text: Chapter 12
  (cid:122) Profitfromfavorableweatherconditions.
  (cid:122) Avoidobstaclesandknownenemypositions.
  (cid:122) Facilitatetakeoffandlandingintothewindbythebestairroute.
  AIRCONTROLPOINTS
  12-5. Air control points designate each point where the air route changes direction. They include readily
  identifiable topographic features or points marked by electronic navigational aids. A route may have as
  many air control points as needed to control the air movement. The start points and release points are air
  controlpoints.
  12-6. Once identified, air routes are designated for use by each unit. When large groups of aircraft are
  employed,dispersionisachievedbyusingmultipleroutes.However,withlargeserials,it isoftennecessary
  tousefewer routesoreven a singleroutetoconcentrate availablesupportingfires.Thenumberofalternate
  andreturnroutesmaybelimited.
  CRITERIAFORSELECTINGROUTES
  12-7. Regardless of direction or location, certain criteria apply. All characteristics are seldom present in
  anyone situation,but allshould be considered. Give careful considerationto the terrainand enemyforces.
  Air routes should assist in navigation (day or night) and avoid turns in excess of 60 degrees to facilitate
  controloftheaircraftformationwhenformationflyingisrequiredorifslingloadsareinvolved.
  12-8. Factorstoconsiderwhenselectingroutesasfollows:
  (cid:122) Interferencewithground action.Overflyinggroundelementsmayinterferewiththeir supporting
  fire.Clearairroutesofthegun-targetlinewhenpossible.Avoidover-flightofbuilt-upareas.
  (cid:122) Supportoflandingplan. Toreducevulnerabilityoftheairassaultforce,airroutesfacilitaterapid
  approach,landing,anddeparturefromselected landingzones.
  (cid:122) Enemyground and air capabilities. Air routes maximize useofterrain,cover,and concealment
  tominimizeexposuretoenemyobservation,targetacquisition,anddirectfire.
  (cid:122) Availablefire support. Airroutesallowfiresupportfromallavailableresources.Avoid masking
  friendlyfires,particularlysupportingfires.
  (cid:122) Availableaircover.Airroutesareselectedtoprovideaircoverforfriendlyforcesenroute.
  (cid:122) Weatherconditions.Prevailing weatherduringtheairassaultoperationsignificantlyaffectsthe
  selectionofairroutes.
  (cid:122) Terrain. Air routes use terrain to maximize the advantage of and reduce vulnerability of the
  aircraft formations, providing cover by placing terrain mass and vegetation between the enemy
  andtheaircraft.
  (cid:122) Distancefrom pickupzonetolandingzone. Airroutesshould beas short as istacticallyfeasible
  accordingtomissionvariablestoreduceflyingtime.
  12-9. Maps or overlays containing air route information are prepared at aviation unit headquarters and
  disseminated to subordinate and support units. Air routes and corridors are designated by a letter, number,
  orword.(Seefigure12-1,page12-3.)