TC 21-24 — Tower And Aircraft Rappelling
TC 21-24 governs techniques, procedures, equipment, and safety requirements for tower and helicopter rappelling operations.
- Publication number: TC 21-24
- Title: TOWER AND AIRCRAFT RAPPELLING
- Date: 02/25/2025
- Proponent: T2COM
- Status: ACTIVE
View TC 21-24 on armypubs.army.mil
TC 21-24 covers rappelling personnel and duty positions, briefings, communications, aircraft procedures, rope management, equipment inspection, and knots. It requires equipment checks, rappeller preparation, safety measures, and specific procedures for UH-60 and CH-47 operations.
Applies to: The principal audience for TC 21-24 is all members involved with rappelling operations, whether resident or nonresident Soldiers.
Topics covered
- Tower rappelling
- Helicopter rappelling
- Rappelling personnel
- Rappeller preparation
- Aircraft rigging
- Ropes and carabiners
- Rope management
- Rappel knots
Questions and answers
What must rappellers prepare before conducting a rappel?
Before conducting a rappel, every rappeller prepares their individual clothing and equipment. (paragraph 1-19)
When are rappelling materials and individual equipment inspected?
All rappelling material and individual rappelling equipment is inspected before conducting any rappelling operation. (paragraph 3-7)
When should rappelling ropes be inspected?
Ropes should be inspected before and after use. (paragraph 3-8)
What happens if a rope has certain deficiencies?
If any of the following deficiencies are identified, the rope is unserviceable. (paragraph 3-8)
Are night vision goggles worn during a night rappel descent?
Night vision goggles are not worn by rappellers during the descent. (paragraph 2-14)