A successful parachute landing requires good canopy steering. If you're unable to hit an obstacle feet-first, it's best to land outside the target area instead of being carried back. As with airplane landings, you'll need to find a good position to land, and a higher altitude will make it easier to turn into the wind. You'll also want to avoid low passes over obstacles as you may not have enough altitude to turn into them. Instead, practice using a canopy crab or forward PLF.
Floatation gear
If you're planning on parachuting over obstacles, you need to have the proper floatation gear. These devices keep you from floating away while you're in the air. Parachuting equipment is available in different types depending on their function. Floatation gear is often equipped with a reserve parachute, which is important if you need to jump out of a plane and land without crashing.
Dust devils
The best way to avoid dust devils while parachuting is to remain calm and aware of your surroundings. You can scan for dusty columns or alter your flight path if you notice them. Dust devils are most prevalent in the mornings and early afternoons, when the sun is at its hottest.
Aerodynamics
When deploying a parachute, a number of variables determine the speed at which the parachute falls. One factor is the wind speed, which changes the speed of the parachute. Another factor is the parachute size. Larger parachutes fall slower than small ones because they have more surface area, which increases air resistance.
Landing under a parachute
There are several ways to ensure a safe landing under a parachute. The first step is to understand your obstacles. Once you know what they are, you can plan your landing in order to avoid them. You should also be aware of how to hit them, such as by hitting them feet-first. A successful parachute landing is like landing an airplane: it's important to know what to do and when to do it.
Getting out of turbulence
If you are parachuting, avoiding turbulence is an important skill to learn before your jump. Turbulence can cause your parachute to wrap and tangle, causing you to lose altitude and even die. It can also result in severe decompression injuries and even asphyxiation. A famous case of this was when US Marine William Rankin parachuted into a thunderstorm in 1959. It took him 40 minutes to reach the ground and he suffered from frostbite and decompression injuries.
Avoiding obstacles
While parachuting, one of the most important skills is being able to avoid obstacles. In many instances, obstacles are trees and buildings. As wind passes over these objects, it forms vortices that cause turbulence. These vortices can cover an area as large as 10 to 20 times the height of the object. Parachutists should avoid these obstacles by planning ahead and flying downwind.