Special Operations Forces Medical Handbook

1-31

Operational Issues: CASEVAC with Fixed Winged Aircraft

Lt Col (sel) Kevin Riley, USAF, MSC

The capability of fixed-wing aircraft to land or take off from selected small, unprepared areas permit the
evacuation of patients from AOs which would be inaccessible to larger aircraft. These aircraft can fly slowly
and maintain a high degree of maneuverability. This capability further enhances their value in forward areas
under combat conditions. Small fixed-wing aircraft are limited in speed and range as compared with larger
transport-type aircraft. When adequate airfields are available, fixed-wing aircraft may be used in forward
areas for patient evacuation. This is a secondary mission for these aircraft, which will be used only to
augment dedicated air ambulance capabilities.

Figure 1-7: Marking and Lighting of Airplane LZ (Day)

Parking Area

Taxiway

Tr ees

Wind

Direction

Control Center

ID

Code

2/3 Length

1/3 Length

Departure End

Takeoff

or

Landing Direction

Approach End

4

4

4

4

5

5

2 3

2

1

1

1

3

1 3

3

3

3

LEGEND

Wind "1" Tw o Panels High and

Tw o Panels Wide

• Ta il of "1" Pointed
  Downwind
  Wind Sock

Signal Panel -

Orange

Signal Panel -

Red

Smoke

(if used) Ground to A ir Radio

NOTE: Numbers within panels

indicate priority of establishment.