Which marker is used to designate the landing zone?

Which marker is used to designate the landing zone?

• A. Cones
• B. Painted markers
• C. VS-17 panels
• D. Flags

Answer: (C)

Designating a landing zone hinges on signals that are easily read from the air. VS-17 panels are the standard markers ground crews use to mark an LZ for helicopters. They’re bright orange panels placed in an open area to create a highly visible target that pilots can spot from distance, even in dust, smoke, or low light, and they help indicate the zone’s location and boundaries for a safe touchdown. Other markers like cones, painted markings, or flags can serve in different contexts, but they don’t provide the same quick, high-visibility air-readability that VS-17 panels offer for LZ designation.

Designating a landing zone hinges on signals that are easily read from the air. VS-17 panels are the standard markers ground crews use to mark an LZ for helicopters. They’re bright orange panels placed in an open area to create a highly visible target that pilots can spot from distance, even in dust, smoke, or low light, and they help indicate the zone’s location and boundaries for a safe touchdown. Other markers like cones, painted markings, or flags can serve in different contexts, but they don’t provide the same quick, high-visibility air-readability that VS-17 panels offer for LZ designation.