If only marker panels are used to identify an LZ for day, how are the panels arranged?

• A. Panels are arranged in a circle around LZ
• B. Panels are arranged in a straight line upwind
• C. Panels are arranged in a T pattern, with the top of the T facing into the wind
• D. Panels are randomly scattered

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that day marker panels are used to give the pilot a quick read on wind direction and where to center the helicopter for a safe approach. Arranging the panels in a T shape with the top of the T facing into the wind provides a clear wind cue from the air. The crossbar sits on the upwind edge, making the wind direction obvious, while the vertical stem extends downwind to mark the landing axis and boundary. This configuration lets the pilot approach into the wind and line up along the stem to center on the LZ.

Other patterns wouldn’t offer a consistent wind orientation or a clear centerline from a distance: a circle, a straight line upwind, or random scattering would be confusing and hard to read from the air.