AFI13-217_AFSOCSUP governs drop zone and landing zone operations, including procedures, techniques, and requirements.
View AFI13-217_AFSOCSUP on armypubs.army.mil
AFI13-217_AFSOCSUP addresses moving-target procedures, spotter chute/WDI operations, airdrop communications, and drop clearance. It requires re-accomplishing the spotter chute/WDI procedure when the target drift rate changes and limits radio contact to specified operational needs.
Applies to: It applies to all Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) units and Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) units operating under AFSOC oversight.
When the target drift rate is changed (drogue chute is installed on target, no wind shift occurs, etc.) the entire spotter chute/WDI procedure must be re-accomplished and a new drop heading and count established starting with step 1. (paragraph 1)
The pattern must be adjusted so that the initial pass over the target after spotter chute/WDI deployment is not less than 5 minutes and not more than 9 minutes, 7 minutes being ideal. (paragraph 1)
All subsequent passes will be made on this initial heading using the count obtained on the first pass. (paragraph 2)
Unless radio communications are specifically required, any coordinated markings, other than red smoke, red flares, or red lights indicate a clearance to drop. (paragraph 2)