320-02 Landing Zones

LZ Establishment and Procedures

• Minimum Personnel: A minimum of three Engine, Rescue Pumper, or Aerial companies needed for LZ establishment.
• LZ Proximity: Suppression apparatus placed near LZ for rapid hose line deployment. Other vehicles positioned outside designated LZ and away from power lines.
• LZ Dimensions: LZ must be at least 120' by 120', flat, clear and firm.
• Pilot Override: Pilot can override ground crew LZ selection and make the final decision if a better option detected.
• LZ Location Preferences: Clear open fields or parking lots prioritized over roadways with power poles for the LZ.
• Highway Landings: On a divided highway, traffic must be stopped in both directions if necessary for aircraft operations, at the pilot's discretion or at the Incident Commander's discretion.
• Wind Considerations: If possible, LZ should be located to allow aircraft to approach with wind.
• Ground Crew Approach: Approach to aircraft only accompanied by flight crew member. Patient information exchanged preferably in a Rescue vehicle, then escorted to the aircraft for patient loading.
• Ground Crew Protection: Ground crews must wear minimum of helmet, eye protection & hearing protection while approaching.
• Abort Procedures: "Abort, Abort, Abort" on the TAC channel required if the LZ is no longer safe. This applies in all situations of uncertainty for both ground and flight crews. Wave-off = safety concern.

Daytime Landing Procedures

• Personnel Gear: Marshaller and tail rotor guards require full bunker gear, eye protection, and ear protection for daylight landings.
• Marshaller Positioning: The marshaller marks the recommended landing spot within the LZ, positioned with the prevailing wind at their back if possible. They maintain radio contact and self-identify as marshaller to aircraft.
• Tail Rotor Guards: Tail rotor guards positioned on either side of the marshaller.
• Final Approach: During final approach, marshaller points to recommended touchdown location; guards and marshaller move to a safe location away from the aircraft while maintaining visual contact.
• Post-Landing Crew: Ground crew not to approach aircraft until flight crew exits. In fenced LZs, position at access points (gates). In non-fenced LZs, secure area around aircraft after rotor idle & flight crew direction. Ground crew position at 12, 5, and 7 o'clock positions (min 50 ft from aircraft).
• Aircraft Departure: Ground crews remain positioned at those locations until aircraft ready to depart & rotor blades begin speeding up. Move out and away as rotor blades speed up.
• LZ Maintenance: The LZ maintained for at least 2 minutes after aircraft departure.

Nighttime Landing Procedures

• LZ Marking: LZ well-lit or marked with light sticks or box flashlights. Flares not permitted.
• Light Placement: Lights placed to prevent interfering with flight crew vision.
• Essential Lights: Non-essential emergency lights turned off after pilot visually located incident/LZ.

Test your knowledge on the essential procedures and dimensions for establishing a landing zone (LZ) for aircraft operations. This quiz covers key considerations like personnel requirements, LZ preferences, and safety protocols. Ensure you're familiar with the guidelines to make informed decisions in emergency situations.