[chasd00]

there were a couple guys using acrobatic parachutes and some control code to fly high power model rockets back to the pad saving an hour walk. I wonder if SpaceX could use the same technique and fly the fairings to the ships.

[vikramkr]

That's what they already do. It's a steerable parafoil. How would they be expected to get the ship lined up underneath the parafoil in time to catch it otherwise?

[raducu]

I think those guys fly in much better weather conditions than the returning fairings.

If those guys miss by 50 meters, no biggie, they just walk and pick the rocket up.

If SpaceX misses by 5 meters, the fairings could end up in the salt water.

Landing on a moving ship is much harder.