "Boosting" is temporarily sending one or more rappelers to another helibase. Typically, there may be more fire activity in one forest than another, with additional resources required. Since all of the R6 rappelers receive standardized training and use similar gear, it's easy for bases in the Malheur, Wenatchee, Siskiyou, Umatilla, and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests to "boost" each other when needed.

Rappelling is only one aspect of the job. In addition to initial attack duties, crew members are trained in helibase and helispot management and operations, and may perform traditional helitack duties such as initial attack and crew and cargo transport.

Aircraft

MRC uses two contract helicopters for its operations. The Type II medium aircraft is a Sikorsky 58-T. This work horse helicopter can carry nine passengers, and is mostly used for large fire support. The Type II is usually sent out of the area to major fires in the Western United States. During the 1998 fire season, it's been equipped to rappel from. Click here to learn more about 68U.

BUFF

The Type III light aircraft is a Bell 206 LIII. This helicopter is primarily used for initial attack, bucket work, and limited cargo transport. This is the crew's primary rappel aircraft. Click here to learn more about 98D.

The helibase also supports a contract Ayers Thrush, Seat Engine Air Tanker (SEAT). This versatile aircraft is the only one of its kind being used by the Forest Service. It's a converted crop duster that can deliver 450 gallons of retardant on a fire. Click here to learn more about Tanker 412.

Training

Crew members receive extensive aviation and fire training. Rookies and old timers report at the beginning of June, and receive three weeks of intensive training. The first week is devoted to general topics, such as CPR, first aid, and fire safety. The second week covers S-217, Introduction to Helicopter Operations. Crew members must pass the final test with a minimum 85% score. After completing the 217 course, a day and a half is devoted to chain saw training, with a full day spent in the field for practical hands-on work. Each morning starts with an hour to hour and a half of group PT, consisting of stretching, running, and different exercises.

The final week is rappel training. Crew members start ground training, progress to a 15 foot low tower, then move on to rappels from a 40 foot platform on a nearby fire lookout tower (there are plans to build a high tower at the helibase). Safety is a key component during this phase.

A series of eight helicopter rappels must be completed before a rookie can go on an operational fire mission. Four rappels are done at the helibase, and four rappels are done in "typical terrain." This means in trees, slopes, and uneven surfaces you encounter in the real world.

Following rappel certification, each Wednesday is devoted to training. In addition to practice helicopter rappels, crew members get experience in medical evacuation, crash rescue, air tanker operations, urban interface situations, burn-outs, and other fire skills.

After rookie training is completed, PT is mostly left to the individual (except Wednesday group PT days). Crew members are expected to workout between 0900 and 1030 each working day, selecting their own PT regimes. Random tests throughout the season ensure the crew meets the minimum physical standards.

Hiring Information

The crew typically has between three and eight openings each season, which runs from June 1 to October 1. As with other crews, the number of open slots depends on the number of veterans that return. Past history shows that many crew members do a three year stint before moving on to other things.

Entry level, seasonal rappelers are GS-4s. In addition to the seasonal openings, the crew frequently will have a few detailer slots. Positions are fairly competitive, with over 100 applicants each season. Hiring is usually done by the first part of April, so it pays to get an application in early.

The minimum experience requirements for rookies are a season of wildland fire fighting. Realistically, the more experience you have, the better your chances for getting on the crew. There is an amazing amount of fire wisdom and experience on the crew, and you'll find former shots, jumpers, engine bosses, and hand crew folks, some with nearly 30 seasons of fire. While not required, certifications such as Class C faller, EMT, Squad Boss, or Helicopter Crew Member are a plus.

The minimum physical requirements are: a three mile walk on flat terrain with a 45 pound pack in 45 minutes (next season the pack test for rappellers may increase to 85 pounds), 20 pushups in a minute, 25 sit-ups in a minute, 7 pull-ups, and a mile and a half run in 11 minutes 40 seconds. These minimums are usually surpassed by most. In the 1998 rookie class, it wasn't uncommon to see times under 38 minutes for the pack test, over fifty sit-ups and push-ups within the minute limits, more than twenty pull-ups, and sub-six minute mile pace runs.

Housing isn't provided, but there are a number of apartment and house rentals in John Day and Canyon City. Rent is in the $225 to $300 a month range, depending on size and if utilities are provided.

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