text: Landing Plan
  Requiresmoderatelylevel,unobstructedlandingzoneswithadequatesoiltrafficability.
  (cid:132)
  Requires more time for delivery of a given size force than airdrop, especially for small,
  (cid:132)
  restrictedlandingzones.
  Generallyrequiresimprovementor newconstructionof airland facilities, whichaddsto the
  (cid:132)
  engineerworkload.
  Requires some form of airlift control element support at offloading airfields. Mission
  (cid:132)
  intervals depend on airlift control element size, offloaded equipment availability, and
  airfieldsupportcapability.
  AirlandOrganizationforMovement
  5-22. The tactical integrity of participating forces is a major consideration in an airland operation. Small
  forces that are expected to engage in combat on landing, airland organizationally intact with weapons,
  ammunition, and personnel in the same aircraft. Airland planning stresses placing forces as close as
  possible to objectives,consistent with theavailabilityoflandingzonesandtheoperational capabilityofthe
  aircraftemployed.Becauseofaircraftvulnerabilityontheground,forcesunloadasquicklyaspossible.
  5-23. The airborne commander determines the composition of each aircraft load and the sequence of
  delivery. The mission, the tactical situation, and the assault force’s task organization influence this
  decision.
  5-24. Forces should use facilities, such as roadsand open areas, to reduce the time and effortrequired for
  new construction. They should consider layouts that facilitate future expansion and provide maximum
  deploymentandflexibility. As thesizeandefficiency ofanair facilityimprove,its value totheenemyasa
  targetincreases.Toreducethisvulnerability,thefacilitiesshouldbedispersedandsimple.
  PLACE OF DELIVERY
  5-25. Selecting dropzonesandlanding zonesisa jointresponsibility.Theairliftcommanderisresponsible
  fortheprecisedeliveryofpersonnelandcargotothe dropzone orlandingzoneand selectingapproachesto
  the drop zone. Both joint and component commanders must base their decisions on knowledge of their
  respectiveproblemsand onthe needsofthe overalloperation.The nature and location oflandingareasare
  importantconsiderations whenpreparingthe scheme of maneuver. Thegeneralareainwhichtheyaretobe
  established is governed bythe mission. At higher echelons, commanderscan assign landing areasinbroad
  general terms. In subordinate units, leaders mustdescribe their locations more specifically. Drop zonesare
  selectedafteradetailedanalysis. Iftheenemysituation permits, thecommandershould chooseadropzone
  directlyontop ofassaultobjectives. Commanders shouldconsider thefollowingfactorswhenmakingtheir
  selections:
  (cid:122) Ease of identification. The drop zone should be easy to spot from the air. Airlift pilots and
  navigators prefer to rely on visual recognition of terrain features to deliver personnel and
  equipmentinanaccuratemanner.
  (cid:122) Straight-lineapproach.Toensureanaccurateairdrop,theaircraft makesastraight-lineapproach
  toeachdrop zoneforatleast10miles, oraboutfourminutesatdrop airspeed,before thestart of
  thedrop.
  (cid:122) Outofrange. The commander should choose a drop zone thatallowsthe forcesto avoid enemy
  air defenses and strong ground defenses and puts them outside the range of enemy suppressive
  fires. To get to the drop zone, aircraft should not have to fly over or near enemy antiaircraft
  installations, whichcandetect aircraft atdrop altitudes. Theyshould flyover hostile territoryor
  positionsfortheleastpossibletime.
  5-26. Suitable weather and terrain. The commander must consider the weather and terrain due to
  conditionsthatmayaffectthe usabilityofadropzone.
  (cid:122) Weather. Commanders should consider seasonal weather conditions when selecting drop zones.
  Adverse weather effects can be devastating. Ground fog, mist, haze, smoke, and low-hanging
  cloud conditions can interfere with the aircrew’s observation of drop zone visual signals and
  markings. However, theydo offer excellentcover forblind or area drop zones. Excessive winds
  hamperoperations.