MCO 3500.42C — Marine Corps Helicopter/tiltrotor Rope Suspension Techniques (hrst) And...

MCO 3500.42C governs Marine Corps helicopter rope suspension technique and cast operations, including training, equipment, storage, and reporting.

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  • Publication number: MCO 3500.42C
  • Title: MARINE CORPS HELICOPTER/TILTROTOR ROPE SUSPENSION TECHNIQUES (HRST) AND...
  • Date: 18 Apr 2016
  • Proponent: 03000 Operations & Readiness
  • Status: Current

View MCO 3500.42C on armypubs.army.mil


MCO 3500.42C establishes authorization and qualification requirements for HRST Masters and related personnel, along with unit training and operational requirements. It requires controls for equipment use, modification, storage, inspections, record keeping, and reporting malfunctions and incidents.

Applies to: Only those units/activities having mission essential requirements, as indicated by their T/O mission statement and appropriate allowance in their T/E are authorized to possess the equipment for the conduct of HRST operations.

Topics covered

  • HRST Master authorization
  • HRST and cast training
  • Rappelling and fast roping qualifications
  • Medical support
  • HRST equipment restrictions
  • HRST locker storage
  • Equipment malfunctions and incidents

Questions and answers

Who can be designated as a Marine Corps HRST Master?

Only those Marines who have graduated from a USMC authorized course of instruction for HRST Master or other service training courses for helicopter/tiltrotor aircraft rope suspension may be designated as a HRST Master. (paragraph 2)

What equipment is authorized for Marine Corps HRST operations?

Only equipment found in reference (m), the ANUL and in appropriate Marine Corps stock lists is authorized for use by Marine Corps personnel for HRST operations. (paragraph 1-1)

Are personally owned ropes, carabineers, and descenders allowed during HRST operations?

The use of personally owned ropes, carabineers, and descenders during HRST operations is prohibited. (paragraph 4)

What must HRST programs do before live aircraft training?

All HRST/Cast training will conduct tower/pool training before conducting live helicopter/tiltrotor aircraft training if members are not current. (paragraph 2)

What happens when HRST equipment is defective?

HRST equipment found to be defective will be reported to CG, Marine Corps Logistics Command (LOGCOM) via the online Product Quality Deficiency Report (PQDR) process. (paragraph 6)

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