Run Helicopter Landing Zone Setup Checklist — Free

Scene Control and Landing Zone Selection

Landing zone diameter is at least 100 feet and clearly defined critical (required)

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 critical (required)

Check for ruts, soft ground, standing water, loose gravel, trash, tools, or other material that could be blown by rotor wash.

Yes No N/A

Approach and departure paths are unobstructed critical (required)

Verify there are no trees, poles, wires, antennas, vehicles, structures, or other obstructions in the intended approach/departure paths.

Yes No N/A

Landing zone perimeter is established and controlled critical (required)

Confirm the perimeter is marked and kept clear of bystanders, nonessential personnel, and unsecured equipment.

Yes No N/A

Hazard Identification and Mitigation

Overhead utility lines and poles identified and avoided critical (required)

Confirm all overhead hazards are identified, communicated to the pilot/aircrew, and outside the landing and approach area.

Yes No N/A

Loose objects secured against rotor wash critical (required)

Secure tarps, paper, lightweight equipment, signage, cones, and other items that could become airborne.

Yes No N/A

Fuel, flammables, and ignition sources are removed or controlled critical (required)

Verify fuel cans, oxygen cylinders, smoking materials, open flames, and other ignition sources are kept away from the landing zone.

Yes No N/A

Scene hazards are documented and communicated to the aircraft crew critical (required)

Confirm known hazards such as wires, terrain slope, dust, snow, smoke, or nearby traffic are relayed to the pilot or air medical crew.

Yes No N/A

Lighting and Visibility

Landing zone is adequately illuminated for current conditions critical (required)

Confirm lighting provides clear visibility of the landing area, perimeter, and hazards without creating glare or blinding the pilot.

Yes No N/A

Lighting is positioned to avoid direct glare into the cockpit critical (required)

Check that scene lights, vehicle headlights, flashlights, and portable towers are aimed away from the approach path and aircraft cockpit.

Yes No N/A

Marking lights or cones are visible and properly placed

Verify perimeter markers are visible, stable, and not likely to be displaced by rotor wash.

Yes No N/A

Smoke, dust, or precipitation does not significantly reduce visibility critical (required)

Assess whether environmental conditions compromise safe landing zone identification or aircraft approach.

Yes No N/A

Communications and Coordination

Primary communication link with aircraft or dispatch is established critical (required)

Verify radio, phone, or other approved communication method is working and monitored by the designated contact.

Yes No N/A

Designated landing zone coordinator identified critical (required)

Confirm one person is assigned to manage the landing zone, communicate hazards, and coordinate with incident command and flight crew.

Yes No N/A

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 critical (required)

Confirm all personnel in the area have been instructed to remain clear, stay low if directed, and follow the landing zone coordinator's commands.

Yes No N/A

Final Go/No-Go Readiness

Landing zone cleared for aircraft arrival critical (required)

Final confirmation that hazards are controlled, perimeter is secure, and the zone is ready for landing.

Yes No N/A

Any remaining deficiencies documented

Record unresolved hazards, limitations, or non-conformances that were identified during setup.

Inspector signature critical (required)

Signature of the person completing the landing zone inspection.

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Run: Helicopter Landing Zone Setup Checklist

Scene Control and Landing Zone Selection

Hazard Identification and Mitigation

Lighting and Visibility

Communications and Coordination

Final Go/No-Go Readiness

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