text: Drop Zones
  CONTROL CENTER
  6-77. The DZST leader controls and observes the airborne operation from the control center.
  Pathfinders also take wind readings here. The DZST leader should position all radios, signaling devices,
  and appropriate forms at the control center. The type of mission determines the location of the control
  center.
  PERSONNEL DROPS
  6-78. Locate the control center at the PI.
  CDS DROPS
  6-79. Locate the control center 200 yards to the 6 o’clock of the PI.
  OTHER DROPS
  6-80. For free drops, heavy equipment, high velocity CDS, HAARS, and AWADS (ceiling less than
  600 feet), locate the control center off the DZ where you can see both the approaching aircraft and the PI.
  For example, the wood line might obstruct the leading edge. If so, it would not make a good control center
  location for these types of drops.
  ALL GMRS AND VIRS DZS
  6-81. Locate the control center at the RP.
  SIGNALS
  6-82. When voice control does not work, the ground support team uses visual signals to the aircraft.
  Two of the most important visual signals are no-drop and mission cancellation.
  6-83. To communicate a no-drop situation to the aircraft, scramble the shape designator and remove the
  markings or any other previously coordinated DZ signal.
  6-84. The drop aircraft pilot should continue to fly racetracks if coordinated until you give the signal
  indicating clear to drop. You can signal no-drop when—
  y Winds exceed the maximum limitations for that type of drop.
  y You see vehicles moving on the DZ.
  y Rotary wing aircraft fly in close proximity to the DZ.
  y You see anything else unsafe on the DZ.
  6-85. Decide in mission coordination how many no-drop passes the pilot must fly before the mission is
  automatically cancelled and the pilot can begin his return to base.
  6-86. Cover signals for clear-to-drop also. You may decide to indicate clearance to drop by emplacing
  DZ markings. You can also use this means if you have no smoke. If you plan to use smoke, decide what
  each color of smoke will mean, but avoid using red to mean clear-to-drop.
  6-87. At night, your clear-to-drop signals could include any means coordinated in advance such as
  shade-designator illumination, a flashing white light, a green light, and so on.