Which of the following is a valid night LZ marking method?

• A. IR Buzzsaw or NATO 'Y'
• B. Flight panel
• C. Smoke
• D. Strobe light

Answer: (A)

Night LZ marking is about signaling the landing zone to aircraft without giving away your position in the dark. Infrared patterns are used because they are visible to pilots with night vision gear but remain covert to those without NVGs. The infrared buzzsaw pattern provides a distinct, quickly recognizable cue in the pilot’s IR view, guiding the helicopter in without bright visible lights. The NATO Y marking is another standardized IR pattern that pilots can identify at a glance under night conditions. Both are designed for night operations and NVG visibility, helping ensure a safe landing while staying low-observable. Other options rely on visible light or create clutter or exposure—flight panels are daylight-oriented, smoke obscures the landing path and reveals your location, and strobe lights can blind or announce your position to anyone nearby.