How is the number of aircraft determined for moving a force in Phase 2?

• A. By the mission commander’s preference.
• B. By weather forecast for the week.
• C. By the number of crew in the aircraft only.
• D. By analyzing load weight/size, airlift capacity, LZ size, and safety margins.

Answer: (D)

The number of aircraft is set by a lift plan that matches what must be moved to the capabilities and constraints of the operation. You look at how much load there is (weight and size), what each aircraft can carry (airlift capacity), how big the landing zone is (LZ size and maneuverability), and what safety margins are needed for contingencies. By comparing total load to per-aircraft capacity, you estimate how many aircraft are required, ensure the LZ can handle that many arrivals and departures, and include a margin for unexpected issues. Weather and crew count are factors, but they don’t determine the required aircraft count by themselves; the primary driver is translating the payload needs into achievable lift given the available aircraft and landing space.