How to Control Your Canopy With Wind Speeds

A high wind speed can cause you to overshoot your landing target.

When you jump from an airplane with a canopy, the canopy provides you with the ability to move forward as well as down. The canopy contains pressurized air in between its panels. As you fall, the air moves over the canopy and gives you forward propulsion. The strings that control the canopy allow you to impact the direction and the speed at which you travel. Because the wind speeds can also impact your speed, you need to know how to use the wind speeds to your advantage.

Instructions

1. Gauge your speed by watching the ground below you. Watching your position in relation to the ground shows you the direction of the wind, as well as the general speed.

2. Leave the front toggle of your canopy fully open if you appear to be moving toward your target at a reasonable speed. An open front toggle ensures you maintain both your forward and falling speeds.

3. Close your front toggle slightly if you find yourself moving away from your intended target. If you still are moving backward, close the front toggle a little more.

4. Turn your canopy at a slight angle to the wind to create canopy drift if you feel you are going to miss your mark. This move will help put you back on track.

5. Pull down on the rear toggle if you notice that you are moving forward too quickly and will overshoot your target. However, use the rear toggle with caution because this can stall out the canopy and cause you to fall rapidly.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid closing your front toggle too much because closing the toggle also increases your falling rate.

• Don't make sharp turns because they can twist your lines. Keep turns smooth and gradual.

References

• Sky Dive St. Louis Area: What to Do When the Wind Picks Up
• Parachutist: 25 Ways to Become a Better Canopy Pilot
• Rumell: Class #6: Canopy Control
• Dropzone: Canopy Performance