To which part of the canopy do the steering lines (brake lines) connect?

The steering lines, also known as brake lines, connect to the tail or trailing edge of the canopy. This design allows the skydiver to manipulate the rear part of the parachute, which in turn alters the shape of the canopy and affects its flight characteristics. By pulling down on the steering lines, the skydiver creates increased drag at the back of the canopy, leading to a decrease in forward speed and rotation, and an increase in descent rate, allowing for more precise control during landing approaches.

Understanding the function and connection point of the steering lines is critical for skydiving safety and effectiveness, as it directly influences how a parachute responds to pilot input and adapts to various landing conditions.