Featureless terrain complicates navigation. Rearm and refueling operations are complicated by blowing sand and dirt. Featureless desert terrain makes night vision goggle operations extremely difficult. Commanders must understand and appreciate how the polar environment affects aviation operations. In the arctic, operations maybe slowed by adverse weather or other environmental factors.
Navigation is complicated by the scarcity of ground references.
Arctic temperatures increase maintenance requirements. Aviation operations in snowy arctic environments may leave telltale snow signatures. Increased emphasis must be placed at all levels to protect the force from cold weather casualties. Urban operations present unique and complex challenges to aviation units. Urban operations can occur in any of the geographical environments.