What is the best method to determine a canopy's optimum flare speed and depth for landing?

The best method to determine a canopy's optimum flare speed and depth for landing is to practice different rates of flare entry at various depths of flare. This hands-on experience allows a jumper to develop a personal understanding of how their specific canopy responds to flare input under varying conditions.

By conducting these practice landings, a jumper can assess how their canopy behaves at different speeds and flare depths, giving them crucial feedback on their technique. This experiential learning is vital, as it helps the jumper to fine-tune their landing technique based on actual performance rather than relying solely on theoretical knowledge or observations of others. Each canopy may have different characteristics, and personal practice helps to adapt the jumper’s technique to their specific equipment and conditions on the day of the jump.

While observing other jumpers can offer insights into landing techniques, it does not provide the personalized feedback and adjustments necessary for mastering one's own landing style. Similarly, consulting an instructor can be beneficial for general guidance, but it does not replace the real-world practice needed to develop proficiency. Relying solely on an altimeter does not take into account the dynamic aspects of the landing process and can lead to misjudgment of when to initiate the flare. Hence, actively practicing flare techniques is the most effective approach