Abbreviation for "Landing Zone", used by
hang glider and
paraglider pilots. Possibly related to "
DZ"
An LZ is a place where one can land a hang glider or paraglider. Most pilots
reflexively evaluate any open space they happen to encounter, especially when driving, with regard to suitability as an LZ.
Criteria include
flatness or
smoothness, lack of
obstructions in the field or around the
perimeter, proximity to roads, markets, homes, and until
cell phones became commonplace, likely access to
pay phones. Places where it is very flat with lots of
farmland are "LZs as far as the eye can see", while places like
Southern California have an ever diminishing supply of LZs.
A prime
tenet of flying hang gliders or paraglider is to
always have an LZ within and easy
glide, preferably 2 or 3 options. Pilots flying
cross country (
XC) need to learn how to identify potential LZs from the air as they try to fly long distances away from their launch point.
Many popular flying sites have designated LZs, whether through formal or informal agreements with landowners, leases or even, in a few cases, ownership. The parcels of land are cleared of obstacles, have good
approach paths, conspicuous wind indicators, and other improvements.