Which of the following actions is appropriate for addressing routine opening problems?

Addressing routine opening problems requires a methodical approach to ensure the safest outcome during a skydive. The selected action involves spreading the risers and kicking in the opposite direction while watching altitude, which is effective in resolving certain opening issues like a partial or asymmetric canopy deployment.

Spreading the risers helps to create a more even tension and allows the canopy to open properly. Kicking in the opposite direction can help steer the pilot chute into the airflow, facilitating a better deployment. Monitoring altitude is also crucial because it allows the skydiver to maintain awareness of the time available to resolve the issue before it becomes critical.

In contrast, simply releasing toggles and waiting for the canopy to inflate might not adequately address the problem, as it offers no immediate action to rectify a malfunction during the critical moment of deployment. Pushing down on the canopy to force it open can lead to further entanglements or malfunctions rather than rectifying the situation. Finally, pulling both toggles immediately could exacerbate the problem by leading to a loss of control, especially if the canopy is not fully inflated or if there are issues with opening.