Intermountain Region Rappel Program for 2010

The Intermountain Region has a long-standing and successful aviation program in support of our fire management mission, including rappel operations using 16 helicopters out of 12 bases throughout the region. The Forest Service Intermountain Region helitack crews will not perform rappel or cargo let down operations in 2010.

All Forest Service rope-assisted helicopter insertion/extraction operations for personnel have been told to “stand down” in a letter signed by the Chief of the Forest Service on February 1, 2010. The Chief will require completion of the seven recommendations from the Accident Review Board in response to the 2009 Willow Helibase rappel fatality prior to reinstating rappel operations nationally. The list includes standardization and improvement of rappel equipment, standard training and protocols and an exhaustive risk assessment to assure that operations can be preformed safely. All items have an expected completion date of May 1, 2010, after which the Deputy Chief for State and Private Forestry will determine if the rappel program should be operational in 2010. The Intermountain Region will enthusiastically continue to support the risk assessment and standardization efforts for rappel operations. In the interest of allowing adequate time for equipment development and testing and development of standards and training for safe rappel operations, the Forest Service Intermountain Region will not rappel in 2010.

Our focus will continue to be on safe and efficient fire management using helicopters for helitack, with plans to resume rappel operations following the new national standards in 2011.

In addition, the stand down of rappel operations will apply to all aviation activities within Region 4, including resources assigned to the Region from other agencies or partners. Any questions may be directed to Clair Mendenhall (801-625-5511), Regional Aviation Officer, or Sue Stewart (801-625-5513), Director for Fire, Aviation and Air.

Thanks for your continued attention to safe and professional fire management operations.

cc: Susan A Stewart

Clair M Mendenhall

Tom Harbour