– When skydivers approach the ground, what exactly are they doing (and what is happening with the parachute) when they pull the parachute “strings” down to their thighs just before touching down?

Question

– When skydivers approach the ground, what exactly are they doing (and what is happening with the parachute) when they pull the parachute “strings” down to their thighs just before touching down?

In: 3

Answer 1

It’s called flaring. Pulling the strings increases the surface area under the parachute, increasing drag and slowing you down