Rappellers are wildland firefighters trained and prepared to operate in all the roles of helibase operations and as aerially delivered firefighters.  During the week of May 13 through May 18 there were 95 veteran rappellers from all over the nation, along with 11 additional support staff and four helicopters with flight crews in Salmon, Idaho.  The training took place at the Salmon Air Base and Haynes Creek.  Salmon Air Base also hosted Spotter Emersion training during the week of May 20 through May 24.  Eight personnel participated in this training preparing themselves for becoming a qualified rappel spotter to deploy rappellers and cargo safely to the ground.

Starting June 3 through June 10 or until complete, there will be 70 rookie rappellers, along with 34 additional support staff and five helicopters and flight crews.  The training will once again take place at the Salmon Air Base and Haynes Creek.  All rookie rappellers from around the country come to Salmon, as the Salmon-Challis National Forest hosts this intensive, performance based training each year.

The purpose of the training is to provide annual quality training for rappellers and spotters in accordance with the National Rappel Operations Guide; to strengthen leadership, teamwork, and communications within the rappel community and to produce quality aerial delivered firefighters for use in fire and aviation operations.  The U.S. Forest Service National Helicopter Rappel Program’s primary mission is initial attack.  Rappel crews may be utilized for large fire support, all hazard incident operations and resource management objectives.