LANDING SIGNALMAN ENLISTED (LSE) SIGNALS Once the pilot has located the LZ, you can now help the pilot land the helicopter. These signals are visual arm-and-hand signals used by personnel to "talk" to the pilot of the landing helicopter. The confidence of the pilot in the LSE's signals depends on the precise manner in which the LSE gives the signal. Movements are sharp and precise. LSE's signals are executed exactly as prescribed. The LSE must always remain alert for signals from the pilot. During night operations, LSEs must use illuminated wands. During a landing approach, the LSE's functions areas follows:

1. Inform the pilot of the approaching helicopter that you are the LSE. You do this by means of the Prepare for Guidance signal.

2. Indicate the landing point to the pilot by positioning yourself 25 meters in front of and 10 meters to the right of the landing point as the pilot looks at it.

3. Aid the pilot in landing safely on the landing point. The pilot is responsible for the approach and landing of the helicopter. However, the pilot relies heavily on the LSE to provide warning of conditions of which he or she is not aware of and to direct the helicopter to a safe landing point.

4. The only signal that the LSE must give to the pilot on the deck is the Wave-Off signal. All other signals are advisory signals to the pilot. The decision to acceptor reject the signal is solely the responsibility of the pilot. Responsibility for the safety of the aircraft can never be relinquished to the LSE. The Wave-Off signal is given when it is not safe for the helicopter to land.

5. Indicate to the pilot when it is safe to take off.

NOTE: Figures 3-5 through 3-14 are Initial Terminal Guidance LSE signals that are standard throughout the Marine Corps. Any misunderstandings that may arise about signals are clarified by close coordination with the supporting helicopter unit. The signals are used for daytime operations. Signals given at night are executed in the same manner except that an illuminated amber director's wand (Chem Lite) is held in each hand.

Figure 3-5.- Prepare for guidance.

Figure 3-6.- Forward.

Figure 3-7.- Backward.

Figure 3-8.- Hover.

Figure 3-9.- Move right/ left.

Figure 3-10.- Downward.

Figure 3-11.- Land.

Figure 3-12.- Upward.

Figure 3-13.- Takeoff.

Figure 3-14.- Wave-off. LANDING ZONE BRIEF When a helicopter has to land for troop pickup/ drop, resupply, MEDEVAC, or for any other reason, the pilot must have certain information to ensure a safe landing. This information is provided in a landing zone brief (fig. 3-15).

Figure 3-15.- Landing zone brief. Each line of the landing zone brief is explained Line 3: below.

Line 1: : The mission number will be assigned to the pilot by Direct Air Support Center (DASC) personnel. Under normal circumstance this line is not used by Seabee units.

Line 2: Give at least a six-digit grid to identify the location of the LZ.

Line 3: Your call sign.

Line 4: Self-explanatory.

Line 5: List the methods of marking the LZ. For example, smoke, air panels, signal mirrors, lights, and so forth.

Line 6: State the direction from which the wind is coming and the wind speed if known.

Line 7: State the elevation of the LZ (air is thinner at higher altitudes) and the size of the LZ.

Line 8: An obstacle is anything higher or deeper than 1 foot on the LZ or anything near the LZ that may create a hazard to the aircraft. Explain where the obstacles are in relation to the LZ.

Line 9: State where friendly troops are in relation to the LZ.

Line 10: State the location of the enemy in relation to the LZ.

Line 11: Self-explanatory.

Line 12: Self-explanatory.

Line 13: State the direction and distance the helicopter can fire without endangering friendly troops.

Line 14: If possible, the approach heading should be into the wind. The retirement or departure should be clear of enemy positions.

Line 15: The different helicopters used for MEDEVAC operations vary in the number of personnel and equipment they can transport. Increased elevation and temperature decrease the weight capacity of a helicopter. A helicopter pilot must know exactly the number of personnel and what type of equipment is to be transported.

Line 16: Anything not previously mentioned that could help the pilot in anyway.