text: Chapter 5
  • Relay 10-minute, 6-minute, and l-minute warnings to team members. Use time warnings as a
  tool to help synchronize aircrew and ropers' actions. Modify time warnings according to user
  needs, but always issue 1-minute warning.
  • Break chemical lights, if required, at the 6-minute warning. During night operations, mark the
  rope with six chemical lights:
  — Two at the mount.
  — Two at the end.
  — Two 15 feet from the end.
  Note: Not all chemical lights are visible at night, even through image-intensifying night
  vision devices. The FRIES master must coordinate with the pilots during the air mission brief
  to finalize the types and colors of chemical lights to use.
  • Ensure the rope is properly configured for deployment (back-coiled to prevent tangles).
  • Ensure the team members are in order of exit no later than the 1-minute warning.
  • Confirm target on final approach.
  • Deploy the rope and ensures it reaches the ground.
  • During night operations, wear NVG, see and verify that you see two horizontal chemical lights.
  • Deploy personnel, advising the pilots by announcing--
  — "Rope out" when deploying the rope over the target.
  — "Ropers away" when the first roper exits on the fast rope.
  — "Rope clear" to inform the pilots the aircraft is clear for flight.
  — "Hold" to inform the pilots to hold the aircraft position.
  — "Move, [left, right, forward, or back]" as needed.
  • Account for personnel and signals aircrew.
  INDIVIDUAL ROPER
  • Understand all aspects of the insertion and emergency procedures.
  • Configure his individual equipment correctly to prevent snagging and injuries.
  • At the command STAND BY (given at 1-minute warning), check self one last time and prepare
  to exit the position.
  • At the command GO, maintain an orderly formation and exit rapidly.
  • Grasp the rope firmly before exiting--never jump for the rope.
  • On exit, rotate your body 90 to 180 degrees to ensure your equipment clears the aircraft.
  • Exit at 1-second intervals. Begin to slow descent about halfway down to avoid landing on the
  other ropers.
  • Descend the rope, controlling your speed.
  • Brake two-thirds of the way down to avoid landing on ropers that preceded you.
  • Prepare to land just before reaching the ground by spreading your legs about shoulder-width
  apart, and with your knees slightly bent.
  • At landing, quickly move clear of the rope to avoid colliding with descending ropers.