Classic Accuracy
Classic accuracy is sometimes also called traditional accuracy. Modern classic accuracy requires specialized equipment and facilities. The most common main canopies now used for classic accuracy are the North American Aerodynamics ParaFoil and the Eiff Classic. Each of these canopies come in different sizes appropriate for large and small jumpers. Competition events usually use a 'tuffet' with an automatic measuring device (AMD) as the target. The tuffet may be made of foam rubber or it may be inflatable. Most serious competitors have their shoes altered to provide a narrower heel.
An excellent article about how to fly the Performance Designs Zero is found in Zero Performance Characteristics. This article covers how to fly the Zero canopy for accuracy if you are already familiar with flying either a Classic or Parafoil canopy and also how to safely transition to flying the Zero canopy if you are used to flying a modern everyday sport skydiving canopy like a Sabre2 or Stiletto.
A basic article about how to do classic or traditional accuracy can be found in the Classic Owners Manual in the section titled Fundamentals of Accuracy. Although this manual is specific to the Eiff Classic main canopy, the basic technique can be used with any similar canopy.
Be sure to use a suitable canopy, many canopies that are designed for other purposes can not be safely flown in deep brakes as described in these articles! It is best to find an experienced traditional accuracy jumper to coach you. It is essential to have at least a good pea gravel target or a tuffet for practicing traditional accuracy because the steep, straight down approach can cause injuries if done on hard ground. You may safely fly any of the canopies designed for classic accuracy without a 'soft' target as long as you do 'demo' accuracy and a flared landing.
Cheryl Stearns lands in the 2008 POPS Nationals at Skydive Carolina. Photo by Lindy Leach.