Helicopter Safety and Landing Zone Procedures

Click here or email LandingZone@CareFlite.org to schedule a Landing Zone (LZ) safety class, or to identify pre-designated LZ locations in your city.

Landing Zone (LZ) Criteria

• 100' Wide X 100' Long
• Level with a firm surface
• Clear of sand, gravel and other debris
• No power lines, trees, poles, buildings, or other overhead obstructions near or in the area
• No vehicles or people within the zone
• Avoid sloped areas

Marking the Landing Zone (LZ)

• Weighted construction cones
• Two vehicles with headlights crossed at the center of the LZ
• Smoke canisters during daylight operations
• Battery operated strobe lights
• Cylume Chem-lite Sticks
• Markings such as barrier tape, flag tape, etc. should not be used

LZ Coordinator Responsibilities

• Command and secure the LZ
• Establish radio contact with aircraft
• Assist pilot in locating the LZ
• Keep all bystanders 100' away form the LZ
• Keep everyone away from the tail rotor
• Contact pilot after landing to determine any safety issues

Helicopter Safety

• Approach and depart the aircraft from the side only
• Never walk around the tail rotor
• Shield your eyes from rotorwash during landing and takeoff
• Do not carry anything above your head
• Do not approach the helicopter while the blades are turning unless instructed by the CareFlite crew
• Do not run towards the aircraft, approach in a calm and slow manner
• No smoking anywhere in the vicinity of the aircraft
• The pilot and/or medical crew control activity around the aircraft
• Secure loose items such as hats, clothing, stretcher sheets, and any other object light enough to be blown into the rotor blades