What are the safety criteria for a helicopter medevac landing zone?

• A. Landing zone should be about 100 by 100 feet, free of debris, and approached only when cleared.
• B. Any open field is acceptable as long as the crew is ready.
• C. Landing zone size does not matter.
• D. Only the pilot decides when to approach.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that a safe helicopter medevac landing zone depends on making sure the landing area can be used safely before the aircraft arrives. The crew must be ready to assess and clear the spot, looking for debris, obstructions, uneven ground, and hazards in the approach and departure paths, and to establish a plan for how the helicopter will land and how patients and equipment will be moved afterward. If the crew can verify the area is an open, stable surface and can coordinate a safe approach and exit, that flexibility—using an open field as long as risks are identified and managed—is the most important factor. The other options are too rigid or incomplete: fixed sizes don’t fit all helicopters or situations, size does matter, and safety isn’t the sole responsibility of the pilot—ground crew and the medical team must work together to confirm the zone is safe before landing.