NROG Appendix B – Rappel Spotter Training Syllabus
Appendix B – Rappel Spotter Training Syllabus
I.
Introduction
The Rappel Spotter is the key position for ensuring the safe deployment of rappellers.
Decisions made by spotters can determine the success or failure of the mission. It is
therefore essential that a spotter is well trained, proficient, and competent in their role.
II.
Training Objectives
Provide a spotter trainee with the tools, training opportunities, understanding, and
experience to perform as a rappel spotter.
III.
Training Aids
National Rappel Operations Guide, optional PowerPoint presentation, individual lesson
aids, lesson materials, and the Spotter Training Qualification Record found in Appendix
C. Instructors should also incorporate personal experience wherever illustrative or
apropos to enhance the concepts and learning.
Form C-9 – Qualification Record – Helicopter Rappel Spotter, is found in Appendix C and
serves as a training guide and documentation for initial spotter training.
IV.
Lesson Agenda
Lesson 1 – Policy and Procedures
Lesson 2 – Documentation and Administration
Lesson 3 – Hazards and Limitations
Lesson 4 – Communication
Lesson 5 – Equipment
Lesson 6 – Cargo Letdown
Lesson 7 – Rappel Spotter
Lesson 8 – Simulated Mission
B-1
NROG Appendix B – Rappel Spotter Training Syllabus
Lesson 1 – Policy and Procedures
Lesson
Objectives
Training Aids
1. Discuss how to maintain compliance with all applicable agency and
interagency policies and procedures
NROG, applicable agency manuals and handbooks, unit fire management
plan, unit aviation plan, base operations plan, rappel operations plan,
agency aviation accident prevention plan, national and GACC mobilization
guides, job hazard analysis, and spotter training record
Lesson 1 Outline
Key Points
A. Policy
1. Interagency Helicopter-Rappel Guide contains requirements for:
a. Spotter prerequisites
b. Spotter training requirements
c. Fitness standards and requirements
d. Proficiency requirements
2. Agency specific regulations and policy
B. Procedure
1. Applicable portions of Unit Fire Management Plans
2. Base Rappel Operations Plan
3. Initial attack dispatch procedures
4. Off forest rappel procedures
5. Large incident operations
6. Standard initial attack loads (numbers and equipment)
7. Training and proficiency schedule
8. Booster rappellers plan (if applicable)
B-3
NROG Ch. 3
Spotter
Training
Qualification
Record found
in Appendix C
NROG Appendix B – Rappel Spotter Training Syllabus
Lesson
Objectives
Training Aids
Lesson 2 – Documentation and Administration
1. Identify proper rappel logbook and documentation forms.
2. Discuss the importance of timely and accurate rappel documentation as
outlined in NROG Chapter 7
NROG Chapter 7 and Appendix C
Lesson 2 Outline
A. Logs and Record Keeping Forms
B. Proper use and completion of Logs and Record
B-5
Key Points
Instructor
should review
all
appropriate
forms and
stress the
importance of
keeping
thorough and
up-to-date
equipment,
training, and
operations
logs
NROG Appendix B – Rappel Spotter Training Syllabus
Lesson
Objectives
Training Aids
Lesson 3 – Hazards and Limitations
1. Discuss and interpret potential hazards encountered during rappel
operations.
2. Demonstrate risk management evaluation skills.
SAFECOM’s, IHOG, Flight Manual, IRPG, and NROG
Lesson 3 Outline
Key Points
Stress to
trainee that
even through
the pilot has
the ultimate
responsibility
1. Weather conditions
for mission
a. Winds and instability: Pilot and spotter should look for weather and safety, the
spotter must
wind signs that could indicate turbulence or downward movement
use sound
of air at destination. Any of the following conditions may be an
judgment and
indicator of hazardous landing, rappelling, or firefighting conditions: abort the
mission if
i. A good indicator on fires is the smoke column; is it shifting
conditions
exist that
direction, laying horizontal or blowing downhill? Is it plume
he/she deems
dominated?
unacceptable
ii. Are there thunderstorms in the area?
or unsafe
iii. Is there increased turbulence when flying on the lee side of
Emergency
ridges or geographical prominences?
challenge and
b. Visibility
response, Risk
Management
2. Terrain
Discuss
a. Shadows
mission
options
b. Equipment Malfunctions (rappeller/spotter)
c. Equipment Malfunctions (helicopter)
Off-loading of
d. Fire behavior
some
personnel and
cargo
3. Review weather and environment related SAFECOM’s
Site selection
to achieve
better
helicopter
performance
A. Hazards
Discuss hazards that could have an impact on rappel operations. These
include but are not limited to:
Refuse
assignment if
necessary and
suggest
alternatives
B-7
NROG Appendix B – Rappel Spotter Training Syllabus
Lesson 3 Outline
B. Mission Limitations
Discuss the effects the following can have on mission success:
1. Aircraft Performance
a. Altitude
b. Temperature
c. Payload
d. Center of Gravity (Weight and Balance)
e. Fuel Load
2. Crew limitations
a. Fatigue
b. “Can Do” attitude
Key Points
Utilize PC and
projector to
present
photos and
videos of past
rapp fires –
use to
simulate sizeup exercise
Address risks
and hazards
that may be
present during
site selection
IHOG Ch. 6-1
IHOG Ch. 3-1
C. Risk Management
W&B
Calculations
1. Review the rappel risk management for fire missions
2. Stress the importance of following a procedure for sound risk
management in all aspects of a mission
3. Perform pre-flight risk assessment and mitigation to include manifests,
load calculation, weather, fuel quantity, flight hazards, and
communications
4. The GAR Risk Assessment model should be used as the standard
deliberate risk assessment tool for mission planning purposes
5. After Action Reviews (AAR) – Stress the value of utilizing AAR as part of
good risk management
B-8
Appendix G,
GAR Risk
Assessment
NROG Appendix B – Rappel Spotter Training Syllabus
Lesson 4 – Communications
Lesson
Objectives
Training Aids
1. Demonstrate proper hand signals for communications rappeller without
error.
2. Discuss guidelines for proper communications with area dispatch.
3. Demonstrate ability to effectively communicate verbally between
pilot/spotter and non-verbally between rappeller/spotter.
NROG Chapter 5, simulation cards, etc.
Lesson 4 Outline
Key Points
A. Pre and Post Mission Briefings
NROG Ch. 5
Pre and post mission briefings between the pilot, rappellers and spotter are for hand
signals
essential. Items to be identified in the briefing include:
1.
What is the mission?
2.
Where is the mission?
3.
Potential hazards
4.
Pre-flight and in-flight checks
5.
Trigger points for aborting the mission
6.
Emergency procedures
Simulated
dispatch and
simulated
rappel
Emergency
and standard
challenge and
response
B. Pilot and Spotter Communications
Challenge and Response is a required communication procedure between
the spotter and rappeller. Throughout the rappel process “go” or “no go”
decisions must be relayed before proceeding to the next step. Generally
Challenge and Response requires a simple response from the pilot before
the spotter can complete a step in the rappel sequence.
Trainer will
use current
challenge and
response
language
found in
NROG Ch. 5
and Ch. 6
It is important
that the
trainee
understands
the flight
manual power
and
During the rappel sequence there are critical times when the spotter needs settings
limitations –
specific information from the pilot. An example of this is prior to sending
max temps,
rappellers, the spotter and pilot must communicate that power settings are torque, etc.
within limits.
B-9
NROG Appendix B – Rappel Spotter Training Syllabus
Lesson 4 Outline
It is essential that the spotters and pilots use standard communications
for all rappel operations. All communications must be clear, concise and
understood. The following standardized terminology is to be used during
normal rappel operations:
1. Directional Movement
a. Stating a directional distance or hover status will assist the pilot in
moving and settling over the rappel spot; e.g., Spotter may state
“we are drifting, hold, main/tail are clear, move right 50 feet”
b. Directions must be relative to the pilot’s perspective, e.g., “Left”,
“Right”, “Forward”, “Back”, “Up”, and “Down”
2. Procedural Communications
a. “How’s the power?”
b. “Dropping rope bags”
c. “Rope bags on the ground”
d. “Rappeller(s) to the skids”
e. “How’s the power?”
f. “Sending rappeller(s)”
g. Rappellers position(s) in relationship to the descent, e.g., “Halfway
down”
h. “Rappeller(s) on the ground”
i. “Rappeller(s) off the rope”
j. “De-rigging (left/right) side”
k. “Dropping rope (left/right) side”
l. “Clear to depart”
C. Spotter and Rappeller Communications
Communications between the spotter and rappeller are non-verbal. Hand
signals are used in place of words. Therefore, the first step in establishing
spotter and rappeller communications is to ensure the rappellers attention
stays focused on the spotter (Instructor demonstrates standard hand
signals).
B-10
Key Points
NROG Appendix B – Rappel Spotter Training Syllabus
Lesson 4 Outline
Key Points
D. Flight Following Communications
Reference and
review flight
following
F. Operational Communications
procedures:
Instruct trainee in pre/post rappel communications with dispatch, Helibase, AFF, 15
minute checketc.
ins, Air Attack
E. Review standard flight following procedures
1. Size up
2. Landing to configure (latitude/longitude)
3. Over rappel site; Adjust radios to reduce external distraction
4. Rappel complete, establish communication with inserted rappellers,
and ensure they have positive communications with dispatch, helibase,
etc.
B-11
IRPG size-up
IHOG Ch. 8
NROG Appendix B – Rappel Spotter Training Syllabus
Lesson
Objectives
Training Aids
Lesson 5 – Equipment
1. Identify rappeller/spotter equipment and demonstrate inspection and
care of that equipment.
2. Recognize proper utilization and care of rappel equipment, including PPE
NROG Chapter 4 and MTDC website, spotter harness with tether, rappel and
letdown equipment
Lesson 5 Outline
Key Points
A. Inspection
1. Review equipment requirements and standards in NROG
2. Instruct trainee in the proper methods of equipment inspection.
a. If the helicopter is available instruct trainee in the proper methods
of anchor and attachment point inspection. (If the helicopter is not
available at this portion of the training, this must be covered prior
to mock-ups.)
b. Stress to the trainee that even through the rappeller is responsible
for inspection and maintenance of their equipment, that the spotter
is ultimately responsible for monitoring the use and care of all
rappeller and spotter equipment. All equipment requirements and
standards can be found in the NROG or the MTDC website.
B-13
Review
anchor
inspection
requirements
from the STC
installation
instructions
NROG Appendix B – Rappel Spotter Training Syllabus
Lesson 6 – Cargo Letdown
Lesson
Objectives
Training Aids
1. Describe the function of all cargo letdown equipment
2. Demonstrate proper cargo letdown configuration
3. Demonstrate proper cargo letdown procedures without error
4. Demonstrate effective communications with pilot
NROG Chapters 4 and 5
Lesson 6 Outline
Key Points
A. Ground Training
1. Review cargo letdown procedures
a. Familiarize trainee with equipment
b. Review applicable portions of NROG
Gather cargo
letdown
equipment
2. Familiarize trainee with spotter equipment checks and spotter “buddy
check.”
a. Stress that the spotter is responsible to ensure all equipment is in
good condition and properly fitted
Reference
procedures in
Ch. 5 of the
NROG
3. Cargo letdown training should be accomplished utilizing a rappel tower
in addition to helicopter mock-ups, but utilizing helicopter mock-ups as
the sole means of ground training is acceptable.
4. Demonstrate anchor inspection.
5. Demonstrate placement and securing of cargo.
6. Demonstrate pre-flight checks, e.g., spotter equipment check, hook
checks, etc.
7. Demonstrate cargo configuration procedures.
8. Demonstrate cargo letdown procedures, including spotter and pilot
communications, and emergency procedures.
B-15
Pilot should
be present
during this
phase of the
training
Reference
challenge and
response in
Ch. 5 of the
NROG and
emergency
challenge and
response in
Ch. 6 of the
NROG
Utilize Rappel
Spotter
Qualification
Record,
Appendix C
NROG Appendix B – Rappel Spotter Training Syllabus
Lesson 6 Outline
9. Trainee will perform the following until instructor deems competency
is accomplished (minimum of three (3) complete cycles without
procedural error):
a. Anchor inspection
b. Secure of cargo
c. Cargo letdown procedures
d. Spotter and pilot communications
e. Emergency procedures
B. Helicopter Deployment
1. Under the supervision of a qualified spotter, trainee will inspect
equipment, prepare cargo load, configure the helicopter and deploy a
minimum of ten cargo letdown cycles, without procedural error, at
low, medium, and high heights. Five (5) of these deployments will be
in typical terrain. Final evaluation will be completed by a Check
Spotter.
2. Should at any point during live cargo deployment the trainee makes
repetitive procedural errors, the instructor will return the trainee to
ground training for additional training.
B-16
Key Points
Recognize
procedural
errors and
demonstrate
effective
communication
with trainee
rappellers to
include
constructive
feedback
NROG Appendix B – Rappel Spotter Training Syllabus
Lesson 7 – Rappel Spotter
Lesson
Objectives
Training Aids
1. Demonstrate proficiency (without procedural error) to successfully
spot rappels from an elevated platform during training
2. Spot 20 complete rappel cycles from the platform level – five (5)
consecutive loads shall be accomplished without procedural error
and shall include cargo letdown. If a simulator accommodates two
(2) rappellers, then that would count as one cycle.
3. Demonstrate ability to effectively communicate both verbally and
non-verbally
4. Spot a minimum of eight (8) mock-up cycles without procedural
error
5. Under supervision of qualified spotter, shall spot a minimum of 10
live cycles without procedural error at low, medium, and high height
– five (5) of these must be in typical terrain and three (3) shall
include cargo
NROG Chapters 4, 5, and 6
Lesson 7 Outline
Key Points
A. Ground Training
1. Reference Chapter 5 for specific rappel procedures
Review NROG
Appendix A
2. Familiarize trainee with spotter equipment checks and spotter “buddy
check.”
a. Stress that the spotter is responsible to ensure all equipment is in
good condition and properly fitted.
Review
emergency
procedures,
NROG Ch. 6
3. Review applicable portions of NROG for hand signals and emergency
procedures
4. Trainee must participate with the training of new rappellers
B. Low Tower
1. Instructor will demonstrate rappel spotter procedures for low tower
a. Tether attached
b. Rappeller buddy check completed
c. Rappeller equipment check
d. Use appropriate hand signals to move rappeller(s) into position
B-17
Recognize
procedural
errors and
demonstrate
effective
communication
with trainee
rappellers to
include
constructive
feedback
NROG Appendix B – Rappel Spotter Training Syllabus
Lesson 7 Outline
Key Points
e. Final equipment check
f. Hand signal to send rappeller(s)
g. Emergency signals
2. Trainee will demonstrate the above until instructor deems the trainee
competent to move to the high tower. It is important that the trainee
verbalize all actions including spotter and pilot communications.
C. High Tower with Simulator
1. Instructor will demonstrate:
a. Anchor inspection
b. Proper configuration of cargo for deployment (as appropriate by
specific simulator)
c. Proper attachment of carabiners, ropes and snub strap to anchor
points
d. Proper sequence for loading rappellers including:
i. Attaching equipment
ii. Completed buddy checks
iii. Spotter check
iv. Final checks prior to launch
e. In flight procedures
f. Fire/rappel spot size up and evaluation
g. Selection of secondary site
h. Contact with dispatch
i. Proper sequences for deploying cargo with rappellers
i. Offsite power check
ii. Setting up over rappel site
iii. Confirming mission is a go
iv. Use of hand signals to remove seat belts
v. Use of knot in rope signal and acknowledgement (if applicable)
vi. Use of hand signals to send rappellers to skids
vii. Final checks
viii. Use of hand signals to send rappellers
ix.
Disconnecting and dropping ropes
x.
Cargo deployment
xi.
Departing rappel site and reestablishing communications
B-18
Discuss reentry/return
to seat
procedures,
reference
NROG Ch. 5
NROG Appendix B – Rappel Spotter Training Syllabus
Lesson 7 Outline
Key Points
D. Emergency Procedures
1. A spotter must be thoroughly familiar with and able to accomplish
emergency procedures. The instructor will demonstrate, using
equipped rappellers, all established emergency procedures. Instructor
will stress the importance of dialog between the pilot and spotter
during emergency situations. It is imperative that the spotter retain
control and composure during an emergency.
2. The trainee will demonstrate, using equipped rappellers, all established
emergency procedures. At a minimum, the NROG requirements
pertaining to this portion of the training shall be accomplished. It is
important that the trainee verbalize all actions including spotter/pilot
communications during this phase of training.
Discuss
secondary
restraint
procedure
post
emergency
For quick
helicopter
egress,
remember
spotter and
rappeller are
still tethered
to the
helicopter
E. Mock-Ups
1. Instructor will demonstrate anchor inspection, proper configuration of
cargo and rappel equipment, loading of rappellers, cargo and rappeller
deployment, including spotter/pilot communications and emergency
procedures.
2. Trainee will simulate deploying cargo and rappellers during mock-ups
until the required minimum (eight (8) mock-up cycles without
procedural error) has been accomplished.
3. Highly recommended that scenarios are incorporated to enhance
spotter training
F. Helicopter Deployment
1. Under the direct supervision of a rappel spotter, trainee will inspect
equipment, prepare cargo load, configure the helicopter and deploy a
minimum of ten rappel cycles, without procedural error, at low,
medium and high heights. Five (5) of these deployments will be in
typical terrain, three (3) shall include cargo and one (1) ETO. Final
evaluation will be completed by a rappel checks spotter.
B-19
Pilot must be
present for
this phase of
the training
Whenever the
helicopter is in
flight and
doors are
open, spotter
or designated
rappeller(s)
are
responsible
for
maintaining
hold on the
rope bag until
ropes are
deployed
Spotter
Qualification
Record
NROG Appendix B – Rappel Spotter Training Syllabus
Lesson 7 Outline
2. Should at any point during live helicopter deployment the trainee makes
repetitive procedural errors, the instructor will return the trainee to the
appropriate level of training for review (ground, tower, mock-ups, etc.).
B-20
Key Points
NROG Appendix B – Rappel Spotter Training Syllabus
Lesson 8 – Simulated Mission
Lesson
Objectives
Training Aids
1. Successful demonstration of spotter competency and knowledge from
an elevated platform or helicopter during training
SAFECOM’s, Spotter Qualification Record, base operating plan, base rappel
operations plan, pictures of past fires and fuel type, and sand table
Lesson 8 Outline
Key Points
A. Simulation Logistics
1. Instructor will pre-select a location for a simulated fire
2. Instructor will coordinated with local dispatch center, FMO and other
necessary personnel to facilitate live training scenarios
Utilize PC
projector or
monitor to
present
photos and
videos of past
rappel fires
B. Tasks to be Completed
1. Trainee will ensure that the helicopter and Initial Attack (IA) personnel
are prepared for an IA mission
2. Trainee will demonstrate the correct operational procedures to
respond to an IA dispatch call
3. Trainee will assist pilot with navigation and communications while
enroute to simulated fire
4. Trainee will provide a fire size-up and other applicable information to
dispatch
5. Trainee will demonstrate the appropriate procedure to prepare for a
rappel
6. Trainee will successfully deploy a minimum of one stick of rappellers
performing all operational procedures
7. Trainee will ensure deployed rappellers have established
communications, re- configure helicopter, and return to base
B-21
Utilize the
Spotter
Qualification
Record, Task 7
Have trainees
study photos
and video for
simulation
Work with
local dispatch
for size-up
Conduct
proper site
selection with
pilot and
rappellers
Address risks
and hazards
that may be
present
NROG Appendix B – Rappel Spotter Training Syllabus
Lesson 8 Outline
C. Post Mission
1. Trainee will complete mission documentation forms and conduct AAR
2. Successful completion of the scenario does not replace a final
evaluation by a check spotter
B-22
Key Points