Long spots

[Hooknswoop 19]

There are several things you can do to increase the chances of getting back to the landing area from a long spot.
As soon as safely possible, turn using you rear risers to face the landing area. Don’t make a long spot worse by flying in the wrong direction while stowing your slider, loosing your chest strap, etc.
Different canopies and even different wing loading react differently to techniques for increasing the glide. One method is to simply leave the brakes stowed, which allows the canopy to “float”, and steer with rear riser input or harness steer. Another is to release the brakes and pull down slightly on the rear risers, flatting the canopy and getting a longer glide. Sometimes, canopies will glide the most with the brakes set and the rear risers pulled down an inch or two. Experiment and determine what works best for your canopy and wing loading.
Try to use harness steering to keep the canopy pointed back to the landing area as any toggle input adds drag and decrease you chances of making it back to the landing area.
Reducing drag by pulling your legs up in front of you and collapsing your slider will help you cover more ground back to the drop zone. The faster the canopy, the more this will help. This is also where a collapsible pilot chute can help.
Remember, landing at the drop zone is secondary to landing safely. If you are not absolutely sure you will make it back to the drop zone, select a safe alternate landing zone early and plan your approach. Jumpers pushing the limits of a long spot, determined to land back at the drop zone has been a factor in numerous landing injuries. When in doubt, land out.
Derek

[lazerq3 0]

Quote

Don’t make a long spot worse by flying in the wrong direction while stowing your slider,

Funny yo should say that.... I went out once to pick up a jumper off DZ that said he couldnt get his slider to collapse and then he lost the airport and couldnt make it back. Yes the most important part was that he landed saftly but then this should have NEVER happened because he was close enough to the AP to make it back. Just not paying attention. I know my proceedures are deploy, check canopy (square, straight , sliderdown), clear, traffic, find airport, collapse slider, realease brakes (depending on if I'm way out), have some fun. It seems like a lot but it all happens in under a minute!!!
jason