At what moment is H-Hour defined during an HLZ operation?

H-Hour is defined as the moment when the first helicopter touches down at the designated helipads within the landing zone (HLZ). This is a crucial moment in any operation involving air mobility because it marks the initiation of troop movement and the commencement of the planned operation in the HLZ. By designating H-Hour at this specific time, all subsequent actions and troop movements are synchronized based on this anchor point, allowing for effective coordination among air and ground forces.

The significance of the first helicopter touching down is that it officially indicates the start of the ground operation, impacting all units involved. From this point forward, troops can begin their disembarkation and mission execution, thus ensuring that the operation proceeds smoothly and efficiently.