text: Chapter 6
  y Makes sure the DZ reaches full operational status one hour before drop time.
  y Conducts premission coordination.
  y Opens the DZ through range control. After the mission, accounts for all personnel, air items,
  and equipment, then closes the DZ.
  y At least one hour before the drop, reconnoiters the DZ on the ground or from the air for
  obstacles or safety hazards.
  y Establishes communication with departure airfield control officer not later than (NLT) one hour
  before drop time.
  y Controls all ground and air MEDEVACs.
  y Submits postmission reports to the appropriate agencies.
  y Operates all visual acquisition aids.
  y Ensures no-drop signals are relayed to the drop aircraft.
  y Ensures all DZ markings display correctly.
  y Establishes a ten-minute window. Ensures pathfinders continuously monitor surface winds,
  starting NLT twelve minutes before time on target (TOT). This includes the ten-minute window
  plus two extra minutes to relay a no-drop signal, if needed. For example, if TOT is 0700 hours,
  then the ten-minute window (plus two minutes) begins at 0648 hours. If at any time during the
  ten-minute window the winds exceed allowable limits, the DZST leader relays a no-drop to the
  aircraft. Once he calls a no-drop, he establishes a new ten-minute window (without an extra
  two minutes). For example, if the winds pick up at 0655 hours, the leader calls a no-drop. The
  new ten-minute window counts from the time of the no-drop and extends to the new TOT ten
  minutes after that, at 0705 hours.
  y Takes surface wind readings from the control center location and from the highest point of
  elevation on the DZ when the DZ is 2,100 meters in length or longer, when exit time is 20
  seconds or more, or for a multiple aircraft operation.
  y Calls a no-drop when surface winds exceed the limits shown in Table 6-10.
  Type Of Load Surface Wind (In Knots)
  Personnel
  Land 13
  Water 17
  HALO or HAHO
  Land 18
  Water 20
  Equipment without ground disconnects 13
  Equipment with ground disconnects 17
  CDS using G-12 parachutes 13
  CDS or door bundles using G-13 or G-14
  parachutes 20
  USAF tactical training bundles and simulated
  airborne training bundles 25
  High-velocity CDS at HAARS No Restrictions
  Free drop No Restrictions
  For USAF personnel and additional equipment, see AFI 13-217.
  Table 6-10. Surface wind limits for airdrops.