This subjects is important of being good leader of an ARMY and a FUTURE of nation. "A good Leader must be a good Follower". What you see, what you hear, what you read, what you feel, Just live it here thats our military Secrecy. For being Honor Code of being a Cadets or as an Officer "We female and male does not lie, cheat, steal, nor tolerate other for us for those who do".

2. OBJECTIVESOBJECTIVES
To provide the students anTo provide the students an
overview of what airmobileoverview of what airmobile
operation is, its missions foroperation is, its missions for
airmobile forces, itsairmobile forces, its
limitations, training andlimitations, training and
operation.operation.

3. SCOPESCOPE
DEFINITION OF AIRMOBILEDEFINITION OF AIRMOBILE
OPERATIONSOPERATIONS
MISSIONS FOR AIRMOBILE FORCESMISSIONS FOR AIRMOBILE FORCES
LIMITATIONS OF AIRMOBILELIMITATIONS OF AIRMOBILE
OPERATIONOPERATION
AIRMOBILE TRAININGAIRMOBILE TRAINING
PATHFINDER OPERATIONPATHFINDER OPERATION

4. Airmobile Operation (HeliborneAirmobile Operation (Heliborne
Operation)Operation)
– is an offensive operation in which– is an offensive operation in which
combat forces and their equipmentcombat forces and their equipment
move about in the battle field aboard airmove about in the battle field aboard air
vehicles under the control of the groundvehicles under the control of the ground
force commander, to engage in groundforce commander, to engage in ground
combat.combat.

5. LIMITATIONS OF AIRMOBILELIMITATIONS OF AIRMOBILE
OPERATIONSOPERATIONS
1. Adverse weather conditions may curtail1. Adverse weather conditions may curtail
the use of helicopters.the use of helicopters.
2. Limited support weapons, heavy2. Limited support weapons, heavy
equipment and means of communication.equipment and means of communication.
3. Limited capability to engage to sustained3. Limited capability to engage to sustained
combat.combat.
4. Lack of vehicular mobility.4. Lack of vehicular mobility.
5. Vulnerability to enemy action during5. Vulnerability to enemy action during
landing, assembly and pick-up.landing, assembly and pick-up.
6. Loss of the element of surprise if air-6. Loss of the element of surprise if air-
mobile operation is often resorted to by themobile operation is often resorted to by the
commander, since the enemy may learn tocommander, since the enemy may learn to
counter-act such operation.counter-act such operation.

6. MISSIONS FOR AIRMOBILE FORCESMISSIONS FOR AIRMOBILE FORCES
1. Reconnaissance and security operations to block and1. Reconnaissance and security operations to block and
screen enemy avenues of approach as:screen enemy avenues of approach as:
a.Covering force.a.Covering force.
b.Flank guard.b.Flank guard.
c.Rear area security force.c.Rear area security force.
2. Anti-Airborne, Anti-Airmobile and Anti-Dissident2. Anti-Airborne, Anti-Airmobile and Anti-Dissident
operations.operations.
3. Seizure and retention of key terrain.3. Seizure and retention of key terrain.
4. Feints, demonstrations and other diversionary4. Feints, demonstrations and other diversionary
actions.actions.
5. Economy of force missions.5. Economy of force missions.
6. Counter-attack of enemy penetrations.6. Counter-attack of enemy penetrations.
7. Long-range combat patrols.7. Long-range combat patrols.
8. Raids.8. Raids.
9. Counter guerillas operations.9. Counter guerillas operations.

7. AIRMOBILE TRAININGAIRMOBILE TRAINING
1. Helicopter Team Organization - a helicopter1. Helicopter Team Organization - a helicopter
team, also referred to asteam, also referred to as heliteamheliteam consists ofconsists of
combat equipped troops lifted in one helicoptercombat equipped troops lifted in one helicopter
at one time. In forming heliteams, the followingat one time. In forming heliteams, the following
principles are considered:principles are considered:
a. Unit Integrity - this means that unita. Unit Integrity - this means that unit
organization of forces are preserve wheneverorganization of forces are preserve whenever
possible.possible.
b. Tactical Spread - key personnel andb. Tactical Spread - key personnel and
important equipment are judiciously distributedimportant equipment are judiciously distributed
on the different aircraft to forestall their totalon the different aircraft to forestall their total
loss in the event that some aircraft will notloss in the event that some aircraft will not
successfully reach the landing zone.successfully reach the landing zone.

8. Heliteam Organization and SeatHeliteam Organization and Seat
DesignationDesignation
SQUAD LEADERSQUAD LEADER
Team Leader Team LeaderTeam Leader Team Leader
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 91 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
““A” Fire Team “B” Fire TeamA” Fire Team “B” Fire Team
5 4 23 1
9 8 7 6 C/C
AP
P
P – Pilot
AP – Asst. Pilot
C/C – Chief Crew
- Direction of
Seat
Note: If seats are not arranged for airmobile operation,
the gunner seats at no. 1.

9. The size of the heliteam is determined by the weight carryingThe size of the heliteam is determined by the weight carrying
capability of the helicopter and the weight of the troops andcapability of the helicopter and the weight of the troops and
equipment to be transported. The allowable cargo load (ACL) ofequipment to be transported. The allowable cargo load (ACL) of
the helicopter is affected by its type, the elevation of pick-up andthe helicopter is affected by its type, the elevation of pick-up and
landing sites, the humidity and weather conditions and its fuellanding sites, the humidity and weather conditions and its fuel
load. Since most of the helicopters available for use of AFP haveload. Since most of the helicopters available for use of AFP have
the ACL of nine combat equipped personnel (equivalent to 240 lbsthe ACL of nine combat equipped personnel (equivalent to 240 lbs
each), it would be best to organize AFP units into heliteams of 9each), it would be best to organize AFP units into heliteams of 9
men composed of:men composed of:
1 Squad leader (heliteam commander)1 Squad leader (heliteam commander)
2 Fire team leaders (A and B)2 Fire team leaders (A and B)
6 members of A and B fire teams and their6 members of A and B fire teams and their
equipment.equipment.
The more senior fire team leader is the assistant heliteamThe more senior fire team leader is the assistant heliteam
commander. He familiarizes himself with the duties of the heliteamcommander. He familiarizes himself with the duties of the heliteam
commander and assists him in his duties aside from controlling hiscommander and assists him in his duties aside from controlling his
own fire team. He assumes command when it becomesown fire team. He assumes command when it becomes
necessary.necessary.

10. 2. Heliteam Commander’s Responsibility - the senior2. Heliteam Commander’s Responsibility - the senior
commissioned or non-commissioned Army Officer of thecommissioned or non-commissioned Army Officer of the
Heliteam is the heliteam commander and he has theHeliteam is the heliteam commander and he has the
following responsibilities:following responsibilities:
 A. Inspect each individual member of theA. Inspect each individual member of the
heliteam for proper uniform, equipment while inheliteam for proper uniform, equipment while in
the assembly area.the assembly area.
 B. Musters the members of the heliteam in theB. Musters the members of the heliteam in the
assigned assembly area prior to enplanning.assigned assembly area prior to enplanning.
 C. Checks all equipment assigned to theC. Checks all equipment assigned to the
heliteam and sees to it that they are properlyheliteam and sees to it that they are properly
located before the team is called to the loadinglocated before the team is called to the loading
zone.zone.

11. Heliteam Commander’sHeliteam Commander’s
Responsibility Cont.Responsibility Cont.
 D. Ensures that all weapons are in safeD. Ensures that all weapons are in safe
position, all loose gears of the men are properlyposition, all loose gears of the men are properly
secure and they do not carry anything highersecure and they do not carry anything higher
than their heads.than their heads.
 E. Leads his heliteam from the assembly areaE. Leads his heliteam from the assembly area
to the control point and ready circle in theto the control point and ready circle in the
loading zone.loading zone.
 F. Supervises the enplaning of his heliteam.F. Supervises the enplaning of his heliteam.
 G. Supervises the deplaning of his heliteamG. Supervises the deplaning of his heliteam
personnel and equipment at the landing site.personnel and equipment at the landing site.

12. 3. Loading Procedure3. Loading Procedure - within the loading- within the loading
site, troops will be assembled at ansite, troops will be assembled at an
assembly area. Here orders are issued andassembly area. Here orders are issued and
administrative matters are completed.administrative matters are completed.
Troops are then group into heliteams andTroops are then group into heliteams and
heliteam commanders make their finalheliteam commanders make their final
briefing. When directed, the heliteams arebriefing. When directed, the heliteams are
moved to the control point and from themoved to the control point and from the
control point, the loading supervisor directscontrol point, the loading supervisor directs
them to the ready circles. The ready circlesthem to the ready circles. The ready circles
are alert points from which the heliteam areare alert points from which the heliteam are
called to be enplannedcalled to be enplanned..

13. 4. Enplanning Procedure - helicopter loading is4. Enplanning Procedure - helicopter loading is
conducted with the maximum speed commensurateconducted with the maximum speed commensurate
with safety. In enplanning helicopters, the followingwith safety. In enplanning helicopters, the following
procedures may be used as guides:procedures may be used as guides:
 On signal from the troop loading officer or theOn signal from the troop loading officer or the
signalman who marshaled the helicopter tosignalman who marshaled the helicopter to
land, the heliteam commander leads his teamland, the heliteam commander leads his team
on the double from the ready circle to theon the double from the ready circle to the
aircraft.aircraft.
 The heliteam commander ensures the teamThe heliteam commander ensures the team
members are in proper sequence within themembers are in proper sequence within the
column to facilitate rapid enplanning andcolumn to facilitate rapid enplanning and
loading of equipment. They dash to theloading of equipment. They dash to the
helicopter at port arms keeping their headshelicopter at port arms keeping their heads
low.low.

14. Enplanning Procedure cont.Enplanning Procedure cont.
 Upon reaching the aircraft, the heliteamUpon reaching the aircraft, the heliteam
commander takes position near the skid of thecommander takes position near the skid of the
helicopter and assist team members to enplane.helicopter and assist team members to enplane.
 Personnel enter the helicopter carrying rifles inPersonnel enter the helicopter carrying rifles in
their hands and seat on positions indicated intheir hands and seat on positions indicated in
figure 104.figure 104.
 Crew-served weapons maybe loaded in parts. TheCrew-served weapons maybe loaded in parts. The
light machinegun is loaded in its three mainlight machinegun is loaded in its three main
groups, each carried by individual members. Thegroups, each carried by individual members. The
81MM mortar is loaded into component loads; the81MM mortar is loaded into component loads; the
complete base plate, the tube and bipod assembly.complete base plate, the tube and bipod assembly.
The 60MM mortar maybe loaded as a whole. CareThe 60MM mortar maybe loaded as a whole. Care
should be taken such that the weight of the load isshould be taken such that the weight of the load is
equally distributed on the starboard and port sideequally distributed on the starboard and port side
of the aircraft.of the aircraft.

15. Enplanning Procedure cont.Enplanning Procedure cont.
When seated, each army places hisWhen seated, each army places his
rifles between his knees, fastens hisrifles between his knees, fastens his
seatbelts and raises his right arm toseatbelts and raises his right arm to
signal the heliteam commander that hesignal the heliteam commander that he
is ready for take off period.is ready for take off period.
 When the heliteam commander seesWhen the heliteam commander sees
that all members are strapped andthat all members are strapped and
ready to be airborne, he either givesready to be airborne, he either gives
the crew chief a thumbs-up signal orthe crew chief a thumbs-up signal or
taps the pilot’s shoulder and signalstaps the pilot’s shoulder and signals
him to take off.him to take off.

16. 5. Enplanning Procedure Aboard Ship -5. Enplanning Procedure Aboard Ship -
the basic procedure in enplanning aboard thethe basic procedure in enplanning aboard the
ship is the same as the procedure whenship is the same as the procedure when
enplanning ashore. The size of the loadingenplanning ashore. The size of the loading
site may differ due to the limitation of a shipsite may differ due to the limitation of a ship
deck, but generally heliteam loadingdeck, but generally heliteam loading
procedures remain the same.procedures remain the same.
6. Deplanning Procedure -6. Deplanning Procedure - whenwhen
approaching the landing zone, the pilot orapproaching the landing zone, the pilot or
crew chief will orient the heliteamcrew chief will orient the heliteam
commander as to the direction of north,commander as to the direction of north,
south, east and west. They must also try tosouth, east and west. They must also try to
establish for the heliteam commander hisestablish for the heliteam commander his
position in relation to an object that is wellposition in relation to an object that is well
known to him on the groundknown to him on the ground..

17. PATHFINDER OPERATIONPATHFINDER OPERATION
An Army Troop Leader must know the basicAn Army Troop Leader must know the basic
pathfinder techniques to guide aircrafts to his unit’spathfinder techniques to guide aircrafts to his unit’s
position, to conduct close air support, to deliver vitalposition, to conduct close air support, to deliver vital
supplies or to pick-up casualties. Likewise, he mustsupplies or to pick-up casualties. Likewise, he must
know how to select and prepare an appropriate dropknow how to select and prepare an appropriate drop
or landing zone for a particular aircraft. Pathfinderor landing zone for a particular aircraft. Pathfinder
operation may include:operation may include:
A. DROP ZONE OPERATIONA. DROP ZONE OPERATION
Here, cargoes or paratroopers will be dropped onHere, cargoes or paratroopers will be dropped on
specified areas selected and prepared by aspecified areas selected and prepared by a
pathfinder. If the aircraft to conduct the drop is onpathfinder. If the aircraft to conduct the drop is on
the ground of known location, the pathfinder maythe ground of known location, the pathfinder may
give him terminal guidance thru the radio.give him terminal guidance thru the radio.

18. 1. Factors in Selection of Drop1. Factors in Selection of Drop
ZoneZone a. Access to area by supported units.a. Access to area by supported units.
 b. Obstacles.b. Obstacles.
 c. Altitude (Actual) of aircraft during delivery.c. Altitude (Actual) of aircraft during delivery.
 d. Type of aircraft employed.d. Type of aircraft employed.
 e. Type of loads, which could be personnel, equipmente. Type of loads, which could be personnel, equipment
oror combination of both.combination of both.
 f. Adequate aircraft approach and departure routes. Itf. Adequate aircraft approach and departure routes. It
is desirable to direct aircraft to fly into the wind duringis desirable to direct aircraft to fly into the wind during
the air delivery since the slower ground speed gives itthe air delivery since the slower ground speed gives it
more time over the drop zone and assures a moremore time over the drop zone and assures a more
compact delivery pattern.compact delivery pattern.
 g. Method of drop, which could be high velocity dropg. Method of drop, which could be high velocity drop
(last minute deployment) low velocity drop (early(last minute deployment) low velocity drop (early
deployment) and free drop.deployment) and free drop.

19. 2. Drop Zone Formulas2. Drop Zone Formulas
a. Required Length of Drop Zone:a. Required Length of Drop Zone:
D=RTD=RT
D-Distance in metersD-Distance in meters
R-Rate of aircraft (ground speed) inR-Rate of aircraft (ground speed) in
meters per secondmeters per second
T-Time required for release of cargo inT-Time required for release of cargo in
seconds.seconds.
 b. Conversion of knots 2 metersb. Conversion of knots 2 meters
per secondper second
Knots x 0.51=meters per secondKnots x 0.51=meters per second

20. 2. Drop Zone Formulas cont.2. Drop Zone Formulas cont.
c. Time over Drop Zone: T=D/Rc. Time over Drop Zone: T=D/R
d. Forward Throw of Droppedd. Forward Throw of Dropped
Cargo:Cargo:
FT=R/2FT=R/2
FT-Forward throw in metersFT-Forward throw in meters
R-Rate of aircraft (ground speed) inR-Rate of aircraft (ground speed) in
metersmeters

21. 2. Drop Zone Formulas cont.2. Drop Zone Formulas cont.
e. Wind drift: D=KAVe. Wind drift: D=KAV
D – Drift in metersD – Drift in meters
K – Constant: personnel parachutesK – Constant: personnel parachutes
A – Altitude of drop (actual altitude) in hundredsA – Altitude of drop (actual altitude) in hundreds
of feetof feet
V – Velocity of surface winds in knotsV – Velocity of surface winds in knots
 Note: This formula assumes that theNote: This formula assumes that the
surface winds and winds aloft are thesurface winds and winds aloft are the
same and that jumpers do not performsame and that jumpers do not perform
anti-drift action while airborne.anti-drift action while airborne.

22. 3. Expedient Methods Of3. Expedient Methods Of
Determining Wind VelocityDetermining Wind Velocity
 a. Grass Drop Methoda. Grass Drop Method - extend arm straight out- extend arm straight out
and drop dry grass from hand. Point extended armand drop dry grass from hand. Point extended arm
at dropped grass on the ground. The angle formedat dropped grass on the ground. The angle formed
between the arm and the body, divided by 4, is thebetween the arm and the body, divided by 4, is the
wind velocity in knots.wind velocity in knots.
 b. Angle Of Smoke Methodb. Angle Of Smoke Method - make a small- make a small
bonfire and observe the smoke blown by the wind. Ifbonfire and observe the smoke blown by the wind. If
the smoke goes:the smoke goes:
(1)(1) Straight up = No windStraight up = No wind
(2)(2) 30 degrees from vertical wind 3-5 knots30 degrees from vertical wind 3-5 knots
(3)(3) 60 degrees from vertical wind 5-7 knots60 degrees from vertical wind 5-7 knots
(4)(4) Along the ground = wind in excess of 8 knotsAlong the ground = wind in excess of 8 knots

23. 4. Exit Point Determination by Vector Count Method -the4. Exit Point Determination by Vector Count Method -the
vector count method is the basic way for a jumpmastervector count method is the basic way for a jumpmaster
aboard an aircraft to determine the exit points over the dropaboard an aircraft to determine the exit points over the drop
zone for his jumpers to hit the desired impact areas.zone for his jumpers to hit the desired impact areas.
Following are the procedures for this method:Following are the procedures for this method:
 a. A drift parachute, streamer or a dummy jumpera. A drift parachute, streamer or a dummy jumper
is dropped on the aircraft’s first pass over theis dropped on the aircraft’s first pass over the
desired impact point (IP).desired impact point (IP).
 b. The aircraft then turns to allow the jumpmasterb. The aircraft then turns to allow the jumpmaster
keep the drop zone and the drift parachute,keep the drop zone and the drift parachute,
streamer or jumper in sight. The pilot then adjustsstreamer or jumper in sight. The pilot then adjusts
his flight pattern so that his flight path passeshis flight pattern so that his flight path passes
over the parachute or streamer that had hit theover the parachute or streamer that had hit the
ground in line with the desired impact point for theground in line with the desired impact point for the
first jumper.first jumper.

24. Exit Point Determination by Vector CountExit Point Determination by Vector Count
Method cont.Method cont.
 c. As the aircraft passes over the parachute or streamer onc. As the aircraft passes over the parachute or streamer on
the ground, the jump master starts a count of about onethe ground, the jump master starts a count of about one
second interval (one thousand one, one thousand two, onesecond interval (one thousand one, one thousand two, one
thousand three….), stopping the count directly over thethousand three….), stopping the count directly over the
desired IP for the firstdesired IP for the first jumper.jumper.
 d. He then immediately begins a second count as thed. He then immediately begins a second count as the
aircraft moves over and away from the desired IP for theaircraft moves over and away from the desired IP for the
first jumper. When the second count equals the first count,first jumper. When the second count equals the first count,
the aircraft is over the exit point for the first jumper.the aircraft is over the exit point for the first jumper.
 e. The pilot then maneuvers the aircraft to fly parallel to thee. The pilot then maneuvers the aircraft to fly parallel to the
long axis of the drop zone and over the exit point. Andlong axis of the drop zone and over the exit point. And
additional passes necessary to drop all jumpers or cargoesadditional passes necessary to drop all jumpers or cargoes
aboard the aircraft are flown over the same exit point.aboard the aircraft are flown over the same exit point.
Slight adjustment of flight paths may be made based onSlight adjustment of flight paths may be made based on
thethe observed impact points of preceding jumpers.observed impact points of preceding jumpers.

25. 5. Drop Instruction to Aircraft of5. Drop Instruction to Aircraft of
Known Location.Known Location.
Following is an example of radio instruction givenFollowing is an example of radio instruction given
to an aircraft on drop mission:to an aircraft on drop mission:
 a. HORNET (aircraft’s call sign) This is JAGUARa. HORNET (aircraft’s call sign) This is JAGUAR
(your call sign).(your call sign).
 b. HEADING TO DROP ZONE DEGREES (reckonedb. HEADING TO DROP ZONE DEGREES (reckoned
from location of aircraft)from location of aircraft)
 c. DROP HEADING ______ DEGREESc. DROP HEADING ______ DEGREES
(recommended flight heading over DZ)(recommended flight heading over DZ)
 d. DROP ALTITUDE _____FEET, DROP SPEEDd. DROP ALTITUDE _____FEET, DROP SPEED
_____KNOTS (recommended altitude and ground_____KNOTS (recommended altitude and ground
speed of aircraft over DZ)speed of aircraft over DZ)
 e. BE ADVICE ______ (include approximatee. BE ADVICE ______ (include approximate
dimensions of DZ, enemy situation, wind conditiondimensions of DZ, enemy situation, wind condition
and other pertinent information to aid pilot)and other pertinent information to aid pilot)

26. 5. Drop Instruction to Aircraft of5. Drop Instruction to Aircraft of
Known Location. Cont.Known Location. Cont.
f. CONTINUE APPROACH FOR VISUALf. CONTINUE APPROACH FOR VISUAL
GUIDANCEGUIDANCE
g. HORNET, STAND BY … (when aircraftg. HORNET, STAND BY … (when aircraft
approach exactly as desired and you wishapproach exactly as desired and you wish
to give the signal for jumpers or cargoes toto give the signal for jumpers or cargoes to
exit from the aircraft. This morning is givenexit from the aircraft. This morning is given
5-10 seconds prior to5-10 seconds prior to drop).drop).
h. EXECUTE, EXECUTE, EXECUTE.h. EXECUTE, EXECUTE, EXECUTE.
(jumpers or cargoes exit at every word)(jumpers or cargoes exit at every word)
i. NO DROP, NO DROP…(if not safe toi. NO DROP, NO DROP…(if not safe to
drop).drop).

27. B. PICK-UP ZONE OPERATIONB. PICK-UP ZONE OPERATION
In the conduct of airmobileIn the conduct of airmobile
operation, an Army Officer or NCOoperation, an Army Officer or NCO
may be tasked to assist in the controlmay be tasked to assist in the control
of aircraft and in the loading ofof aircraft and in the loading of
personnel and supplies in pick-uppersonnel and supplies in pick-up
zones. They may also be required tozones. They may also be required to
select and prepare pick-up zone. Inselect and prepare pick-up zone. In
this kind of duty, knowledge of thethis kind of duty, knowledge of the
basic pathfinder techniques involvedbasic pathfinder techniques involved
in pick-up zone operation will be veryin pick-up zone operation will be very
useful.useful.

28. 1.1. Factors to Consider in Selection of Pick-Factors to Consider in Selection of Pick-
up Zone.up Zone.
a.a. Size of Landing AreaSize of Landing Area - the pick-up site- the pick-up site
should be free of tall trees, telephone orshould be free of tall trees, telephone or
power lines or similar obstruction on thepower lines or similar obstruction on the
approach or departure ends. Obstaclesapproach or departure ends. Obstacles
which cannot be eliminated must bewhich cannot be eliminated must be
clearly mark and the pilot should beclearly mark and the pilot should be
properly warned about them duringproperly warned about them during
approach. For planning purposes onapproach. For planning purposes on
obstacle ratio of 10-1 should be used.obstacle ratio of 10-1 should be used.
b.b. Number and Type of AircraftNumber and Type of Aircraft..
c.c. Landing Formation of Aircraft.Landing Formation of Aircraft.
d.d. Surface ConditionSurface Condition (dusty, muddy, etc)(dusty, muddy, etc)
- loose debris must be removed.- loose debris must be removed.

29. e. Ground Slopee. Ground Slope
Zero to 7 percent --- Land up-slopeZero to 7 percent --- Land up-slope
7 percent to 15 percent --- Land side-slope7 percent to 15 percent --- Land side-slope
More than 15 percent --- No landMore than 15 percent --- No land
f. Approach or Departure Directionf. Approach or Departure Direction - over lowest- over lowest
obstacles and into the wind if possible.obstacles and into the wind if possible.
g. Windsg. Winds - maximum allowable for utility helicopters:- maximum allowable for utility helicopters:
Crosswinds -------- 10 knotsCrosswinds -------- 10 knots
Tailwinds ----------- 5 knotsTailwinds ----------- 5 knots
Headwinds ---------- 40 knotsHeadwinds ---------- 40 knots
h. Loads.h. Loads.
i. Obstaclesi. Obstacles - remove obstacles if possible. Mark all- remove obstacles if possible. Mark all
obstacles not apparent to aircraft. Obstacle ratio mustobstacles not apparent to aircraft. Obstacle ratio must
be at least 10 feet horizontal distance to 1 foot verticalbe at least 10 feet horizontal distance to 1 foot vertical
distance.distance.

30. 2. Pick-up Instruction to Aircraft2. Pick-up Instruction to Aircraft
of Unknown Locationof Unknown Location
Following is an example of radio pick-up instructionFollowing is an example of radio pick-up instruction
given to an aircraft of unknown location:given to an aircraft of unknown location:
 HORNET, THIS JAGUAR. WILL GIVE VISUALHORNET, THIS JAGUAR. WILL GIVE VISUAL
GUIDANCE TOGUIDANCE TO PICK-UP ZONE (when aircraft comes toPICK-UP ZONE (when aircraft comes to
view).view).
 TURN RIGHT/LEFT (which ever is appropriate) TOTURN RIGHT/LEFT (which ever is appropriate) TO
HEADING ______ DEGREES (reckoned from position ofHEADING ______ DEGREES (reckoned from position of
aircraft).aircraft).
 STEER RIGHT/LEFT (which ever is appropriate)... ONSTEER RIGHT/LEFT (which ever is appropriate)... ON
COURSE (aircraft will continue turning right/leftCOURSE (aircraft will continue turning right/left
until the pilot hears the command “ON COURSE”until the pilot hears the command “ON COURSE”
which you will give the moment the aircraft face yourwhich you will give the moment the aircraft face your
direction).direction).

31. Pick-up Instruction to Aircraft ofPick-up Instruction to Aircraft of
Unknown Location cont.Unknown Location cont.
 BE ADVICE PICK-UP ZONE IS ABOUT 200BE ADVICE PICK-UP ZONE IS ABOUT 200
BY300 METERS, SURFACE MUDDY, TALLBY300 METERS, SURFACE MUDDY, TALL
TREES NORTH OF PZ, WILL MARK POSITIONTREES NORTH OF PZ, WILL MARK POSITION
WITH RED SMOKE (include other pertinentWITH RED SMOKE (include other pertinent
information to guide pilot).information to guide pilot).
 WIND_______DEGREES AT ____ KNOTS (whenWIND_______DEGREES AT ____ KNOTS (when
aircraft approachaircraft approach to land)to land)
 LAND_______DEGREES (recommended landingLAND_______DEGREES (recommended landing
direction).direction).
 CLEAR TO LAND. WILL POSE SIGNAL MAN TOCLEAR TO LAND. WILL POSE SIGNAL MAN TO
ASSIST IN LANDING.ASSIST IN LANDING.

32. C. LANDING ZONEC. LANDING ZONE
OPERATIONOPERATION
1. Landing Zone Plans1. Landing Zone Plans - there are two- there are two
general maneuver plans for airmobile assaultsgeneral maneuver plans for airmobile assaults
that differ primarily in the proximity of thethat differ primarily in the proximity of the
landing zones to the initial objectiveslanding zones to the initial objectives
assigned to the heliteams. They are theassigned to the heliteams. They are the
following:following:
 Landing Assault Forces ImmediatelyLanding Assault Forces Immediately
Adjacent to Initial Objectives.Adjacent to Initial Objectives.
 Landing Forces which Assemble andLanding Forces which Assemble and
Reorganize Before Attack of InitialReorganize Before Attack of Initial
Objectives.Objectives.

33. C. LANDING ZONEC. LANDING ZONE
OPERATION cont.OPERATION cont.
2. Consideration in the Selection2. Consideration in the Selection
of Landing Zones.of Landing Zones.
 In the first type of assault, the landingIn the first type of assault, the landing
sites are selected to capitalize on thesites are selected to capitalize on the
element of surprise and capability of smallelement of surprise and capability of small
forces to land as a unit on almost of anyforces to land as a unit on almost of any
type of terrain.type of terrain.
 In the other type, the selection of landingIn the other type, the selection of landing
zones is premised on the suitability forzones is premised on the suitability for
landing, assembling and reorganizinglanding, assembling and reorganizing
larger units without enemy interference.larger units without enemy interference.

34. 3. 3. Hand and Arm Signals to Hand and Arm Signals to
Assist in LandingAssist in Landing
- all AFP should be familiar with the standard hand and- all AFP should be familiar with the standard hand and
arm signals to be able to assist helicopters pilots inarm signals to be able to assist helicopters pilots in
landing. Normally, familiarity with this hand and armlanding. Normally, familiarity with this hand and arm
signals will be adequate, for most of them could be easilysignals will be adequate, for most of them could be easily
remembered. Signals at night may be given withremembered. Signals at night may be given with
flashlights held in each hand.flashlights held in each hand.
a. Assume guidancea. Assume guidance j. Landj. Land
b. Hoverb. Hover k. Stopk. Stop
c. Move Aheadc. Move Ahead l. Take Offl. Take Off
d. Move Backd. Move Back m. Sling-load, Hook-up Completem. Sling-load, Hook-up Complete
e. Move Upwardse. Move Upwards n. Sling-load, Unhook Loadn. Sling-load, Unhook Load
f. Move Downwardsf. Move Downwards
g. Move Leftg. Move Left
h. Move Righth. Move Right
i. Spot Turni. Spot Turn

36. summarysummary
DEFINITION OF AIRMOBILEDEFINITION OF AIRMOBILE
OPERATIONSOPERATIONS
MISSIONS FOR AIRMOBILE FORCESMISSIONS FOR AIRMOBILE FORCES
LIMITATIONS OF AIRMOBILELIMITATIONS OF AIRMOBILE
OPERATIONOPERATION
AIRMOBILE TRAININGAIRMOBILE TRAINING
PATHFINDER OPERATIONPATHFINDER OPERATION