text: Drop Zones
  tested and recommended for use should be employed only after a command-initiated risk assessment is
  completed. Regardless of the method or device used to measure the wind on the DZ, the airborne
  commander must ensure winds fall within the limitations for the type of drop being conducted.
  Messages
  6-42. The following USAIS messages authorize several commercially available anemometers for use in
  drop zone operations:
  y DTG 101000Z Mar 94, Subject: Use of Anemometers During Airdrop Operations.
  y DTG 212000Z Oct 94, Subject: Use of TurboMeters During Static Line Airdrop Operations
  (personnel drops).
  AN/PMQ-3A
  6-43. This is a handheld or tripod-mounted omnidirectional anemometer (NSN: 6660-00-515-4339). It
  is capable of providing wind speed and direction. Because of its size, cost, and weight (10 pounds with all
  components), it is not ideal for light Infantry units in operational environments. With the trigger pressed
  down, the correctly oriented anemometer gives wind direction in degrees. It can read the wind from 0 to 15
  knots on the low scale, and from 0 to 60 knots on the high scale. The anemometer requires recalibration
  every six months.
  DIC and DIC-3
  6-44. One piece, handheld, compact, lightweight, factory-calibrated devices, these commercially
  purchased anemometers are approved for use during airborne operations. The DIC and DIC-3 use folding
  cups to catch the wind and electronically display wind speed, but not direction. During use, it is critical that
  the cups are fully extended to ensure an accurate reading. The device is omnidirectional and does not need
  to be oriented with wind direction to provide accurate readings. Post manufacture calibration methods are
  not available. The DIC and DIC-3 can depict wind data in knots, miles per hour, kilometers per hour, or
  meters per second. The additional features of the DIC-3 are the ability to display peak wind velocity over a
  given period, and average wind speed over two time periods. Because the DIC and DIC-3 cannot be
  calibrated, they must be checked before use by—
  y Ensuring fresh batteries are installed.
  y Turning on the anemometer in a no-wind condition, such as in a building or enclosed vehicle. If
  any reading other than zero is displayed, the device is unserviceable and must be turned in for
  disposal or returned to the manufacturer.
  y Conducting a three-anemometer check by comparing the wind reading on three anemometers at
  the same time under identical conditions. Discard the anemometer that reads differently then the
  other two. This is most accurate if all anemometers are of the same type.
  TurboMeter
  6-45. This anemometer is stocked under NSN 1670-00-T33-9004. It can also be commercially
  purchased. It is a small, lightweight, electronic wind speed indicator. It does not display direction, but
  when turned into the wind, it depicts wind data in knots, miles per hour, meters per second, and feet per
  second. For the most accurate results, the TurboMeter must be oriented within 20 degrees of the wind
  direction, with the wind entering the rear of the meter. Because the TurboMeter cannot be calibrated,
  conduct the same preoperation and three-anemometer check as when using the DIC/DIC-3 anemometer.