Once Life Flight helicopter has been requested, the Incident Commander designates a Landing Zone officer to coordinate aircraft landing and landing zone (LZ) security.


Landing site consideration should include:

• selection of a landing site with a minimum area of 100' x100'

• consideration of slope of the ground and type of ground cover (loose debris etc)

• consideration of obstructions/hazards (i.e.: wires, trees, light poles, vehicles)

• consider presence of hazardous materials
  
  The landing site should be a firm, level (maximum slope of 5 degrees) surface and should be free of all debris and loose objects.  Suitable landing sites can include parking lots, parks orathletic fields, and streets or highways                         
  
  The helicopter is capable of taking off and landing straight up and down; however, it is safer to have a clear angle of approach to the landing zone.
  
  Mark the landing zone by placing weighted orange highway cones in the four corners of the landing zone, or shining the headlights of rescue vehicles into the landing zone in an "X" pattern.  The use of flares is not recommended,  and never shine lights toward the helicopter as this may interfere with the pilot's vision.
  
  Communications between the LZ Officer and the pilot will be conducted over your community's main fire radio frequency.  The helicopter will attempt to contact the LZ Officer when the aircraft is less than five (5) minutes from the landing zone.  At this time,  the LZ Officer can relay information regarding description of the LZ, hazards around the perimeter, and confirmation that the LZ is secure.
  
  As the helicopter approaches the landing site,  it will circle the area making note of all the obstructions and hazards.  It will then begin it's final approach to landing.  During the final approach, avoid unnecessary radio communications.  The LZ Officer should maintain visual contact with the aircraft.  If any safety hazards is of concern, it should be communicated to the pilot.  If the LZ UNSAFE WAVEOFF SIGN is given, the pilot will abort it's approach to a safe altitude until the hazard is eliminated.
  
  The most important function of the LZ Officer is to maintain safety and security.
  
  DO NOT APPROACH THE AIRCRAFT UNLESS DIRECTED TO DO SO BY THE FLIGHT CREW!
  
  *All personnel should remain outside the diameter of the rotor blades at all times, unless accompanied by flight crew member.
  *NEVER appraoch a helicopter from the rear of the aircraft. Always approach and depart from the front and only when signaled to do so by pilot.
  *Do not allow unauthorized personnel within 200 feet of the aircraft.
  *Keep vehicles at least 100 feet away from the aircraft.
  
  Any questions concerning LZ preparation or safety should be directed to the Communication Center at (800) 343-4354.