How should a landing area be prepared for helicopter operations at night?

Preparing a landing area for helicopter operations at night requires specific precautions to ensure safety and operational effectiveness. Wetting down the landing spot is a key action because it helps to reduce dust and debris, which can be critical during night operations when visibility is limited. Dust can obscure the view of the landing area and makes it difficult for the pilot to see the ground, increasing the risk of a hard or unsafe landing. Wetting the surface also minimizes the chances of starting a fire from the helicopter's rotor wash or other ignition sources, providing an additional layer of safety in potentially hazardous environments.

While marking the area, ensuring it's clear of obstacles, and illuminating it are all important considerations for night landing operations, the act of wetting down the landing spot directly addresses the specific risks associated with helicopter operations at night, such as visibility and fire hazards.