If you see that you have begun to turn too low to the ground for a safe landing, what should be your first response?

When faced with a situation where you have begun to turn too low to the ground for a safe landing, the priority is to neutralize the turn and focus on getting the canopy properly overhead. This approach allows you to regain control over your parachute's flight path and stabilize your descent, which is crucial for ensuring a safe landing.

Neutralizing the turn involves reducing the inputs that are causing the canopy to angle away from a straight, controlled descent. By doing so, you can better assess your altitude and landing trajectory, allowing for corrective maneuvers that can improve your landing situation as you approach the ground.

In contrast, attempting to speed up the turn could lead to an even more abrupt descent, further compromising safety. Landing in a different area might not always be feasible, especially when you're already at a low altitude and need to focus on stabilizing your current descent. Cutting away the parachute is an extreme measure that is usually reserved for situations of total canopy failure, and it's important to first exhaust all options to regain control before considering such an action. Therefore, prioritizing neutralization of the turn and maintaining the canopy directly over you lays the foundation for a safe landing.