This clarification originally published July 2007
Why Is There A Limit!??
NOTE: FAA information can be found in Form 7711-1(7-74)
The FAA unwaiverably bans hook turns at demonstration jumps only. Skydive Kansas has used their definition for general use since 2001.
This page was added to provide clarification to the long standing prohibition of hook turns at Skydive Kansas. Although connotation of the term hook turn has evolved over the last several years, our definition has remained constant and follows the FAA's definition:
Hook Turns
Hook turns are prohibited. A hook turn is a maneuver initiated below 200 feet in any maneuver sequence that causes the canopy to roll 
at an angle in excess of 45 degrees from vertical and/or to pitch up or down at an angle in excess of 45 degrees from horizontal while executing a turn in excess of 60 degrees.
- As defined and prohibited for landing approach by the Federal Aviation Administration FAA Form 7711-1(7-74)
Each canopy reacts differently based on varying input, wingloading and weather. It is ideal that a canopy recover naturally from input back to full flight before altitude runs out. For practical purposes, it is the right of the S&TA to determine what constitutes a hook turn, given FAA guidelines as well as Skydive Kansas' interpretation.
Answers to Common Misconceptions
Does this mean I can't swoop?
No. Due to the high rate of fatalities associated with this type of manuever, many skydivers began shedding the term hook turn and using the term "swooping" or "high performance landing." This provides an unfair larger definition of what swooping really is, as swooping has now taken on a much broader definition unwittingly. In other words, originally the term "hook turn" was cool. After people kept dying doing them, the word became uncool, although some skydivers still do them, they just call it something else.
What is swooping then?
Swooping originally simply meant being able to maximize the amount of distance a skydiver skimmed across the ground just before landing. It has never had anything to do with wing loading, degree of turn on final, or speed on landing. Swooping is possible on any wingloading and at varying speeds, with or without turns or riser input.
What is a high speed landing?
Most simply, high speed landings are simply landings with a lot of speed. Swooping can occur on non-high speed landings. High speed is usually produced by high wingloading, turns, or front riser input. High speed landings that do not manage lift at the end of the flight result in high speed impact into the dirt... usually that means injury or death if a jumper cannot manage that speed effectively. In other words, a high speed landing can happen if you are coming straight in with the wind on landing. Technically, you can have a "high speed landing" if you don't have a parachute above your head.
What is high performance?
Performance is generally thought to be connected to response of a certain canopy, either turn response or flare response. A canopy that is loaded more heavily can increase in performance. With higher performance, greater skill is necessary as there is generally less time for correction and less room for error.
