What should a jumper do to address a slider that stops halfway down during deployment?

When a slider stops halfway down during deployment, the most effective response is to pump the rear risers or steering controls at the bottom of the stroke while maintaining awareness of altitude. This action helps dissipate the slider's residual drag and encourages it to travel down to its intended position, allowing for proper canopy inflation and control. It's crucial for the jumper to monitor altitude closely because if the canopy remains in a partially inflated state, it could impact the stability and performance of the parachute.

This technique utilizes the rear risers or steering toggles to induce a forward momentum that can help the slider clear any obstructions and settle down, thus ensuring that the parachute is fully operational. Carrying out this maneuver up to 2,500 feet allows enough altitude to respond effectively while reserving time to deal with the scenario if it escalates.

Taking alternative actions, such as pulling down continuously on the slider, is less effective because it can lead to improper manipulation of the deployment process and potentially worsen the situation. Simply proceeding with landing without addressing the slider issue poses significant risk, as the harness may not function correctly, compromising safety during landing. Cutting away and deploying the reserve parachute may be necessary in life-threatening situations, but it should typically be reserved for instances