Helicopter Landing Zone Setup Checklist

Inspection template for setting up and verifying a safe helicopter landing zone at a non-helipad scene, including size, hazards, lighting, and communications.

Scene Control and Landing Zone Selection

• Landing zone diameter is at least 100 feet and clearly defined
  Confirm the usable landing area is a minimum of 100 feet in diameter, or larger if aircraft/operator guidance requires it.
• Landing zone surface is level, firm, and free of loose debris
  Check for ruts, soft ground, standing water, loose gravel, trash, tools, or other material that could be blown by rotor wash.
• Approach and departure paths are unobstructed
  Verify there are no trees, poles, wires, antennas, vehicles, structures, or other obstructions in the intended approach/departure paths.
• Landing zone perimeter is established and controlled
  Confirm the perimeter is marked and kept clear of bystanders, nonessential personnel, and unsecured equipment.

Hazard Identification and Mitigation

• Overhead utility lines and poles identified and avoided
  Confirm all overhead hazards are identified, communicated to the pilot/aircrew, and outside the landing and approach area.
• Loose objects secured against rotor wash
  Secure tarps, paper, lightweight equipment, signage, cones, and other items that could become airborne.
• Fuel, flammables, and ignition sources are removed or controlled
  Verify fuel cans, oxygen cylinders, smoking materials, open flames, and other ignition sources are kept away from the landing zone.
• Scene hazards are documented and communicated to the aircraft crew
  Confirm known hazards such as wires, terrain slope, dust, snow, smoke, or nearby traffic are relayed to the pilot or air medical crew.

Lighting and Visibility

• Landing zone is adequately illuminated for current conditions
  Confirm lighting provides clear visibility of the landing area, perimeter, and hazards without creating glare or blinding the pilot.
• Lighting is positioned to avoid direct glare into the cockpit
  Check that scene lights, vehicle headlights, flashlights, and portable towers are aimed away from the approach path and aircraft cockpit.
• Marking lights or cones are visible and properly placed
  Verify perimeter markers are visible, stable, and not likely to be displaced by rotor wash.
• Smoke, dust, or precipitation does not significantly reduce visibility
  Assess whether environmental conditions compromise safe landing zone identification or aircraft approach.

Communications and Coordination

• Primary communication link with aircraft or dispatch is established
  Verify radio, phone, or other approved communication method is working and monitored by the designated contact.
• Designated landing zone coordinator identified
  Confirm one person is assigned to manage the landing zone, communicate hazards, and coordinate with incident command and flight crew.
• Aircraft call sign, ETA, and landing instructions confirmed
  Document the aircraft identifier, estimated time of arrival, and any pilot instructions or scene-specific requirements.
• Ground personnel briefed on rotor wash and approach safety
  Confirm all personnel in the area have been instructed to remain clear, stay low if directed, and follow the landing zone coordinator's commands.

Final Go/No-Go Readiness

• Landing zone cleared for aircraft arrival
  Final confirmation that hazards are controlled, perimeter is secure, and the zone is ready for landing.
• Any remaining deficiencies documented
  Record unresolved hazards, limitations, or non-conformances that were identified during setup.
• Inspector signature
  Signature of the person completing the landing zone inspection.