FM 57-35 Airmobile Operations - Survival Books

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COMAPPENDIX IIISELECTION, PREPARATION, AND OPERATION OFLANDING AND DROP ZONES1. GeneralIt is seldom possible to prepare landing and drop zones extensively for airmobile operations. Hasty preparation or no preparation at all is normal, but as many of the following considerationsand techniques are applied as time and the tactical situation permit.2. Day Landing Zonesa. In selecting a day landing zone, a major technical consideration involves finding enough level, firm terrain for the landingsites and strips needed to handle the volume of air traffic, includingtaxiways and parking areas, when required. Landing sites andstrips are prepared by removing any obstacles that will interferewith air navigation above a minimum altitude and that normallywould be invisible to the pilot. If such obtacles are too difficult toremove, they are suitably marked.6. The landing zone is marked with panels, smoke, electronicnavigation aids, or a combination of these means. A prearrangedcode identification letter made from panels is used to identifythe landing zone.3. Day Landing Sites, Landing Strips, and Drop Zonesa. Selection. The following factors are considered when selecting day landing sites and strips, and drop zones:(1) The ground must have less than a 15 slope from thehorizontal if the helicopter is required to touch down tounload and less than a 10 slope for landing airplanes.(2) The standing should be firm enough to keep the aircraftfrom sinking and becoming mired on landing, taxiing, orparking.(3) The area must be clear of obstructions such as largerocks and holes that prohibit taxiing or unloading, anddebris that may be sucked up into rotor blades or propellers.88 AGO 2294B