text: Army Aviation Operations
  Figure 3–27. Example evacuation zones in a noncontiguous area of operations
  AEROMEDICAL EVACUATION MISSION PLANNING
  3-156. AE requires coordinated planning and synchronization between aviation units, medical planners,
  and supported units. Peer threat capabilities may deny AE access to specific areas during LSCO. AE limits
  of advance may require the establishment of AXPs supporting ground-to-air exchange, and subsequent
  evacuation, of patients prior to these areas. For additional challenges to MEDEVAC regarding LSCO as
  well as other operating environment challenges, refer to ATP 4-02.2.
  3-157. Although the air ambulance company is part of the Army Aviation organizational structure and C2,
  AE is a medical mission performed with dedicated air ambulances. The aviation structural alignment, C2,
  airspace control, logistical support, weather support, fuel support, and security support are examples of
  advantages the air ambulance company gains by being organizationally aligned under Army Aviation that
  directly benefit the safe execution of this mission.
  3-158. Since time is a crucial factor during AE missions, crew duty cycles are generally executed
  differently than typical aviation duty cycles. In contrast to a typical aviation mission cycle, continuous AE
  coverage results in extended operational duty periods, which often exceed 24-hours in length. AE units
  develop detailed battle rhythms that address aircrew resource needs unique to 24-hour continuous AE
  operations. As planners develop these battle rhythms, supported units should recommend periods of higher-
  and lower-tempo operations to guide when AE support will be most critical.
  3-159. An AE aircrew duty cycle begins with basic crew-level mission planning, however the mission
  location and time of execution are unknown. During this time, aircrews manage crew schedules and
  maintain battlefield situational awareness to respond rapidly after receiving an AE request. Units must
  establish unique fighter management cycles and briefing procedures for remote and/or split-based
  operations.
  3-160. The AE crew must mitigate risks just as other aircrews, but must do so without specific advance
  information. By using the three W method—who, what and why—an AE aircrew can pre-position their
  assets for success. The aircrew then maintains situational awareness throughout their area of operations and