{"id":27224,"date":"2020-08-04T11:56:30","date_gmt":"2020-08-04T11:56:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.skydivemag.com\/new\/?p=27224"},"modified":"2022-09-27T14:32:02","modified_gmt":"2022-09-27T14:32:02","slug":"landing-priorities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.skydivemag.com\/new\/landing-priorities\/","title":{"rendered":"Landing Priorities"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

How to land safely, anywhere, any time… <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Author Maxine Tate, by Byrd’s Eye Studio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Landing Priorities in Order… <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

What are the four most important things to achieve on landing, in order of priority?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

We were all introduced to Landing Priorities (LPs) during AFF but may not have considered them much since, while our choice of canopy has probably changed substantially. Why are the LPs so important? If we follow these priorities in order, we have the greatest chance of a successful and safe landing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Landing Priority 1: With the wing level
Photo shows author Maxine Tate by Zach Lewis<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

1. Land with the wing level <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If the wing is level then it is flying in a straight line horizontal to the ground, and you are no longer descending. That is a good thing! We have both a vertical and horizontal component to our canopy flight, and we want to eliminate the vertical component on landing at the very least. It is far easier to slide\/run\/walk off a landing consisting of horizontal speed only, than it is to stick a landing still involving some aspect of vertical descent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Landing Priority 2: Into a hazard-free area
Photo shows Maxine landing, by D Squared<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2. Land in a clear area<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We want to avoid obstacles and hazards of course. The key to achieving this is planning and anticipation. If you do turn onto your final leg and encounter a potential hazard, make any needed adjustment as early as possible. If you make the adjustment sooner, the degree of turn required to steer away from the hazard will be smaller, and your canopy will have more time to recover and return to a level wing before landing. Busting LP1 with a low turn to achieve LP2 can still lead to injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Landing Priority 3: Flare symmetrically to at least half brakes
Photo shows Maxine landing, by D Squared<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3. Flare symmetrically to at least half brakes <\/h2>\n\n\n\n