AIM
4/3/14
10−2−11
Special Operations
b.
The information provided is largely based on
the booklet, LZ − Preparing the Landing Zone, issued
by National Emergency Medical Services Pilots
Association (NEMSPA), and the guidance developed
by the University of Tennessee Medical Center’s
LIFESTAR program, and is used with their
permission. For additional information, go to
http://www.nemspa.org/
.
c.
Information concerning the estimation of wind
velocity is based on the Beaufort Scale. See
http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/beaufort.html
for more information.
d. Selecting a Scene LZ
1.
If the situation requires the use of a helicopter,
first check to see if there is an area large enough to
land a helicopter safely.
FIG 10
−2−4
Recommended Minimum Landing Zone Dimensions
2.
For the purposes of FIG 10−2−4 the follow-
ing are provided as examples of relative helicopter
size:
(a)
Small Helicopter: Bell 206/407, Euro-
copter AS−350/355, BO−105, BK−117.
(b)
Medium Helicopter: Bell UH−1 (Huey)
and derivatives (Bell 212/412), Bell 222/230/430
Sikorsky S−76, Eurocopter SA−365.
(c)
Large Helicopter: Boeing Chinook,
Eurocopter Puma, Sikorsky H−60 series
(Blackhawk), SK−92.
3.
The LZ should be level, firm and free of loose
debris that could possibly blow up into the rotor
system.
4.
The LZ should be clear of people, vehicles
and obstructions such as trees, poles and wires.
Remember that wires are difficult to see from the air.
The LZ must also be free of stumps, brush, post and
FIG 10
−2−5
Landing Zone Hazards
5.
Keep spectators back at least 200 feet. Keep
emergency vehicles 100 feet away and have fire
equipment (if available) standing by. Ground
personnel should wear eye protection, if available,
during landing and takeoff operations. To avoid loose
objects being blown around in the LZ, hats should be
removed; if helmets are worn, chin straps must be
securely fastened.
6.
Fire fighters (if available) should wet down
the LZ if it is extremely dusty.