During night operations, the ratio used to lay out the landing site is

During night operations, the ratio used to lay out the landing site is

• A. 10:1
• B. 14:1
• C. 12:1
• D. 8:1

Answer: (B)

In night helicopter landings, the landing site is laid out using a ratio that defines the descent angle along the approach path. This ratio translates into how gently you descend while moving toward the touchdown point. A 14:1 ratio means for every 14 units of forward travel, you drop 1 unit in altitude, which is about a 4-degree descent. That gradual angle helps the pilot maintain visibility of the landing zone edges with night vision equipment, stay aligned with the landing axis, and avoid obstacles during the approach and hover. If the ratio were steeper, the approach angle would be higher, making control harder and increasing the risk of rotor strike under limited visibility. The 14:1 ratio provides the safe, manageable descent needed for night LZ layout.

In night helicopter landings, the landing site is laid out using a ratio that defines the descent angle along the approach path. This ratio translates into how gently you descend while moving toward the touchdown point. A 14:1 ratio means for every 14 units of forward travel, you drop 1 unit in altitude, which is about a 4-degree descent. That gradual angle helps the pilot maintain visibility of the landing zone edges with night vision equipment, stay aligned with the landing axis, and avoid obstacles during the approach and hover. If the ratio were steeper, the approach angle would be higher, making control harder and increasing the risk of rotor strike under limited visibility. The 14:1 ratio provides the safe, manageable descent needed for night LZ layout.