Transient helicopters approaching the carrier for landing shall contact marshal control at least ____ miles out.

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When helicopters approach a carrier to land, early coordination with marshal control is essential to align approach paths, sequencing, and deck readiness. Making contact at least 25 miles out gives marshal control enough time to communicate with the ship’s air traffic and flight deck teams, assess inbound traffic, issue any necessary vectors or instructions, and ensure the landing area is prepared. This lead time helps prevent conflicts with other aircraft and keeps the approach smooth and safe in the confined, dynamic carrier environment. The distance is chosen as a practical minimum to balance timely coordination with efficient use of airspace; contacting closer than that reduces the time available to coordinate, while going much farther out can complicate traffic management without adding safety benefit.