ESWS Operations Practice Test – Complete Exam Resource 2026

The correct distance at which the Marshall zone hands off to the Approach is 21 nautical miles.

In naval aviation operations, the Marshall zone is an area where aircraft are placed in a holding pattern before they are directed to land. Its primary function is to provide spacing and sequencing for aircraft as they transition from holding patterns to final approach. The handoff to the Approach phase happens at this specific distance, which allows for a safe and structured transition from the holding area to the landing sequence.

This distance ensures that there is adequate time and space for the aircraft to adapt from the conditions of the Marshall zone to those required for a landing approach, allowing air traffic controllers to manage the flow of arriving aircraft effectively. Understanding this distance is crucial for maintaining safety and organization in naval aviation operations.