USPA Skydiving B License Practice Test 2025 - Free Skydiving License Practice Questions and Exam Preparation.

When faced with a situation where your main parachute does not deploy correctly, the correct action is to immediately cut away and deploy the reserve parachute. This option is grounded in the principle of safety and urgency in emergency situations.

The primary reason for this approach is that a malfunctioning main parachute can lead to dangerous scenarios such as a stable but uncontrollable descent, or a potential total failure of the canopy leading to rapid descent rates. By quickly cutting away from the main parachute, you minimize the risk associated with the malfunction. This action enables you to activate the reserve parachute in a timely manner, which is designed to be more reliable and provide a safe landing when executed correctly.

In contrast, attempting to fix the issue mid-air or waiting to see if the parachute deploys later can significantly increase the risk of serious injury or worse. In the critical moments following a failure of the main parachute, there is little time to waste, and hesitation can have dire consequences. Therefore, cutting away and deploying the reserve is crucial for ensuring your safety and increasing the chances of a successful landing.