PATHFINDER HLZ EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS #6
What are the two main categories that consist of the consideration factors for selecting
an HLZ? - correct answer 1. Tactical Considerations
2. Technical Considerations
What are the tactical considerations for selecting the HLZ site? - correct answer The
considerations that pertain to the actual mission of the unit being moved. These
considerations are the responsibility of the Ground Unit Commander (GUC) and the
Aviation Unit Commander, and their staff and include the following:
A) Estimate of situation using METT-TC (mission, enemy and friendly considerations,
troops, terrain and weather, time available, and civilians)
B) Location of the objective from tentative HLS
C) Size of the element being moved
What are the technical considerations when selecting the HLZ? - correct answer These
are the considerations that pertain to the technical aspect of selection and operation of
a day or night HLS. These are the responsibility of the Pathfinder and are subdivided
into seven selection factors (SOSATAL):
1) Size of HLP
2) Obstacles
3) Surface conditions
4) Approach and departure routes
5) Type of Load
6) Atmospheric conditions
7) Landing formation
How will the size of the HLP (Helicopter Landing Point) be decided? - correct answer
the size of the HLP will be decided by the aviation unit commander based on:
A) Size/Type of Aircraft
B) Pilot/Unit Proficiency
C) Whether operation will be during Day or Night
D) Atmospheric Conditions
What is the diameter and what aircraft belong as a Size 1 HLP? - correct answer 25
meters ; OH-6, OH-58, MH-6, AH-6, UH72A
What is the diameter and what aircraft belong as a Size 2 HLP? - correct answer 35
meters ; UH-1N/Y and AH-1W/Z
What is the diameter and what aircraft belong as a Size 3 HLP? - correct answer 50
meters ; UH60A/L/M, SH60, AH-64
What is the diameter and what aircraft belong as a Size 4 HLP? - correct answer 80
meters ; All CH A/C, to include MV/CV-22B (Osprey)
,What is the diameter and what aircraft belong as a Size 5 HLP? - correct answer 100
meters ; All sling load A/C during daytime, all unknown/foreign A/C, and A/C using land-
safe
What is the diameter and what aircraft belong as a Size 6 HLP? - correct answer 125
meters ; All sling load A/C using long lines
What is the diameter and what aircraft belong as a Size 7 HLP? - correct answer 150
meters ; All sling load A/C during nighttime and all sling load A/C using land-safe
When different aircraft are in formation, which aircraft would you choose to make the
size of the HLP's for at the HLZ? - correct answer Always pace off of the largest
aircraft/largest size
What are the nine standard aircraft formations? - correct answer 1) Trail
2) Staggered Trail Left
3) Staggered Trail Right
4) Echelon left
5) Echelon right
6) Heavy left
7) Heavy right
8) Vee
9) Diamond
Which aircraft formation is the most secure? - correct answer Diamond
Surface conditions at the HLS should be? - correct answer 1) Firm enough to support
the weight of the aircraft
2) Free of loose sand, snow, or debris (brown-out or white-out conditions)
*Note* Add environmental considerations for cold weather, desert, and mountains
In terms of the surface conditions, how should Pathfinders choose the HLS? - correct
answer a) Choose a hard surface: needs to support weight of A/C, avoids excessive
dust or blowing snow; must allow a fully loaded helicopter to land, restart, and leave
again, all without sinking into the ground; if a surface does not meet these conditions,
then an advisory must be given to A/C to terminate at a hover or touch down while
under power. IF mission does not allow this then a new site must be selected.
B) Clear to level ground: Pathfinders must clear entire TDP of loose material, debris that
rotors can stir up and injure personnel/Aircraft. They need not clear grass shorter than 1
foot, as long as field is level. They can cut down on dirt by wetting it. If debris cannot be
cleared and there is potential for brown-out/white-out conditions, then Pathfinders must
provide advisories and radio guidance as required.
What are obstacles? - correct answer Obstacles are anything that are 18" high, wide, or
deep
, *A landing point will never contain and obstacle. All obstacles will be removed, reduced,
or marked.
What are the Four R's when referring to obstacles? - correct answer Remove
Reduce
Red (mark in red)
Radio (advise pilot)
*Ground Slope can be considered an obstacle*
In terms of a slope, how should a Pathfinder always attempt to land an A/C? - correct
answer Always attempt to land the aircraft up-slope or side-slope. NEVER land an
aircraft down-slope if at all possible.
What are the ground slope restrictions? - correct answer 1) All A/C can land where
ground slope measures 7 degrees or less and no advisory is required
2) When the slope exceeds 7 degrees, OH & UH A/C that utilize skids for landing must
terminate at a hover
3) When the slope measures between 7 and 15 degrees, large UH & CH A/C that utilize
wheels for landing, are issued an advisory and they will land upslope
4) If the slope exceeds 15 degrees, all A/C must terminate at a hover
In what unit of measurement of ground slope measured in? - correct answer degrees
What is the slope formula? - correct answer (difference in elevation/horizontal
distance)X57.3
*Always round the degree of slope up*
How do you convert feet to meters? Meters to feet? - correct answer Feet to meters :
divide by 3.28
Meters to feet : multiply by 3.28
In order of importance, how is the land heading chosen? - correct answer 1) Long axis
2) Wind speed/direction
3) Ground slope
How large must the obstacle buffer be made? - correct answer - A 100 meter buffer or a
10:1 Obstacle Ration (whichever is greater) will be given on approach and departure
ends of the HLS
- A 10 meter buffer will be given to both sides of the site
*NOTE: When given authority by the GUC, Pathfinders may reduce the obstacle ratio to
no less than 5:1 or 50 meters (whichever is greater)*
*Make sure you always convert to meters*