What must a Pathfinder do at a PZ?

At a PZ (Pickup Zone), establishing ground to air communications is crucial for the effective coordination of helicopter operations. This communication facilitates clear and consistent contact between the personnel on the ground and the pilots in the air, which is essential for ensuring safety, providing updates on conditions, and relaying any changes related to the operation. Clear and reliable communication helps prevent misunderstandings and enhances situational awareness for both ground personnel and aircrews.

Developing tentative flight routes can be part of the broader planning process but is typically done prior to the establishment of the PZ and may not be the immediate priority once on site. Conducting load plan preparation is important as it involves how cargo and personnel will be loaded onto the aircraft, but it does not encompass the critical real-time communications needed during the operation. While overseeing safety belt usage is important for ensuring the safety of personnel once they are aboard the helicopter, it is not a primary responsibility specifically associated with the operations at the PZ. Thus, the establishment of ground to air communications stands out as the most essential task at a PZ.