There are a variety of options available for skydiving displays including:
The flags are packed into containers that are connected to the front of the skydiver so that they can be deployed after he has exited the aircraft. The leading edge of the flag has at it's base a large weight which keeps the flag or banner flying straight after the deployment by the skydiver. Once the flag is open the skydiver has then to fly the flag and his canopy to the ground in view of the audience.
The contents of a display vary considerably based on the client's needs and the venue, but the following will give you a good idea of how it happens.
1. The ground crew establish the landing area and ensure that effective crowd control measures are in place.
2. The aircraft circles the venue at the exit height while the skydivers determine the prevailing wind conditions.
3. On cue from the ground crew, who are constant contact with the venue organizers and the aircraft by radio, the skydivers exit the aircraft, open their canopies then deploy the flag/s. This technique affords perfect timing from the exit to the landing plus or minus 10 seconds.
4. Dependent on the exit height, the time spent flying the flag can range from three minutes to seven. During this time everyone on the ground is riveted on the action in the air. Flags are often supplemented by smoke grenades, streamers, other skydivers with high performance canopies and even extremely bright flares for night time. If there are a number of canopies and flags in the air landing orders are prearranged in accordance with the clients needs.