This article explores certain popular beliefs about landing in no-wind conditions. See why keeping things simple and gaining a better understanding of a few basic principles can help you improve your landings in all conditions.

We're throwing a bag full of fabric and lines out into a 120 mph relative wind.... isn't it amazing that parachutes open at all? There is definitely some randomness and chaos involved in every opening but many factors are directly under your control. Whether you have 50 jumps or 5000, you might find some useful tips in this article.

In 2005 I had the opportunity to present a lecture on turbulence at the PIA Symposium in Jacksonville, Florida. This is an expanded version of the handout for that lecture, containing information about sources of turbulence and a discussion of techniques for flying in turbulent conditions.

Do you think your brake lines are too long? Wondering if you really need a collapsible pilot chute? Here are some ways to help your canopy perform at its best.

This article contains information and suggestions that can help you decide which size and type of canopy will suit you best. Part 1 discusses factors to consider when downsizing. In Part 2 you'll find answers to frequently-asked questions such as "how is a 7-cell canopy different from a 9-cell?" This was published as a two-part article by Skydiving magazine, but I've combined both parts into one document here.

You can plan to be conservative and promise yourself that you'll never make a low turn, but you also need to plan for the unexpected. A flat turn is a simple, effective, life-saving maneuver that every skydiver should learn, and one that we should all practice frequently.