15 - 1 Chapter 15 AVIATION Army aviation and Infantry units can be fully integrated with other members of the combined arms team to form powerful and flexible air assault task forces. These forces can project combat power throughout the depth and width of the modern battlefield, with little regard for terrain barriers. These combat operations are deliberate, precisely planned, and vigorously executed. They strike the enemy when and where he is most vulnerable. See Figure 2-11, Air Movement Annex, and Figure 2-12, Coordination Checklists, which include the Army Aviation Coordination Checklist. 15-1. REVERSE PLANNING SEQUENCE. Successful air assault execution is based on a careful analysis of METT-TC and detailed, precise reverse planning. Five basic plans that comprise the reverse planning sequence are developed for each air assault operation. The battalion is the lowest level that has sufficient personnel to plan, coordinate, and control air assault operations. When company size or lower operations are conducted, most of the planning occurs at battalion or higher headquarters. The five plans are– a. Ground Tactical Plan. The commander’s ground tactical plan forms the foundation of a successful air assault operation. All additional plans must support this plan. It specifies actions in the objective area to ultimately accomplish the mission and address subsequent operations. b. Landing Plan. The landing plan must support the ground tactical plan. This plan outlines a sequence of events that allows elements to move into the area of operations, and ensures that units arrive at designated locations at prescribed times, and that as soon as they arrive, they are prepared to execute the ground tactical plan. c. Air Movement Plan. The air movement plan is based on the ground tactical and landing plans. It specifies the schedule and provides instructions for air movement of troops, equipment, and supplies from PZs to LZs. d. Loading Plan. The loading plan is based on the air movement plan. It ensures that troops, equipment, and supplies are loaded on the correct aircraft. Unit integrity is maintained when aircraft loads are planned. Cross loading may be necessary to ensure survivability of command and control assets, and that the mix of weapons arriving at the LZ is ready to fight. e. Staging Plan. The staging plan is based on the loading plan and prescribes the arrival time of ground units (troops, equipment and supplies) at the PZ in the order of movement 15-2. SELECTION AND MARKING OF PICKUP AND LANDING ZONES a. Considerations. Small unit leaders should consider the following when selecting a PZ/ LZ: (1) Size. Minimal circular landing point separation from other aircraft and obstacles is needed: OH 58D – 25 meters. UH 1, AH 1 – 35 meters. UH 60, AH 64 – 50 meters. Cargo helicopters – 80 meters. (2) Surface Conditions. Avoid potential hazards such as sand, blowing dust, snow, tree stumps, or large rocks. (3) Ground Slope. 0 to 6 percent—land upslope. 7 to 15 percent—land sideslope. Over 15 percent—no touchdown (aircraft may hover). (4) Obstacles. An obstacle clearance ratio of 10 to 1 is used in planning approach and departure of the PZ and LZ. For example, a tree that is 10 feet tall requires 100 feet of horizontal distance for approach or departure. Mark obstacles with a red chemlight at night or red panels in daytime. Avoid using markings if the enemy would see them. (5) Approach/ Departure. Approach and depart into the wind and along the long axis of the PZ/ LZ. (6) Loads. The greater the load, the larger the PZ/ LZ must be to accommodate the insertion or extraction. b. Marking of PZs and LZs. (1) Day. A ground guide will mark the PZ or LZ for the lead aircraft by holding an M16/ M4 rifle over his head, by displaying a folded VS 17 panel chest high, or by other coordinated and identifiable means.