BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE MANUAL 13-217
22 APRIL 2021
Incorporating Change 1, 19 APRIL 2022
Nuclear, Space, Missile, or Command and Control
DROP ZONE, LANDING ZONE, AND HELICOPTER LANDING ZONE OPERATIONS
COMPLIANCE WITH THIS PUBLICATION IS MANDATORY

3.3. DZ Criteria. DZ selection factors include (but are not limited to) enemy threats, mission requirements, dispersion, risk of unintended airdrop damage, aircraft capabilities, aircrew capabilities, parachutist capabilities, type of parachutes used, type of equipment to be airdropped, and load or personnel recover-ability. The DZ surface, to the greatest degree possible, should be relatively flat, smooth terrain with no obstacles, vegetation or significant terrain features. If obstacles or other potentially hazardous conditions at the time of survey do exist, the surveyor must identify them on the DZ survey. (T-2). Existing obstacles should be briefed to all personnel prior to use. The ground mission commander and/or Jumpmaster must brief obstacles not listed on the survey and all hazardous conditions to personnel prior to use. (T-2). All airdrops conducted on DZs that do not meet DAF minimum size requirements must have a DZ size waiver in accordance with paragraph 1.4. (T-1).

Table 3.1. Standard DZ Size Criteria.

3.3.3. Military Free Fall (MFF) DZ (including operations utilizing MFF systems in a Double Bag Static Line (DBSL) configuration). The JM will determine the minimum size DZ based on the number of personnel to be dropped, jumper proficiency, parachute system being used, and the prevailing winds. (T-3). For MFF training operations a minimum DZ size of 55 yards/50 meters by 110 yards/100 meters (rectangular) or 55 yards/50 meters radius (circular) is recommended. See paragraph 3.16.1.1 for parachute demonstration DZ.

3.5.6. Aerial Power Line Restrictions. Power lines present a significant hazard to jumpers. Personnel can sustain life threatening injuries from electric shock and/or falls from a collapsed canopy. All restrictions apply to aerial power lines operating at 50 kilovolts or greater. Power lines will be documented on both block 11, remarks, and block 10, DZ diagram, of AF Form 3823. (T-3).

also

A4.1.10. Block 10. Provide a legible, to scale diagram of the DZ including all obstacles or prominent features located within the DZ boundaries and 5 NM from DZ center that could affect ground or flight safety. Annotate the distance these items are from the DZ center in block 11 and depict on the DZ diagram, block 10 to include DZ dimensions. Ensure to annotate all charted or observed water hazards and power lines within 1,000 meters of the DZ boundaries (or 1,000 meters of the MFF PI). Diagram shall be oriented true north and indicated with an arrow. (T-1).

3.3.1.1. DZ water depth will be a minimum of ten feet, and the area must be free of underwater obstructions to that depth. (T-2). The DZ should be free of floating debris, moored craft, protruding boulders, stumps, pilings, or other hazards within 440 yards/400 meters of the DZ center point.

3.16.3.3.2. Open Water DZs. Proposed water DZ locations that do not have land terrain features within 2 NM may be surveyed without a physical inspection.

DAFMAN 13-217, Paragraph 5.5, HLZ Survey Assessments/Updates

5.5. HLZ Survey Assessments/Updates. To ensure survey information is current and remains valid, assess existing HLZ surveys every 12 months. (T-2). If not assessed within 12 months, the HLZ will be closed until an assessment is accomplished.

3.3.7. Circular DZ. The PI of a circular DZ is normally at the DZ center to allow for multiple
run-in headings. For specific missions, the PI location may be adjusted to allow for sequential
HE or mass CDS, on circular DZs. Refer to Figure 3.1, option 2 for PI placement. Utilizing a
PI not at the center of the circular DZ may limit the run-in heading to only one direction. When
dropping mass CDS to a center point PI, aircrews may target the sticks middle bundle to the
center point. The minimum DZ dimensions for the type and number of loads being dropped
must completely fit into the surveyed circular DZs. (T-2). For both types of PI placement, use
Figure 3.1 to determine the number of jumpers per pass.

3.3.2. Tactical DZ. A tactical DZ is a DZ that is approved for use in an abbreviated or expeditious manner primarily intended to support emerging mission requirements during contingencies or exercises. Tactical DZs are normally restricted to exercise or contingency missions supporting resupply and personnel infiltration airdrops (versus proficiency jumps, routine training, etc.). Tactical DZ surveys are processed and approved in an abbreviated manner, do not require an AF Form 3823 to be physically signed, and may be passed electronically and/or verbally. Tactical DZs normally require a physical inspection of the DZ by the ground mission unit and a safety of flight review. However, computer-based mapping tools, imagery analysis, and other standoff tools may be used during exercise or contingency operations when tactical conditions do not permit the ground mission unit to physically occupy the DZ area to collect survey data.

3.16.3.3. Physical Inspection. The ground surveyor will conduct a physical inspection of the entire proposed DZ surface to identify and evaluate potential hazards. (T-2). Exception: Physical inspection limitations in accordance with paragraph 3.16.3.3.1 and open water DZs in accordance with paragraph 3.16.3.3.2 The surveyor will identify hazards to DZ operations located within 1000 meters/1094 yards of DZ boundary. (T-2).

3.16.1.3. Austere Polar DZ Surveys. Due to the austere and inaccessible nature of Polar Regions, a physical inspection of the DZ may not be possible. For polar operations, a tabletop review of the austere polar DZ performed by 109th Operations Support Squadron Weapons and Tactics (109 OSS/OSK) will be an acceptable alternative to a DZ survey. (T-2).

DAFMAN 13-217, Paragraph 5.5, HLZ Survey Assessments/Updates

If significant changes or obstacles affecting safety are identified during an assessment, the HLZ will be resurveyed. (T-2). Surveys not updated within 24 months require a new AF Form 4303 with reviewer and approval signatures, and no survey will remain valid beyond five years from the original survey date.

DAFMAN 13-217, paragraph 5.4.1, HLZ Survey Requirements and Responsibilities:

Completing the HLZ survey involves a physical inspection/evaluation of the HLZ, documenting the information on the AF Form 4303, Helicopter Landing Zone Survey (see Attachment 6), a safety of flight review and final approval/disapproval.

DAFMAN 13-217, Attachment 6, A6.1.9, Block 9

A6.1.9. Block 9. Enter HLZ surface conditions (e.g., grass asphalt, fine dust, etc.). Exercise extreme care to document the possibility of brown or white out conditions, blowing grass, or any other flying debris that may restrict visibility or damage aircraft or personnel. Enter other hazards and remarks as required. For tactical HLZ, send hazards at a minimum if they exist.

Reference: DAFMAN 13-217, A4.1.9.6 and A4.1.9.7

A4.1.9.6. Block 9H. Enter the ten-digit MGRS and latitude/longitude coordinates to the nearest one-thousandth minute for each indicated point.

A4.1.9.7. Block 9I. Enter the ten-digit MGRS coordinates referencing datum and spheroid and the WGS84 latitude/longitude coordinates to the nearest one-thousandth minute for each indicated point.

Reference: DAFMAN 13-217, Paragraph 3.16

Until users complete all steps (survey, ground operations approval, safety of flight review and final approval), AF Form 3823 will not be usable and valid. (T-2).

Reference: DAFMAN 13-217, A4.1.10

Diagram shall be oriented true north and indicated with an arrow. (T-1).

Reference: DAFMAN 13-217, Paragraph 3.16.4

The ground operations approval also fulfills the quality check duties in accordance with paragraph 2.3.3. NOTE: Surveyor will not review their own survey. (T-2).

Reference: DAFMAN 13-217, Paragraph 3.16

NOTE: DZ surveys expire 5 years from the date surveyed and Chapter 2 applies.

All approved rectangular DZs are random approach DZs unless Block 11 (Remarks) of AF Form 3823 specifically restricts it, or for safety reasons; random approaches may be used if the airdrop profile requirements can be met within the existing confines of the DZ to permit multiple run-in headings to an alternate PI established during mission coordination. Use of a DZ for random approaches does not require a separate survey, but a safety of flight review must be conducted prior to use. (T-2)

“Standard Airdrop Training Bundle (SATB) airdrops conducted on military reservations and/or restricted areas can use standard CDS DZ size criteria.

Reference: DAFMAN 13-217, Table 3.1, Note 5, Page 13.