{"id":60730,"date":"2025-10-15T20:30:08","date_gmt":"2025-10-15T20:30:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.skydivemag.com\/new\/?p=60730"},"modified":"2025-10-23T17:13:04","modified_gmt":"2025-10-23T17:13:04","slug":"planning-for-alternate-landing-areas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.skydivemag.com\/new\/planning-for-alternate-landing-areas\/","title":{"rendered":"Planning for Alternate Landing Areas"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A reminder from Flight-1\u2019s Paul Dorward: always have a plan B under canopy.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most dangerous habits we can fall into as skydivers is trusting that we\u2019ll always make it back to where we plan on landing. Whether you\u2019re new to the sport or have thousands of jumps, the mindset of \u201cI always make it back\u201d<\/em> can create a false sense of security and that can be dangerous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should always have a well-thought-out flight plan that takes into account your opening altitude, weather conditions, and canopy glide ratio, all of which are covered in great detail during your canopy course. However, you should never assume you\u2019ll land where you intend to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Canopy flight is dynamic, and countless factors can alter your plan. A bad spot, shifting winds, poor early flight decisions, or unexpected air traffic can all leave you searching for options in a hurry. One of the biggest pitfalls of a bad spot is developing tunnel vision…the \u201cmust get back\u201d<\/em> mindset. I\u2019ve seen this mentality lead to serious injuries, and in some cases, worse.
We should encourage all jumpers to actively plan for alternative landing areas, not just as a vague concept, but as a deliberate and visualized part of every flight plan. So, do your research:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Local Knowledge:<\/strong> Talk to your DZ safety officer or an experienced instructor. Have them identify safe alternative landing areas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Safety Day Topics:<\/strong> Encourage your DZ to cover this regularly so everyone stays informed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Study Maps:<\/strong> Review aerial photos and satellite imagery of your drop zone.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Collaborate:<\/strong> Discuss with your S&TA and chief instructors how they handle off-landings and what they\u2019ve learned from past incidents.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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    Know your outs ahead of the jump
    Photo by Javier “Buzz” Ortiz <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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    Using Google Earth Pro<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    One of the best tools we use in canopy flight planning at Flight-1 is Google Earth Pro. It\u2019s free, easy to use, and provides high-resolution imagery to study the terrain around your dropzone. Before your jump, open Google Earth Pro and locate your primary landing area. Then zoom out slowly and examine the surroundings in every direction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You\u2019re looking for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n