Master Your Wing: 10 Tips to Fly Like a Pro

Introduction

Be honest—how much time do you really spend working on your canopy skills? Most skydivers focus on the freefall and leave the hard part—landing safely—up to luck and instinct. But if you want to step up your game and truly own every phase of the jump, you need to train your canopy skills deliberately. Here’s how to start.

1. Have a Flight Plan—Every Single Time

Don’t leave your landing up to chance. Before you even board the plane, visualize exactly how and where you’ll fly your pattern. Know your entry, base, and final approach. And remember: a good plan only works if you actually stick to it.

2. Look Where You Want to Go

It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people stare at the ground or obstacles instead of their exit path. Your body—and your canopy—will naturally follow your eyes. Keep them up and focused on where you want to be, not what you’re trying to avoid.

3. Finish the Turn, Then Flare

Don’t rush to pull down both toggles while you’re still turning. Finish your turn completely before starting the flare. If you combine them, you’ll lose efficiency and control right when you need it most.

4. Trust Your Rears

Rear riser control isn’t just for emergencies. Learn to use your rears effectively to adjust glide path and land smoothly, especially when you’re coming in a bit long. It takes practice, but mastering this skill adds a whole new level of precision to your landings.

5. Use All That Altitude

You’ve worked hard to get up there—use that altitude wisely. Practice flat turns, explore your canopy’s glide capabilities, and experiment with how much altitude you lose in different maneuvers. Altitude is time, and time means options.

6. Learn to Fly Slow, Not Just Fast

Everyone loves swooping in fast and low, but controlling your wing at slow speeds is just as critical. Play with deep brakes and find out how your canopy behaves on the edge of stall. One day, that knowledge might save you during a bad spot or tight landing.

7. Keep It Smooth

Good piloting isn’t about yanking on your toggles like you’re driving a go-kart. Smooth, progressive inputs lead to better performance and more predictable responses from your canopy. Jerky movements waste energy and make you less precise.

8. Learn Flat Turns—They’re Your Best Friend in a Tight Spot

If you find yourself low and off your landing pattern, a flat turn can keep you safe and avoid a dangerous low turn. Practice them at altitude and learn exactly how much height you lose. This skill could one day prevent a serious injury—or worse.

9. Be Honest About Your Skills

Stop pretending you’re a swooping champion if you’re still figuring out basic landings. Fly conservatively until you’ve truly mastered your wing. There’s no shame in working your way up safely—it’s how the best pilots get there.

10. Train for the Worst, Fly for the Best

Practice emergency scenarios at altitude: broken control lines, stuck toggles, or landing without brakes. Knowing exactly what to do under pressure makes the difference between a controlled landing and a trip to the hospital.

Conclusion (Read This Twice)

Becoming a better canopy pilot isn’t about luck—it’s about deliberate, focused practice. Every jump is an opportunity to refine your skills, understand your equipment, and make smarter decisions in the air.

Disclaimer:
These tips are not a substitute for proper coaching. Skydiving is an extreme sport, and canopy control should always be trained under the supervision of qualified instructors. Take coaching seriously, invest in your education, and build your skills safely. Your life literally depends on it.