What is the role of the PZCO?

The role of the PZCO, or Pickup Zone Coordinator, is primarily focused on marking the landing zone. This responsibility is crucial for the successful and safe landing of helicopters, as the PZCO ensures that the designated area is clearly identified and that it is suitable for helicopter operations. This includes verifying the safety of the landing zone, marking it with appropriate signals or panels, and providing any necessary updates about changes in the landing area due to obstacles or other factors.

The PZCO's ability to effectively mark the landing zone directly impacts the safety and efficiency of the helicopter operation, making clear communication about the zone’s condition and dimensions vital for pilots and crew. Although supervision of loading operations and communication with ground teams are also important tasks related to helicopter operations, the specific and primary function of the PZCO is to ensure that the landing area is properly marked for incoming helicopters.