What is the recommended action if a jumper is approaching power lines?

The recommended action when approaching power lines is to avoid the area early and to land parallel to the lines. This is crucial for ensuring safety, as power lines present significant hazards during a parachute landing. By approaching the landing area with the intention of staying clear of obstacles, a parachutist minimizes the risk of collision with the lines, which could lead to severe injury or fatality.

Landing parallel to power lines is also effective because it keeps the jumper’s path away from the vertical hazards of the lines, as opposed to landing directly towards them, which poses the risk of entanglement. Proper situational awareness and early decision-making are vital for safely navigating an obstacle-laden environment. Making a conscious choice to steer clear of such dangers enhances the safety of the landing process.

Other options like performing a barrel roll or landing with maximum brakes may not appropriately address the immediate danger posed by the power lines. Adjusting the parachute for a straight landing, while relevant in some contexts, does not inherently mitigate the hazards associated with coming too close to power infrastructure. The key point remains that early avoidance is the most effective strategy in this situation.