United States Parachute Association (USPA) A License Practice Exam

Maintaining a straight line at full flight is the best procedure for operating your canopy in turbulent conditions. When you're in turbulent air, the stability of the canopy is crucial. By keeping the canopy flying straight and at full flight, you help ensure that it remains responsive and maintains its aerodynamic shape, which can help you better manage any unexpected movements caused by turbulent air.

The full flight position allows the canopy to effectively utilize its design to counteract disturbances, reducing the likelihood of excessive pitching or rolling that can occur when the canopy is not properly oriented. A slow descent or abrupt maneuvers, such as sharp turns or quickly dropping altitude, can lead to additional instability and could increase the risk of entering a situation where control is compromised. Staying on a straight path provides not only better control but also enhances the ability to react smoothly to changes in conditions.