Which is a valid method for marking a MEDEVAC pickup site?

• A. None
• B. Panels
• C. Smoke signal
• D. Pyrotechnic signal

Answer: (B)

Setting a MEDEVAC pickup site requires a marker that stands out from the ground and stays visible to aircraft approaching from above. Panels are the reliable method for this because they create a high-contrast, stable signal that pilots can see from a distance in daylight and in varying weather. Placed in a clear pattern, such as a square or cross, panels guide the helicopter to the landing zone and help distinguish the medical pickup area from surrounding terrain without relying on wind, fire, or motion.

Smoke signals and pyrotechnic signals, while they can attract attention, are not ideal for marking a landing zone. Smoke depends on wind and can drift, obscure the site, or spread to unintended areas. Pyrotechnic signals pose fire and injury risks and can be misread or cause confusion in a high-stress, fast-moving environment. Because of these risks and reliability concerns, panels are the preferred and valid method for marking a MEDEVAC pickup site.