How many personnel comprise the LZ team responsible for establishing and securing the touchdown site?

• A. One person establishes the helicopter touchdown site, and three people secure the landing zone
• B. Two people establish the touchdown site, and two secure the landing zone
• C. Three people establish the touchdown site, and one secures the landing zone
• D. One person establishes the touchdown site, and three people secure the landing zone and make it appropriately

Answer: (D)

The key idea here is how an LZ team should be structured to both set up the landing zone effectively and keep it secure during the helicopter’s approach and touchdown. The person who establishes the touchdown site is responsible for selecting the exact landing point, marking it clearly, and ensuring the approach path is clear. They check surface conditions, wind, obstacles, and any hazards, and they relay this vital information to the pilot so the aircraft can land safely.

The remaining three team members focus on security around the LZ. They form a perimeter, guide and control movement around the site, monitor for hazards, and maintain clear signals for the pilot and crew. Having three people cover security allows 360-degree coverage and quick responses if something changes or if additional coordination is needed during the landing.

With one person dedicated to establishing the site and three dedicated to securing it, you get a clear, coordinated setup that supports a safe, controlled touchdown. Other distributions would either overload the establishment role or leave insufficient security to manage the area during the operation.