What should a skydiver do if they are below 1,000 feet without a landable parachute?

When a skydiver is below 1,000 feet and finds themselves with a landable parachute that is not functioning as intended, the priority shifts to deploying the reserve parachute. However, it's critical to note that when utilizing an SOS (Security Opening System), deploying the reserve parachute should ideally not occur below that altitude because the system has specific operational limitations designed for safety.

The rationale behind deploying the reserve parachute at this altitude is rooted in emergency protocols established to maximize the chances of a successful landing and minimize risk. The reserve parachute is specifically designed to open quickly and function reliably when the primary parachute fails, allowing the skydiver time and distance to stabilize their descent and safely reach the ground.

In situations where the reserve cannot be deployed (as implied by the SOS system), the focus should be on controlling descent and navigating towards a more suitable landing area when possible, rather than remaining passive or making significant maneuvers that could jeopardize safety.