What can you do to the parachute to keep it in the air longer?

Answer 1

Depends on the parachute and maneuverability. Steering correctly and dumping excess weight would help...

Answer 2

I used to be involved with model rocketry. They have contests to see how long a model rocket will stay aloft, after it's parachute has deployed.

The best way to achieve this is to create a parachute that resembles the sail of a sailboat. If you are familiar with sailing, then you know that by pointing the sail at different directions relative to the wind direction, it is possibly to move in any one of the 360 degrees (even into the wind - albeit at an angle).

So, in a nutshell, the best way to keep a parachut aloft for a long period of time is find sail type designs for the chute. Just remember though, along with keeping the object in the sky, it will also choose a direction to travel in (so, it would be nearly impossible to simply make it hover in one spot).

Answer 3

Para gliders are like parachutes, if you put some kind of motor and prop on them they fly great. In either case, the location where you jump may have up drafts and down drafts, up drafts take you up and the ride lasts longer. Size of the parachute may also make a difference, and it's maneuverability.

Answer 4

If you mean a ram-air parachute, such as used for skydiving/sport parachuting, then a little braking using brakes or, preferably, the rear risers will slow both forward and downward motion. Until you stall it, of course.