What can be used to mark the landing site but not be any closer than ___ feet to the touchdown point

• A. VS-17 panels
• B. Emergency flares
• C. Flagging tape
• D. Painted markers on ground

Answer: (A)

The main idea is using a purpose-built marking method for a rotorcraft landing zone. VS-17 panels are designed for this: portable, high-visibility orange panels that pilots can quickly see from the air to identify the landing site. They are placed at a minimum distance from the touchdown point to keep the actual landing area clear of debris and rotor wash while still being easily visible to the pilot. That minimum distance is set to safety, ensuring the panels don’t interfere with the touchdown itself. Emergency flares are more for signaling and can be hazardous or unreliable as a fixed landing-mark; flagging tape is easily blown around and not durable or precise; painted ground markers require time and can be obscured. So the VS-17 panels are the best fit for marking the landing site with the required clearance from the touchdown point.