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
ACCESSIBILITY: Publications and forms are available on the e-Publishing website at
www.e-Publishing.af.mil for downloading or ordering.
RELEASABILITY: There are no releasability restrictions on this publication.
OPR: AF/A3S Certified by: AF/A3S
(Brig Gen. Palenske)
Supersedes: AFI13-217, 10 May 2007 Pages: 159
This publication implements Air Force Policy Directive (AFPD) 13-2, Air Traffic Control,
Airfield, Airspace, and Range Management and Air Force Instruction (AFI) 11-200, Aviation
Management. It provides guidance and procedures for Drop Zone (DZ) and Landing Zone (LZ)
operations, and directs DZ, LZ, and Helicopter LZ (HLZ) survey and assessment procedures and
processes. It applies to individuals at all levels who are civilian employees or members of the
Regular Air Force (RegAF), U.S. Space Force (USSF), Air Force Reserve (AFR), the Air National
Guard (ANG), and those who are contractually obligated to comply with Department of the Air
Force publications, except where noted otherwise. For the purposes of this Department of the Air
Force Manual (DAFMAN), all references to Major and Field Commands (MAJCOMs / FLCOMs)
are intended to also reference or include Direct Reporting Units, Field Operating Agencies, and
the ANG. Ensure all records created as a result of processes prescribed in this publication are
maintained in accordance with Air Force Instruction (AFI) 33-322, Records Management and
Information Governance Program, and disposed of in accordance with the Air Force Records
Disposition Schedule located in the Air Force Records Management System. Refer recommended
changes and questions about this publication to the Office of Primary Responsibility (OPR) listed
above using the Air Force (AF) Form 847, Recommendation for Change of Publication; route AF
Forms 847 from the field through the appropriate chain of command. This publication may be
supplemented at any level, but all supplements must be routed to the OPR listed above for
coordination prior to certification and approval. (T-1). Send recommended supplements to
