Tactical and Administrative Landing Zone Surveying and Site Selection
Landing Zone (LZ) Survey™ Course
Application of ETLs 04-7 and 02-19, DAFMAN 13-217, and Safety of Flight Standards
Course Overview
The Landing Zone (LZ) Survey Course is an advanced course for personnel responsible for evaluating, assessing, and selecting landing zones in support of aviation operations. The course provides detailed instruction on tactical and administrative LZ surveying and emphasizes the application of approved engineering, aviation safety, and regulatory criteria. Training covers Engineering Technical Letters (ETLs) 04-7 and 02-19, DAFMAN 13-217 and applicable supplements, Safety of Flight procedures, and proper survey package preparation and submission to the final approving authority.
Students gain practical experience applying survey criteria to real terrain and operating surfaces. Instruction focuses on identifying and evaluating vertical obstructions, calculating height above runway cross-sections, conducting longitudinal and transverse gradient analysis, and determining Glide Slope Ratios. The course reinforces disciplined assessment, accurate documentation, and sound judgment to ensure landing zones meet the highest safety standards and support safe, effective aircraft operations.
What the Course Covers
Tactical and Administrative LZ Surveying
Landing Zone Site Selection Criteria
Application of ETLs 04-7 and 02-19
DAFMAN 13-217 and AFSOC Supp. Guidance
Safety of Flight Standards and Procedures
Vertical Obstruction Identification
Height Above Runway Calculations
Longitudinal and Transverse Gradients
Glide Slope Ratio Determination
Survey Package Preparation
Introduction to SPACI Analysis
Surface Distress Identification
Instructional Approach
Immersive, Scenario-Driven Training
The Landing Zone (LZ) Survey Course is delivered through a structured combination of classroom instruction and applied field exercises. From the outset, students are guided through established engineering, aviation safety, and regulatory criteria used to assess, validate, and document landing zones. Instruction is deliberate and methodical, emphasizing understanding of standards before application in the field.
Training focuses on accurate measurement, disciplined analysis, and proper survey workflow rather than simulated operational stress. Students apply approved guidance to real terrain and surfaces, identifying hazards, conducting required calculations, and developing clear, defensible survey products. Instructor feedback and repetition reinforce consistency, accuracy, and adherence to Safety of Flight requirements.
The course emphasizes proper documentation, review, and submission of survey packages to the appropriate approving authority. By the end of the course, students possess the technical confidence and procedural discipline required to conduct LZ surveys that meet established criteria and support safe aviation operations.
Operational Environment
Realistic Training Scenarios
Training is conducted in representative environments selected to support accurate landing zone assessment and analysis. Field locations are chosen to expose students to a range of terrain, surface conditions, obstacles, and environmental factors that directly impact aircraft operations and site suitability. These environments allow students to apply approved criteria and engineering standards under realistic but controlled conditions.
The focus is on understanding how terrain, obstructions, gradients, and surface conditions influence aviation safety and landing zone viability. Through guided assessment and repetition, students develop sound technical judgment and the ability to apply established standards consistently, resulting in accurate evaluations and defensible survey products that support safe aviation operations.
Target Audience
This course is designed for personnel responsible for conducting, reviewing, or supporting Landing Zone surveys in support of aviation operations. It is intended for individuals and small teams tasked with evaluating site suitability, identifying hazards, and producing survey documentation in accordance with approved engineering and Safety of Flight standards.
Participants develop the technical understanding and procedural confidence required to apply established criteria, perform accurate measurements and analysis, and produce defensible survey products that support safe and effective aircraft operations.
Training Outcomes
Enhanced Operational Readiness
Upon completion of the Landing Zone (LZ) Survey Course, participants possess a clear understanding of approved engineering, aviation safety, and regulatory criteria used to evaluate and document landing zones. Graduates are better prepared to conduct accurate LZ assessments, apply Safety of Flight standards, and support survey review and approval processes.
Participants leave the course with the ability to evaluate site conditions, identify hazards, perform required measurements and analysis, and produce complete, defensible survey products that support safe and effective aviation operations.
Take the Next Step
Ready to elevate your operational capabilities? Request detailed information about our Landing Zone (LZ) Survey™ course and discover how it can prepare you for the challenges of crisis response and limited contingency operations. Our team is here to assist you in taking the next step towards professional excellence.