text: Appendix C
  Note: Air avenue of approach (AAA) 1a and AAA1b are two broad AAAs that come together near
  the forward line of own troops; separately or when combined, AAA1 depicts a fixed wing AAA
  with a mechanized infantry battalion target. AAA2 is a rotary wing AAA, depicted as an attack
  helicopter route with an armor battalion target. AAA3 is a rotary wing AAA, depicted as an air
  assault battalion mission attacking the bridge.
  * Air threat point of origin and ground control radar positions. When determining air avenues of
  approach, the staff looks at the commander's entire area of interest. Analysis begins at the threat
  airfield or UAS or missile launch site and works toward the probable enemy objective. This allows
  a look at the big picture. The staff considers the range of the air systems and location of navigation
  aids and ground-control sites.
  * Probable threat objective. Each avenue of approach must end at a target, drop zone, or landing
  zone; or within reconnaissance, intelligence, surveillance, or target acquisition range of a target.
  Use a reverse IPB to select potential threat objectives.
  * Potential to support maneuver forces. Air assets which are used to achieve ground objectives will
  seek to use air avenues of approach coincident with ground avenues of approach. Air assets
  attacking deep are not limited to these ground avenues. Missiles and reconnaissance, surveillance,
  and target acquisition UASs are not limited by ground corridors.
  * Freedom to maneuver within the air avenue. Does the avenue—
   Canalize the air system?
   Have access to adjacent avenues?
   Provide the ability to acquire a target and use available munitions?
   Assist in navigation?
  * Protection for the air system and pilot. Does the avenue provide—
   Terrain masking (cover and concealment)?
   For the full use of air system speed?
   Protection against radar detection?
   Protection from air defense weapon systems and tactical air support?
   A standoff orbit location?
   A standoff orbit?
  * Air threat and pilot capabilities. Can the air system or pilot—
   Perform contour flying?
   Fly at night?
   Fly in all weather conditions?
   Range the targets?
  WEATHER ANALYSIS
  C-17. Air operations are especially susceptible to the effects of weather. Weather analysis for air and air
  defense operations is designed to predict the most likely time over target and other considerations based on
  weather effects and light data. Many of these considerations are the same factors the intelligence officers use
  for ground operations: visibility, obstruction, winds, precipitation, cloud cover, and high temperatures and
  humidity.
  C-18. Visibility has a significant impact on offensive air operations and reconnaissance, surveillance, and
  target acquisition. Visibility has the same effects on visually-directed ADA systems and sensors.
  C-19. Obscuration. Friendly smoke operations and fires may have an impact on friendly air defense
  operations. ADA personnel should coordinate with chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear and fires
  personnel to ensure the likely impacts of smoke operations do not degrade ADA operations. ADA personnel
  must know when and where large-scale operations are planned.