Take off and landing - UNITAF Force Manual (FM)

Guide

FM/BG-976 - Considerations prior to take-off

Guide

Confirm all personnel are boarded and ready.
Survey the immediate area for hazards such as trees, poles, and wires that may cause rotor strikes.
If operating in a flight group, establish the take-off sequence to avoid mid-air collisions.
Check airspace for other aircraft and ensure your departure won’t intersect their approach.
Plan your route.

Guide

FM/BG-977 - Considerations prior to landing

Guide

Avoid landing on slopes unless necessary—face upslope if you must, and be prepared to hover instead of touching down.
Choose level terrain with minimal obstructions.
Approach using a wide, shallow path to maximize obstacle visibility.
In tight LZs, rely on door gunners or troops on the ground for guidance.
Maintain low vertical speed when touching down.

Guide

FM/BG-978 - Combat landing additional considerations

Guide

Determine and communicate in advance whether the insertion will be full-touchdown, hover, or moving.
Select an approach altitude that minimizes exposure to enemy threats (high or low) depending on terrain and enemy presence.
Suppress the LZ using door gunners if enemy is expected to be present.
Execute a fast approach and flare effectively to reduce speed without gaining altitude.
Upon arrival, command the debarkation with “Go, go, go!” Wait for confirmation from the senior passenger that all troops are clear before departing.
If possible, maintain suppression during the exit phase.