Archive / FAA Parachute Rigger Handbook / FAA Parachute Rigger Handbook: Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Chapter 5 — Part 8

FAA-H-8083-17 (2015 Change 1)

Change 1 (December 2015)

A. Introduction

1. FAA rules and regulations

2. Part 105, 91, 65, and basic facilities to practice rigging, (packing table, inspection, drying area)

3. Responsibility as a licensed rigger, privilages, and rating limitations

4. Paperwork, FAA, logbook, datacard, ADs, service bulletins, (binder with all ADs and SBs)

5. Filling out inspection log book, filling out data cards

B. Rigging Techniques and Tools (VIDEO)

1. Modem rigging technics and methods

2. Packing tapes (Square reserves)

3. Vector

4. Racer

5. Javelin

6. Talon

7. Vector tandem, strong, racer

C. Round Canopy

1. Construction and materials

2. Aerodynamics

3. Inspection procedures, (bridle attaching methods)

4. Line continuity (two and four riser systems) (round to riser assembly)

5. Canopy layout (on packing table)

6. Canopy sections, gore numbers, panel designations.

7. Data panel information

8. Alterations or repairs listed on data panel (is it approved? where do we look?)

9. Diapers, full stow, two stow, vertical stow, etc.

10. Flaking the canopy for packing

11. Diaper and line stowing

12. Acid test and inspection

D. Square Canopy

1. Construction and materials

2. Aerodynamics

3. Inspection procedures, (layout on carpet) (hanging by tail)

4. Line continuity (cascaded and continuous lines) (assembly to risers)

5. Canopy sections (nose, tail, upper and lower skins, ribs, load bearing ribs, crossports)

6. Data panel infonnation

7. Steering toggles (types installation sand stowing methods)

8, Deployment systems (freebags, etc.) (inspection of these systems)

9. Packing methods (side pack, stack pack, pro pack, hanging pro pack)

10. Folding canopy (to place indeployment bag) (freebag types, vector, racer, molar, etc.)

11. Line stowing (methods and tools)

EXAMPLE OUTLINE FOR SENIOR RIGGER TRAINING,

CLASSES, DEMONSTRATIONS AND PROJECTS.

Change 1 (December 2015)

E. Harness and Containers

1. Construction and materials

2. Hardware (types, inspection, values of types, ADs or SBs, proper installation)

3. Gromets (types, inspection)

4. Snaps (types, inspection)

5. Cable housings (types, inspection)

6. Attachment links (types, inspection, main and reserve)

7. Pilot chute (types, inspection, both main and reserve, including retract and collapsible)

8. Hand tacking (materials, methods, inspections)

9. Ripcords and release handles (types, materials, inspection procedures)

10. Pins and cones (types, inspection)

11. Harness and container inspection (as a unit)

F. Sewing Machines

1. Manufactures and types (uses of different types) (straight locking, zig zag, bar tack, harness)

2. Sewing machine components (table, head, motor, clutch/brake, bobbin winder, etc.)

3. Threading the machine (needle and bobbin) (thread types and values)

4. Basic operating of machine (foot, knee, hands, and effects, sew, brake, lift foot, set needle, etc.)

5. Types of sewing stitches (301-304-308)

G. Tools (Demonstrations and Applications for all Types)

1. Pull up cords

2. Packing weights

3. Line seperator (round/square)

4. Through the bag cord with friction lock

5. Molarstrap

6. Rifle cleaning rod

7. Velcro covers

8. Temporarypins

9. Knee plate

10. T-Bar

11. Packing paddles (long/short)

12. Bodkins

13. Seam ripper

14. Scissors (nippers)

15. Finger trap fids

16. Positive closing device

17. Hand sewing needles

18. Razor knife

19. Tailoring pencils (correct type dixon)

20. Seal press

21. L-Bar seperator

22. Weight scale (pull test)

23. Pull test clamps

24. Hot knife

25. Gromet hole cutters

26. Gromet sets

27. Snap setting tools

28. Hot glue gun

Change 1 (December 2015)

J . Demonstrations (continued)

21. Tangled round

22. Tangled square

23. Complete inspection (round reserve)

24. Complete inspection (square reserve)

25. Assembly complete (round)

26. Assembly complete (square)

27. Hand sewing and tacking (comfort pads, connector links, cones, reserve cable housing, eyelets)

28. Needle fold (reserve bridles)

29. Installing toggles (main and reserve)

30. Installing gromets and snaps

31. Finger trapping suspension line

32. 4-line release systems

33. Nylon mesh acid test

34. Pull test (description warp and fill thread to selvege edge)

35. Pull test (using scale check pull tension on reserve ripcord)

36. Installing a 6-inch patch in F-111

K. Projects

1. Install to airworthy standards around reserve

2. Install to airworthy standards a square reserve

3. Round canopy inspection locate and verify defects

4. Square canopy inspection locate and verify defects

S. Square reserve side pack

6. Square reserve pro pack

7. Harness and container inspection locate and verify defects

8. Pack B-12

9. Pack NB-6

10. Pack round reserve with 2 stow diaper

11. Pack round reserve with vertical full stow diaper

12. Pack round reserve with full stow diaper

13. Pack round reserve with vertical full stow diaper parallelto bottom of pack tray

14. Pack square reserve in Vector-type freebag (using through bag cord)

15. Pack square reserve in Javelin-type free bag (molar)

16. Untangle round reserve using proper technique

17. Untangle square reserve using proper technique

18. Demonstrate knowledge of 4-line release systems

19. Hand sew ripcord housing, tack comfort pad, Hand sew cone and eyelet

20. Tie knots, overhand, square, clove hitch, double half hitch, slip loop, bowline, surgeon’s & locking.

21. Install proper seal on closing pin

22. Perform proper needle fold

23. Machine sewing 1 (build shot bags using templates and perform sewingpractise drills)

24. Machine sewing 2 (install a six inch patch to exceptable and airworthy standards)

25. Using proper tools (cut hole and set gromets in parapack and install snaps)

26. Install steering toggles using recognizedmethods

27. Finger-trap suspension line to a finished length by calculating shrinkage of traped area

28. Perform dryrun reserve inspection and repack to airworthy standards meeting all FAA requirements

29. Locate correct information for compatability, assembly and inspection of a sport rig and reserve

30. Perform at least 20 complete inspections and repacks to standards of back type reserves

Change 1 (December 2015)

A. Introduction

1. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and rating privileges

2. Review Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) parts 105, 91, detail part 65 required facilities, equipment, tools,

materials, record keeping, repair testing

3. Mil-Spec materials and values

4. Technical Standard Order (TSO) standards and who creates them. Current standards, categories, and limitations and who

maintains them

5. Skills, responsibilities, and ethics of a master parachute rigger

6. Record keeping

7. Alterations, manufactures, FAA authorization process, records and documentation

B. The Parachute Loft

1. Facilities

2. Work areas, round canopies, square canopies, suspended, table

3. Material storage, and support, conditions for material quality

4. Inspection areas and lighting

5. Hand tools, types, uses, control, maintenance

6. Sewing machines

7. Parachute equipment storage, short and long term

8. Project tables, layout and cutting

C. Harness & Container Systems

1. Reserve system deployment types, (internal pilot chute) (external pilot chute)

2. Harness types, (standard harness) (partial articulated harness) (fully articulate harness)

3. Hardware, current manufactures, (standard cadmium plated) (stainless steel) (rapide links, “galvanized” “stainless”)

(Slinks – Manufactured by Performance Design and Precision Aerodynamics)

4. 3-ring release systems, ring sizes, maintenance, riser sizes, lengths, construction

5. Reserve ripcord systems, types, housings, ripcords

6. Main canopy deployment systems, ripcord, throwout, pullout, bottom of container (BOC), PUD system

7. Freebag systems, deployment bag types and cuts, line stow types, bridles and bridle assists, reserve pilotchute types

8. Main canopy release systems, housing types, duel action systems (student equipment)

D. Square Parachute Systems

1. Modern construction

2. Materials

3. Airfoil types (elliptical, semi elliptical, tapered, multi cell)

4. Cell construction types (I-beam, interlocking T-beam, half cell, spanwise)

5. Suspension line types and line attachments types (Spectra, Kevlar, Vectran, HMA, Dacron)

6. Canopy suspension line trim

7. Modern canopy repair methods and limitations (Chapter 7 FAA Parachute Rigger Handbook) (RD Raghanti repair method)

8. Square canopy design and flight definitions

(A) Airfoil section area

(B) Angle of attack

(D) Angle of incidence

(E) Aspect ratio

(F) Cascade line

(G) Cell

(H) Chord

(I) Control line

(J) Control line deflection

Example Training Syllabus for Master Rigger Training, Classes,

Demonstrations, and Projects

Change 1 (December 2015)

(K) Construction chordwise

(L) Construction full-cell chordwise

(M) I-beam

(N) Interlocking T-beam

(O) Half-cell chordwise

(P) Construction spanwise

(Q) Cross ports

(R) Deployment brakes

(S) Flares, suspension line attachments

(T) Full flight settings

(U) Glide path (flightpath) angle

(V) Pilot chute controlled reefing

(W) Planform

(X) Planform area

(Y) Plumbline

(Z) Projected area

(AA) Quarter chord area

(BB) Reference line

(CC) Ribs

(DD) Riser specs

(EE) Slider

(FF) Slider stops

(GG) Stabilizer panels

(HH) Span

(II) Suspension lines (A) (B) (C) (D)

(JJ) Suspension line length

(KK) Trim line

(LL) Toggles control

(MM) Final trim measurements

E. Authorized/Certificated Parachute Components and Compatibility

1. Manufactures inspection and packing instructions

2. Approved data

3. Acceptable data

4. Methods to confirm compatibility

F. Automatic Activation Devises

1. Types

2. Service requirements (life, battery service, trouble codes, inspections)

3. Control and calibration

4. Installation

5. Service during FAA 180-day inspection cycle

6. Compatibility to TSOed equipment

7. Airworthiness Directives (AD) or Service Bulletins (SB)

G. Commercial Sewing Machines

1. Machine types and stitch requirements for production of components and major repairs

2. Sewing machine maintenance

(A) Tools

(B) Lubrication

(D) Inspections

(E) Thread pick-up types (oscillating, rotating vertical, and rotating horizontal)

Change 1 (December 2015)

(F) Shuttle timing

(G) Feed dog, tooth type and feed adjustment

(H) Walking foot feed

(I) Stitch length adjustment

(J) Thread tension adjustment

(K) Thread tension disk adjustment

(L) Motor type, speed, clutch adjustment and application

(M) Double needle applications and stitch width

(N) Setting up machine to run .75 inch nylon binding tape and double and single needle installation

(O) Bar tack machines, stitch patterns and lengths

(P) Free arm machines, operation and uses

3. Harness geometry and junctions

4. Harness machine use and operation (7 class)

(A) 3 and 4 point harness junction stitch patterns

(B) Calculating pattern and stitch numbers to exceed webbing strength

(D) Main lift web confluence wrap at 3 ring

5. Double needle binding tape machine use and operation

(A) Appling binding tape to component edge

(B) Turning 90 degree corner appling tape

6. 304 zig zag stitch machine use and operations

(A) Stitch length adjustment

(B) Stitch width adjustment

7. Bar tack machine use and operation

Stitch width and length adjustment

H. Master Parachute Rigger Applicant Projects

Listed below are possible, projects or tasks you may be required to perform, during the master rigger practical test phase. They may

require only the repair or replacement of a single item, or possible construction and replacement of the entire assembly. All projects are

to be performed to return to service safety and manufacture standards.

1. Webbing joint construction / replace main lift web

2. Chest strap replacement

3. Partial top/bottom skin replacement (ram air canopy)

4. Line set repair or replacement, (round or ram air)

5. Complete panel replacement (round reserve canopy)

6. Main parachute riser, major repair or construction

7. Main parachute deployment bag construction

8. Installation of AAD in container system not factory ready

9. Construction of slider ram air canopy

10. Construct replacement leg pads for container system

11. Alter riser from l-bar to rapide link

12. Construct lower steering line assemblies and replacement toggles

13. Construct 32-inch hand deploy pilotchute

14. Construct and replace main side flap on container

15. Replace plastic stiffener and grommet reserve flap assembly

16. Build and install BOC pocket on container

17. Construct pull lines and channel for collapsible slider

18. Construct and replace lower leg straps on articulated harness

19. Replace parcel rib ram air

20. Construct collapsible pilotchute bridle assembly

These are just a few of the possible projects or task you may be required to perform during the practical portion of the master

parachute rigger test. It is important that you learn use of the proper machines, materials, construction methods, obtain the skills, and

knowledge to complete these projects to a return to service standard for safe use.

Change 1 (December 2015)

Accordion folding. The folding of the canopy for stacking

in the container prior to closing.

Administrator. The Federal Aviation Administrator (FAA)

or any person to whom he and/or she has delegated his and/

or her authority in the matter concerned.

Advisory circular (AC). The FAA issues advisory

circulars (ACs) to provide guidance and information in a

designated subject area or to show a method acceptable to

the Administrator for complying with a related Title 14 of the

Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR). Each AC is issued

with a number corresponding to the subject it addresses in the

14 CFR. Unless incorporated into a regulation by reference,

the contents of an AC are not binding on the public.

Aerodynamics. The study of the behavior of moving air

and the forces that it produces as it passes over or around

certain shaped objects, such as wings, propellers, or

parachute canopies.

AGL. Above ground level.

Airframe and powerplant mechanic (A&P). Any

person certificated by the FAA to perform maintenance or

inspections on an aircraft’s airframe or powerplant.

Airworthiness Directives (ADs). Issued by the FAA to

notify owners and users of aeronautical products of unsafe

conditions and the mandatory corrections under which the

product may continue to be used. Each AD is an amendment to

14 CFR part 39, as such, it is part of the Federal Public Laws.

Airworthiness. A complete parachute assembly is considered

airworthy when it conforms to its Technical Standard Order

(TSO) and/or properly altered condition and is in condition

for safe operation.

Alteration. A change to the original configuration or any

other major change to any portion of the parachute from its

original manufacture’s specifications.

Glossary

Apex. The center and topmost point of a round

parachute canopy.

Approved. An item, which in its present form, has received

official certification from the FAA.

Assistor pocket. Air scoops at the top of a sleeve that provide

drag and aid in anchoring the sleeve as the canopy is pulled

out. Also, fabric pockets on the bridle of a free bag that aid

in the deployment of the bag in the event of a horseshoetype

malfunction.

Automatic activation device (AAD). A device for

automatically releasing the reserve or emergency parachute;

utilizes barometric and rate of descent sensors.

Auxiliary parachute. A reserve parachute.

Back parachute. A parachute that is worn on the back.

Backstitch. Used to anchor a row of stitching by turning the

material and sewing over the stitching for a short distance.

Back strap. A part of the harness that extends across the

wearer’s back. It may be diagonal, horizontal, or vertical and

may or may not be adjustable.

Backpad. A foam-filled pad placed between the harness and

the wearer that provides comfort and/or holds the harness

in place.

Bar tack. A concentrated series of zigzag-like stitches used to

reinforce points of stress.

Barometric pressure release. A device of the automatic

opening of a free-fall parachute operating on the differences

of barometric pressure.

Becket. A piece of tape or webbing sewn to a parachute or pack

to form a loop through which a cord or thread may be passed.

Beeswax. A wax, usually mixed 1:1 with paraffin and heated.

Webbing is dipped into it to prevent fraying.

Bellyband. A reserve tiedown strap.

Bias construction. Construction where the warp and filler

threads of the material are at 45 degrees to the centerline of

the gore.

Bias cut. A diagonal cut across a piece of fabric. Canopy

fabric may be cut on the bias and assembled so that both

warp and fill threads run at a 45 degree angle to the vertical

centerline of the gore.

Block construction. An arrangement of the gores such that

the warp threads are parallel to the peripheral hem.

Bobbin. A small spool used to hold thread. Commonly found

in sewing machines.

Bodkin. A large-eyed needle, flat or round, and usually

blunt, used to draw tape, ribbon, elastic, or cord through

a loop or hem. Used to pull pack opening bands through

containers.

Bolt. A compact package or roll of fabric.

Break tie. Any tie or tacking designed to break under a

specified amount of stress.

Breakaway. The jettisoning of the malfunctioned main

parachute by activating riser releases and deployment of the

reserve parachute; also known as cutaway.

Breakcord. A thread or tape tied between parachute

components that is intended to break under the desired load

during deployment.

Bridle. A line that attaches the pilot chute to the apex of the

canopy or to a sleeve or bag.

Bungees. Pack opening bands.

Burble. The turbulent and unstable airflow behind a falling

object, such as a skydiver in free fall.

Cable ripcord. A flexible metal cable 3⁄32" diameter made

of 49 strands of stainless steel wire. The cable runs from the

ripcord grip to the locking pins. It is housed in a flexible,

protective tube.

Calendering. The process where a machine with heated

rollers is used to finish fabric. The heat and pressure process

lowers permeability by forcing the fibers between each other

and flattening them.

Canopy. The umbrella-like surface of a parachute and its

framework of cords, called suspension lines, from which

the load is suspended. The drag surface of the decelerator.

Canopy fabric. The fabric used in the fabrication of parachute

canopies. It is lightweight and woven to withstand the impact

of air pressure when the parachute opens. The canopy fabric

is woven from nylon yarns usually in a ripstop weave.

Canopy relative work (CRW). A skydiving discipline where

the parachutists fly their open canopies in a formation formed

by grasping the canopies or lines using the hands or legs.

Canopy releases. Devices that allow immediate release of

the parachute canopy. They disconnect the harness main lift

webs from the risers.

Center pull. A ripcord design for chest parachutes.

Centerline. Lines that run from the risers to the apex of a

canopy and are used to pull the apex down, such as on a

Para Commander.

Certificated. A personnel parachute holding an FAA

TSO certificate. Also used to refer to other FAA-approved

parachutes, such as Government surplus personnel models,

which were manufactured under military contract.

CFM. Cubic feet per minute. A measure of permeability.

Chafing strip. A light piece of webbing positioned between

the load bearing webbing and a piece of hardware that acts

as a buffer between the two.

Chest parachute. A parachute worn on the wearer’s chest.

Chuck. The upper part of the tool used to install fastener or

grommet parts.

Chute. A contraction of the term “parachute,” and used

interchangeably with it.

Clamp. A medical hemostat used by riggers for picking

threads or retrieving small objects.

Closing loops. Fabric or cord loops used to secure the

container closed. Used in place of locking cones.

Cloth. A pliable fabric that is woven, felted, or knitted from

any filament; commonly fabric of woven cotton, woolen, silk,

nylon, rayon, or linen fiber.

Clove hitch knot. A type of knot used for attaching the

suspension lines of a parachute to the connector links.

Cloverleaf handle. A ripcord handle with a cloverleaf shape.

Commonly found on chest parachutes.

Cocking. Setting the collapsible bridle for operation.

Confluence wrap. A piece of webbing that wraps around the

confluence of two or more pieces of webbing. Prevents the

stitching from splitting. Most common use is on main risers

and the 3-ring harness ring installation.

Connector link. Usually identified as a small, rectangular

metal fitting used to connect ends of risers or lift webs to

suspension lines. The suspension lines are tied and sewn

above one part of the link, the webs being stitched about the

lower part. The design of the link may vary in size and shape

according to the intended use.

Connector link separable. Any connector link comprised of

readily separable elements, which may be used to facilitate

assembly of parachute canopies to a riser system.

Container. The portion of the parachute assembly that

holds the canopy in place after being folded. This is not to

be confused with the term “pack.”

Contamination. Where foreign materials or substances come

into contact with parachute materials and possibly cause

degradation or weakening of the materials.

Cords. Suspension lines.

Cross connector strap. A webbing strap attached between

the risers to prevent the collapse of the canopy in the event

one riser becomes disconnected.

Cross seam. A seam joining sections of a panel.

Cutaway. The cutting of risers or suspension lines to release

the deployed canopy while the parachutist is still in the air.

Also known as breakaway.

D-ring. A metal fitting shaped like a D into which snap

connectors are hooked.

Daisy chain. A method of gathering the suspension lines

when field packing a parachute so as to reduce the possibility

of their becoming entangled.

Damage chart. A graphic representation of a canopy used

to identify and mark damaged areas for repair.

Dart. A short, tapered seam.

Data pocket. Small patch pockets sewed to the inside and

outside surfaces of a parachute container for carrying the

parachute record card.

Decelerate. To slow down. A free-falling body decreases its

rate of descent due to pressure of the atmosphere against its

frontal area. This resistance gradually increases as the falling

body nears the earth due to increasing atmospheric pressure.

Denier. A unit of measurement of silk in which the size of

yarn is quoted as its weight per length. This is determined

by weighing 9,000 meters and quoting the size of the yarn

in grams. Thus, if 9,000 meters weigh 30 grams, the size of

the yarn is then known as 30 denier.

Deployment. That portion of a parachute’s operation

occurring from the moment of pack opening to the instant the

suspension lines are fully stretched but prior to the inflation

of the canopy. Also known as development.

Deployment bag. A container, typically fabric, and usually

enclosed in a parachute pack containing a parachute canopy.

Deployment device. A sleeve or bag.

Designated parachute rigger examiner (DPRE). A master

parachute rigger appointed by the Administrator to conduct

oral and practical tests required for the certification of

parachute riggers.

Diagonal seam. A French fell seam of the canopy that joins

two sections of a gore. Diagonal seams meet the centerline

of the gore at angles of 45 degrees and 135 degrees.

Diameter. The greatest distance across a flat canopy, from

skirt to skirt, measured when the canopy is lying flat. This

measurement designates the size of the parachute in feet.

Diaper. Generally, a fabric panel secured by the suspension

lines, which is sewn to and wrapped around the canopy.

Used to control and reduce opening forces. Found mostly

on round reserves.

Die. The lower part of the tool used in a press to install snap

fasteners or grommets.

Direct bag static line system. A static line deployment

system where the bag is attached to the static line and the

canopy deploys free into the airstream.

Double throw zigzag stitching. Stitching in which the needle

makes a center stitch between each left and right stitch. Also

known as a No. 308 stitch.

Double-W. A three-point cross-stitch.

Drop test. Dropping a dummy or other load from an aircraft

in flight or otherwise simulating a live jump to prove

serviceability of a parachute.

Drop zone (DZ). A specified area upon which personnel or

equipment are dropped by parachute.

Drying tower. A facility where parachutes are suspended

for airing and drying.

Dual parachute packs. A sport assembly consisting of a

main and a reserve parachute.

Dummy (parachute). Torso-shaped dummy of variable

weight used for testing parachutes; may be of fixed or

articulated construction.

Dummy drop. A parachute test using a dummy as the

suspended load.

Durable dot fastener. The common snap fastener used for

closing flaps, etc.

Ejector type snap harness. A harness snap that attaches to

the V-ring to secure two parts of the harness together. An

ejector arm expels the V-ring when the finger-grip lever is

pulled outward.

Emergency parachute. A certificated parachute intended

for emergency use.

End flap. The fabric on the end of a pack as opposed to the

side, used to enclose and protect the canopy.

End tabs. Metal tabs on the end flap of the pack (principally

chest and seat containers) used to secure it closed.

Eye. A small steel-wire loop attached to the parachute pack

into which a hook on a pack-opening elastic is fastened.

Fastener slide. Zipper.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). An organization

within the Department of Transportation. The FAA

establishes aviation rules and regulations, as well as enforces

those policies. The purpose of the FAA is to set the standards

for civil aircraft in the interest of public safety.

Feed dog. A mechanical device located under the throat

plate of a sewing machine that feeds the material through a

sewing machine.

Ferrule. Device that provides a strong and smooth finish on

the ends of a ripcord housing.

Fid. A small, flat, tapered bar of metal or wood used to insert

the corner flaps into the container when packing.

Finger trap. A method of attaching or splicing lines by

inserting one line into another. Used primarily on hollow

braided lines.

Finish. The condition of the parachute fabric caused by the

application of heat and pressure whereby the fibers are

forced closer together. This treatment is used to determine

the permeability of the fabric.

Fish scale. A spring scale used to measure the ripcord pull

force or fabric strength test.

Folder. A device used as an attachment to a sewing machine

to guide and fold fabric.

Force. A push or pull that tends to change the velocity or

direction of a body’s motion.

Forging. A high-pressure shaping of hot metal. The process

used to make parachute hardware.

Forward speed. The rate at which a parachute moves

horizontally in a mass of air.

Four line check. On a round canopy, the four lines that run

to the top center and bottom center gores. Used to check the

line continuity. On a 28-foot canopy, they are lines 1, 14,

15, and 28.

FPS. Feet per second.

Free bag. A type 5 reserve deployment device used with

ram-air canopies. Not attached to the canopy, it is designed to

allow deployment of the canopy in the event of a horseshoe-

type malfunction.

Free fall. A parachute jump in which the parachute is

activated manually at the discretion of the parachutist.

French fell seam (LSC-2). A plain overlap where material

is folded over on itself and stitched to prevent raveling.

Friction burns. The result of two textile surfaces rubbing

together rapidly and generating frictional heat, which reduces

the tensile strength of the textile and causes deterioration of

the individual threads; it occurs primarily during parachute

deployment and initial inflation.

G force. The measure or value of the gravitational pull of the

earth as modified by the earth’s rotation, equal to acceleration

of a freely moving body at the rate of 32.16 feet per second.

Example: If a 100-pound load places a 300-pound stress on

the parachute during opening, the shock is 3 Gs.

Gauge. The space between needles on a sewing machine.

Glide. The horizontal movement of the canopy.

Gore. The portion of the canopy contained between two

adjacent suspension lines and the area between them,

extending from the apex of the canopy to the skirt.

Grommet. A metal eyelet used as a reinforcement around a

hole in fabric. Grommets are used on pack flaps to fit over

locking cones or loops.

Gross weight. The complete weight of the parachute assembly.

Guide or control line. One or more parachute lines that run

from a slot or orifice in a steerable canopy to the harness

providing better steerability.

HALO. High Altitude, Low Opening.

Handle. Ripcord handpull or grip.

Hardware. All metal parts associated with parachutes,

parachute systems, and their suspended loads.

Harness. An arrangement of cotton, linen, or nylon webbing

designed to conform to the shape of the load to be carried

in order to secure it properly so that the opening shock and

the weight of the load are evenly distributed during descent.

Harness keeper. Elastic webbing used to hold harness straps

in place.

Harness main sling. The main load-carrying member of the

harness formed by two lengths of webbing, beginning at the

shoulder adapter or D-ring, continuing down across the seat

and up the other side, ending at the opposite adapter or Dring.

Hesitator loop. One of a series of webbing loops that hold

the suspension lines in an orderly position in the container

when the parachute is packed and which pay the lines out in

sequence (hesitate) for orderly deployment.

Hot knife. An electrically-heated cutting tool used to cut and

sear webbing and fabrics.

Housing clamp stiffener. A metal plate sewn to the top flap

of the main parachute container and used to hold the ripcord

cable housing in place and to give rigidity to the housing.

Designed to provide stiff separation between the housing and

the top cone for an automatic opener.

Hygroscopic. A substance or material that absorbs water

readily from its surroundings.

Initial layout. Process in which the canopy is stretched out

on the table with the top center gore on top in preparation

for securing proper layout.

Inspection. A step-by-step procedure for examining a

parachute prior to packing to identify any damage or non-

airworthy condition.

Inversion. State in which the canopy has been turned

completely inside out. Also see partial inversion.

Joint efficiency. The comparison of the strength of the

junction or joining materials against the original materials.

Jumping. To engage in a premeditated parachute jump.

Kicker plate. A launching disc which is placed under the

pilot chute.

Kill-line collapsible bridle. A main pilot chute bridle

configuration whereby the pilot chute is collapsed by use of

a retractable centerline after it has deployed the parachute.

L/D. Lift to drag ratio.

Lap parachute. A parachute that rests in the lap of the wearer

and attaches to the harness with risers to snaps and D-rings

on the front. Resembles a chest parachute with long risers.

Not in current use.

Lateral band. Lower (in the periphery) or upper (in the vent

hem), a reinforcement web.

Launching disc. A kicker plate placed under the pilot chute.

Leg strap. That part of the harness webbing that encircles

the wearer’s leg. The leg straps can be adjusted to fit the user.

Life cycle. Service life. The time that a parachute may be

considered usable.

Lift web (main). The portion of the harness from the shoulder

to the hip area; generally from the canopy releases to the leg

strap junction.

Lift webs. The front portion of the harness from the shoulder

to the leg strap junction; includes the risers if there are no

riser releases.

Lift. The force perpendicular to drag that helps reduce

vertical descent.

Line extension. When the lines are fully deployed; prior to

line stretch.

Line separator. A tool used to separate and hold the lines

of a round parachute during the packing process.

Line stowing. The process of drawing the suspension lines

into suspension line retaining loops in the parachute pack;

accomplished to prevent entanglement or twisting of the

lines during opening of the parachute. Stows may be held

by retaining loops or rubber bands.

Line stretch. Occurs during deployment, after the lines are

fully extended. Follows snatch force and line extension.

Line-over. A type of deployment malfunction that occurs

when one or more suspension lines pass over the top of the

canopy during deployment preventing complete, normal

inflation. Not to be confused with “partial inversions.”

Locking cone. A cone shaped metal device used in

conjunction with end tabs and ripcord pins to hold the

container flaps closed.

Locking pins. Straight or curved metal pins used with

a throwout or pull-out pilot chute for securing the

container closed.

Locking ripcord pin. A small metal prong, slightly smaller

in diameter than the ripcord cable and fastened to it by means

of a swage fitting or serving and solder. One pin is attached

to the end of the cable and the others (when two or more are

used) are set at intervals on the cable. The spacing of the

pins is dependant on the distance between the cones on the

container flap. The locking pins pass through the locking

cones of the flaps and thus serve to lock the container until

such time as the pins are withdrawn.

Lockstitch. Type of stitching used in manufacturing

parachutes. This type of stitch is formed by two threads. A

loop of the thread is passed through the material where it is

entered by the supply of the other thread. The loop of the first

thread is drawn into the material to the extent that the loop or

lock is approximately halfway between the two surfaces of

the material. Also known as a type 301 stitch.

Loft. A facility for the repair and maintenance of parachutes.

Logbook. A format for complying with 14 CFR part 65,

subsection 65.131(a) in regards to recording the work done

by the rigger on parachutes.

Machine head. The entire metal housing that supports the

moving parts and bearings of the machine.

Main parachute. A parachute assembly, excluding the

harness, that is used in conjunction with a reserve parachute

assembly as the primary assembly for a premeditated jump.

Main seam. That which joins two adjacent gores in a canopy;

also known as a radial seam.

Maintenance. Inspection, overhaul, repair, preservation, and

replacement of parts but excludes preventative maintenance.

Major repair. A repair that, if improperly done, might

appreciably affect weight, balance, structure strength,

performance, powerplant operation, flight characteristics

or other qualities affecting airworthiness; or that is not

according to accepted practices or cannot be done by

elementary operations.

Malfunction. The complete or partial failure of the

parachute canopy to effect proper opening and descent. Some

malfunctions are canopy damage, twisted suspension lines,

inversion or semi-inversion of the canopy, a line over, etc.

Malfunction or Defect Report, FAA Form 8330-2. A form

used to report serious defects or other recurring unairworthy

conditions of parachutes or aircraft.

Marquisette. Netting.

Mass. The quantity of matter in an object.

Master Parachute Rigger. An individual certified by the

FAA to pack, maintain, and alter parachutes. The highest

classification of parachute rigger.

Maximum operating weight. The total weight of the

parachutist and all equipment that exits the aircraft with

the jumper.

Mildew. A type of fungus or mold that forms on fabric

and leather in damp environments. Mildew weakens some

materials and if it appears on a parachute canopy, the areas

must be cleaned, repaired, or replaced.

Military specification (MIL-SPEC). A specification set by

military agencies and used for the procurement of military

supplies and equipment.

Minor repair. A repair other than a major repair.

Modification. 1. A change. 2. Often refers to the removing

of canopy area to effect steerability and forward glide.

Mouth lock. A device that holds the mouth of the canopy

closed until the lines are deployed.

MPH. Miles per hour.

MSL. Mean sea level.

MS. Military Specification under the MS system.

NAS-804. National Aircraft Standards Specifications

Number 804; this is the minimum performance standards

required by Technical Standard Order, TSO-C23b, for

parachute assemblies manufactured under this TSO.

National Airspace Standards (NAS). National Aircraft

Standards.

Needle. A small, slender, pointed piece of steel with a hole

for thread used for sewing.

Nicopress. A copper sleeve used to join cables to form loops

or splices.

Nylon. A synthetic material of protein-like structure derived

from coal, air, and water, which is adapted for fashioning into

filaments of extreme toughness, strength, and elasticity and

used in the manufacture of parachutes.

Opening shock. The decelerating force exerted on the load

following that of the snatch force. Caused by the acceleration

of the canopy and the air mass associated with it.

Opening time. The time elapsing between the opening

of a parachute pack and the opening of the canopy to its

fullest extent.

Oscillation. Pendulum-like swinging of the suspended load

beneath the inflated canopy; usually the result of trapped air

escaping under the lower lateral band.

Outboard. Facing to the outside, such as a ripcord facing

to the side of the jumper rather than toward the breastbone.

Overhand knot. A simple knot tied separately in each end

of a piece of cord above a square, surgeon’s, or other knot

to prevent the end from slipping through the lower knot.

Pack. A synonymous term for the parachute container.

Pack opening band. A cloth-covered steel spring assembly

with hooks at each end used to expedite the opening of the

pack by rapidly pulling the flaps away from the canopy.

Pack stiffener. Generally, metal stiffeners used in military

assemblies to give shape and form to the pack.

Pack tray. The portion of the container or deployment device

where the lines are stowed.

Packing bar. A long, flat bar of metal or wood used in the

folding of the canopy of a parachute during the packing

process and to aid in closing the container; also known as a

long bar, paddle, or fid.

Packing hook. A special hook-like tool used to draw the

suspension lines into place in the hesitator loops. Pull-up

cords are sometimes used for this purpose.

Packing paddle. A flat, narrow piece of metal or wood

used to form the packed container; also known as a packing

bar or fid.

Packing table. A table used in packing parachutes, normally

3 feet wide by 40 feet long with a smooth top surface.

Packing. The operation of folding the canopy and enclosing

it in the container.

Panel. A subdivision of a gore; also known as a section.

Parachute. An umbrella-like device designed to trap a large

volume of air in order to slow the descent of a falling load

attached to the parachute. The word “parachute” is formed

from the French words “para,” for shield, and “chute,” to fall.

Thus, “parachute” literally means “to defend from a fall.”

Parachute Industry Association (PIA). An international

trade organization composed of parachute manufacturers,

dealers, riggers, and others involved in the parachute industry.

Parachute pack. Such as a back pack or chest pack, means

the parachute assembly less the harness. It means the

container, canopy, suspension lines, pilot chute risers and

connector links. The terms “pack” and “container” are not

synonymous in the terminology of this part.

Parachute record card. A card kept in the record pocket

that records the packing intervals of the parachute and other

important information as required under 14 CFR part 65,

subsection 65.131(c). Also known as the “packing data card.”

Parachute rigger. A person certified by the FAA to perform

packing and maintenance on parachutes.

Parachute rigging. The process of inspecting, repairing,

and replacing minor parts of a parachute assembly and of

repacking the parachute so that it is ready for immediate

use. Parachute rigging also includes fitting and adjusting

the harness.

Parachute standard (PS). PIA specification for parachute

materials.

Partial inversion. A type of deployment malfunction

that occurs when one or more gore sections near the skirt

become inverted during deployment and form a small pocket

which inflates, causing a partial inversion of the canopy.

The condition may or may not work out or may become a

complete inversion (i.e., the canopy turns completely inside-

out). It is the skirt, not the line, which is “over;” not to be

confused with a “line-over.” Also known as a “Mae West.”

Patching. Method of repair by covering a hole or tear in a

canopy or pack.

Performance standards. The specifications that define the

minimum performance and safety standards for certificating

parachutes. There are three standards that have been used

or are in use: NAS-804, AS-8015A, and AS-8015B.

Permeability. The mass rate of flow or the volume rate of

flow per unit projected area of cloth for a prescribed pressure

differential. In the U.S., permeability is measured in cubic

feet of air through one square foot per minute at ½" of water

pressure. Sometimes confused with porosity.

Personnel parachutes. Parachutes designed expressly for

human use as opposed to cargo drops or aircraft deceleration.

Piggyback. A single harness, dual parachute system used

for intentional parachute jumping where both parachutes are

mounted on the back of the jumper.

Pilot chute assist system. A connection of breakcord or

Velcro® between the static line and the pilot chute of a sport

parachute, which pulls the pilot chute out of the pack and

then separates.

Pilot chute. A small parachute used to accelerate deployment;

constructed in much the same manner as the main canopy

and from similar material. Some types of pilot chutes are

equipped with a spring-operated, quick-opening device.

The frame is compressed so as to open immediately when

released from the pack.

Pin protector flap. A flap that covers the locking pins and

cones to prevent the pack from being opened by any means

other than the ripcord.

Pleat. A fold sewn in the fabric.

Pocket ripcord handle. Elastic or spring-edged pocket that

holds ripcord handle in an accessible position on the harness.

The chest-type pocket consists of a piece of straight elastic

webbing serving the same purpose.

Porosity. The ratio of void or interstitial area to total area of a

cloth expressed in percent. The ratio of open space to covered

area of a drag surface. Used for ring slot, ribbon, ring sail,

and rotafoil canopies. Not to be confused with permeability.

Premature opening. Any accidental opening of the

parachute prior to the intended time.

Prepack inspection. The inspection made on the parachute

prior to its packing.

Presser foot. The part of the sewing machine above the feed

dog that holds the fabric in place.

Preventative maintenance (PM). The systematic care,

servicing, and inspection of equipment and facilities for the

purpose of maintaining them in a serviceable condition and

detecting and correcting incipient failures. Simple or minor

preservation operations and the replacement of small standard

parts not involving complex assembly operations.

Proof load. The testing of an item for conformance with

strength requirements.

Proper layout. Process by which the canopy and suspension

lines are arranged on the packing table for inspection

and packing.

Pull the dot. A particular type of snap fastener that can only

be opened or closed by pulling in one direction designated

by an indented dot on the button.

Pull-up cords. Nylon cords of varying length used to pull up

the sides and ends of the container flaps over the container

cones and to pull the cones through the grommets.They are

also used to pull the suspension lines into place in some

types of containers.

Quality control. A method of describing the inspection

and test procedures necessary to ensure that each article

produced conforms to the type design and is in a condition

for safe operation.

Quick connector snap. A large hook-shaped, spring-loaded

snap, two of which are used to quickly attach the chest-type

parachute to the two D-rings on the harness.

Radial seam. A seam extending from the skirt to the apex,

joining two gores. A portion of the suspension lines may be

concealed in the tube formed by the radial seam.

Ram-air parachute. Generally, a rectangular, double-

surface canopy with airfoil shaped ribs inflated by the air

flowing into the front openings to produce an airfoil shape.

Rate of descent. The vertical velocity, in feet per second, of

a fully-opened parachute.

Rating. A statement that, as a part of a certificate, sets forth

special conditions, privileges, or limitations.

Ravel (unravel). To separate, untwist, or unwind, leaving a

frayed or ragged edge. “Unravel” is often used with the same

meaning, although grammatically incorrect.

Raw edge. The unfinished edge of the material; liable

to raveling.

Reefing. A temporary restriction of the skirt of a parachute

to a diameter less than the fully inflated diameter. Reefing is

used to decrease drag area and/or to obtain stability.

Reinforcements. Commonly strong tape or webbing used to

strengthen parts of the canopy, container, or harness.

Relative humidity. Ratio of the amount of water vapor

present in the air to that which the air would hold at saturation

at the same temperature.

Repack cycle. The time that a certificated parachute is

considered to be airworthy before being inspected and

repacked. The current U.S. repack cycle is 180 days.

Reserve parachute. The second or “auxiliary” parachute

worn by a person making a premeditated jump.

Reserve static line (RSL). A backup device for activating

the reserve after a cutaway. Usually a line, webbing, or

cable that connects the main risers with the ripcord handle,

housing, or cable.

Restitching. The process of sewing directly over base or

broken stitching.

Retainer band. A rubber band used to hold folded suspension

lines or static lines to the parachute pack.

Rig. 1. To pack. 2. A set of sport parachute equipment. 3.

To assemble a parachute.

Rigger roll. To prepare an unpacked parachute for storage

by rolling the canopy into a ball with the suspension lines

around it.

Ripcord. A locking device that secures the pack in a closed

condition and by which the release of the parachute is

effected. It may consist of a handle, cable, locking pins, and

a cable swage.

Ripcord cable. A flexible cable joining the locking pins and

the ripcord handle.

Ripcord housing. A flexible tubing in which the ripcord

is installed for protection and to provide a free path for

the ripcord.

Ripcord housing clamp. A metal clamp located on the

outside of the end flap of back and seat-type parachutes.

The clamp secures the ripcord cable and power cable of

the actuator.

Ripstop nylon. A type of weave designed to prevent tears

from spreading. Extra numbers of yarns are closely woven

into the cloth intermittently across the width and across

the length.

Ripstop tape. Ripstop nylon fabric with a pressure sensitive

adhesive. Used to repair small tears in canopies.

Riser. The portion of the suspension system between the

lower end of a group of suspension lines and the point of

attachment to the load.

Riser release. A canopy release.

Roll packing. A method of packing a ram-air parachute

whereby the nose and the tail are rolled towards the center

of the canopy.

Routine inspection. A visual inspection of all parts of a

packed parachute that may be checked without opening the

parachute.

S.A.E. Society of Automotive Engineers.

Saddle. The part of the harness positioned under the seat of

the wearer.

Safety tie. The thread used in sealing a parachute.

Scissors. A cutting instrument with two opposing blades.

Seal press. A mechanical press used for compressing lead

seals to seal parachutes in accordance with 14 CFR part

65, subsection 65.133.

Seam ripper. A small tool used for picking or cutting threads

in sewing operations.

Seams. Where two pieces of fabric are joined together.

Sear. Damage to fabric or lines by heat generated through

rubbing. The melting of webbing, fabric, or line of nylon to

prevent fraying.

Seat parachute. Parachute positioned below the back of the

wearer. Forms part of the seat cushion in the aircraft.

Section. Any one of the pieces of cloth which, when

assembled, form one gore of a parachute canopy. Also known

as a panel.

Selvage edge. The edge of cloth which is so woven as to

prevent raveling.

Senior Parachute Rigger. An individual certified by the

FAA to pack and maintain parachutes. A journeyman level

classification of parachute rigger.

Sewing machine. A machine with a mechanically-driven

needle used for sewing.

Sewing machine knee lifter. A knee-operated mechanism

that lifts the presser foot of a sewing machine.

Sewing machine uprise. The uprise is the upright part of

the head (generally located on the right side of the head) that

houses a portion of the moving parts that transmit motion

through mechanical shafts and linkages to the mechanisms

in the base of the machine.

Sewing pattern. A design outlined in drawings for

joining parts.

Shock cord. A straight elastic cord comprised of continuous

strands of rubber encased in a braided cover. Used today

primarily for Safety Stow® loops on free bags.

Shock load. The maximum force exerted on the canopy by

inflation. This maximum force may be the snatch force or it

may be the opening shock.

Shot bag. A parachute packing tool. A rectangular bag

filled with shot and used to hold folded gores in position

during packing.

Shoulder strap. The part of the harness webbing that crosses

the wearer’s back diagonally between the shoulder blades

and the horizontal backstrap.

Side flap. Fabric extensions on each of the long sides of the

pack that fold over to enclose the canopy.

Silk. A fiber produced by the silk worm.

Single point release. A harness release that has a single

closure, such as the T-10 type; also a canopy release system

operated by one hand or action.

Single throw zigzag. A machine zigzag stitch from left to

right to left, etc. Also known as a 304 stitch.

Skirt. The reinforced hem forming the periphery of a canopy.

Skydiving. A popular name for sport parachuting.

Slag. A type 6 deployment device. A short sleeve

configuration used on ram-air parachutes.

Sleeve. A tapered, fabric tube in which the canopy is placed

to control deployment. A deployment device.

Sliders. A reefing device usually for ram-air canopies.

Comprised of a fabric panel with grommets at the corners

through which pass the suspension lines of the canopy.

Snag. A fabric imperfection.

Snap fastener. Metal fastening device that usually consists

of four parts: button, socket, stud, and eyelet. Device is

manufactured in various shapes and sizes.

Snatch force. The shock produced on the load when the

parachute assembly fully strings out and becomes suddenly

accelerated to the same speed as the load. Comes just prior

to opening shock.

Sniveling. Slow opening of a parachute.

SPEC. Specification and/or MIL-SPEC (military specification).

Spiral vane pilot chute. A pilot chute with a cone-shaped,

cloth-covered coil spring used in free-type parachute

assemblies.

Splicing. The process of joining together, as the interweaving

of strands, overlapping and stitching of materials.

Split saddle. The lower part of a harness that has independent

leg straps; no saddle cross strap.

Sport parachuting. The making of premeditated parachute

jumps for pleasure.

Sport rig. A skydiving harness and container system.

Square knot. A strong knot for joining two cords or lines,

which does not slip or loosen easily.

Square parachute. A gliding or ram-air canopy having a

square or rectangular shape.

Stand. A sewing machine table.

Static line. A line, cable, or webbing, one end of which is

fastened to the pack, the other to some part of the launching

vehicle; used to open a pack or to deploy a canopy.

Static line operated parachute. A parachute operated by

a length of webbing after a jumper has fallen the length of

the static line. The ripcord pins are pulled from the pack,

the parachute opens, and a “break tie” breaks, freeing the

parachute.

Static line system. A parachute system that is attached to the

aircraft with a line and automatically deploys the parachute.

Straps. The webbing components of a harness.

Surgeon’s knot. A type of knot commonly used for tying

nylon threads or cords in place of a square knot to prevent

mis-tying.

Suspension lines. Cords or webbing of silk, nylon, cotton,

rayon, or other textile materials that connect the drag surface

of the parachute to the harness. They are the means by which

the wearer or weight is hung or suspended from the inflated

canopy.

Swages. The ball or other device used at the end of a ripcord

to secure the cable to the handle.

Tail pocket. A deployment device sewn onto the tail of a

ram-air canopy used to stow the suspension lines.

Tandem. A dual harness, dual parachute system for use by

two people under the same main parachute.

Tapes. Narrow woven ribbons used for reinforcing parachutes.

Tape fastener. Velcro®.

Technical standard order. A minimum performance standard

for specified articles, such as materials, parts, processes, or

appliances used on civil aircraft.

Tension plate. A device hooked into the connector links in

order to put tension on the canopy while packing.

Thread. A thin continuous filament made by spinning fibers

and combining the strands.

Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR). The

rules, regulations, and guidelines established by the FAA to

govern the operation of aircraft, airways, airmen, and the

safe operation of civil aircraft.

Toggle. A knob or webbing loop at the end of the steering

line for grasping by the parachutist.

Trimming. Clipping or paring to reduce to a neat orderly state.

Tubular nylon. Sleevelike weave, seamless, and pressed

flat, similar in appearance to tape, but stronger and hollow

in the center.

Tuck. A shortening of material caused by pulling fabric up

in folds and stitching across the gathered fabric.

Ultimate load. Maximum load that can be applied without

causing any part of the structure to fail.

Ultraviolet light damage. Degradation of nylon fabric

by exposure to sunlight or fluorescent lights. Identified by

a yellowish color on white fabric or excessive fading to

colored fabric.

United States Parachute Association. A nonprofit division

of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) that governs

sport parachuting activities in the U.S.

V-ring. A metal fitting shaped in the form of a closed letter

V, used with snaps to secure or attach a load to a parachute.

Velcro®. The commercial name for hook and pile

nylontape fastener.

Velocity. A vector quantity that includes both magnitude

(speed) and direction relation to a given frame of reference;

also the time rate of change of position.

Vent. The opening at the top, or peak, of the canopy.

Vent cap. A piece of fabric sewn to the upper lateral band

and covering the vent; also known as a vent patch.

Warp. The threads that run parallel to the selvage edge of

cloth; those which are crossed by the filling threads.

Weave. The forming of a textile by interlacing yarns. The

making or manufacturing of cloth on a loom by interlacing

warp and filling yarns.

Webbing. A stout, closewoven tape used for straps, belts,

harnesses, etc.

Weight (fabric). The weight of fabric measured in ounces

per square yard.

Weight. Gravitational force on a mass.

Wrinkles. A series of small pleats.

Zigzag. A stitch formation of alternating left and right throw

stitches, usually made on a sewing machine that moves the

needle bar alternately left and right during sewing.

Zipper. A slide fastener.

Symbols

3-cord cotton thread–waxed .........................................6-10

6-inch adjustable wrench .............................................6-10

6-inch stainless steel rule ...............................................6-4

14 CFR part 1—definitions ............................................1-8

14 CFR part 21 subpart O—Technical Standard

Orders (TSO) .................................................................1-8

14 CFR part 91—General Operating and Flight Rules . .1-9

14 CFR part 105 subpart C—Parachute Equipment

and Packing ....................................................................1-9

Accessory components .................................................7-65

Acid contamination ......................................................7-10

Action .......................................................................7-10

Airing and drying .........................................................5-13

Alterations ....................................................................7-73

Approved data ..............................................................7-11

Articulated harness main lift web (MLW) resizing .....7-73

Articulated upper leg hardware replacement ...............7-56

Assemble and pack (A&P) .............................................1-7

Assembling the reserve system ....................................5-28

Step 1. Layout and setting up packing clamps .........5-29

Step 2. Stacking and pleating the reserve canopy ....5-29

Step 3. Setting the brakes .........................................5-31

Step 4. Folding the canopy .......................................5-32

Step 5. Placing the canopy into the deployment

bag and stowing the lines .........................................5-33

Step 6. Placing the bag into the container and

closing the container .................................................5-35

Assembly of components and compatibility ................4-13

Assembly of the main canopy to the harness and

container .......................................................................4-11

3-ring release handle ................................................4-13

Harness 3-ring attachment ........................................4-12

Main riser rings ........................................................4-13

Release housings ......................................................4-13

Automatic activation devices .......................................2-18

Automatic activation device (AAD) installation .........7-77

Adhesive channel installation ...................................7-78

Built-in channel modification configuration.............7-78

Cutter channel and elastic installation ......................7-79

Beeswax .......................................................................6-12

Bias construction ............................................................2-6

Binding tool .................................................................6-13

Block construction .........................................................2-6

Bottom of container (BOC) pocket ..............................7-85

Bottom of container (BOC) pocket replacement .........7-48

Bridle ............................................................................2-15

Pre-sewn bridle .........................................................2-15

Square reserve bridles ..............................................2-15

Tubular nylon bridle .................................................2-15

Bridle and deployment devices ....................................2-11

Bridle length .................................................................4-10

Butane cigarette lighter ..................................................6-4

Cable cutters .................................................................6-11

Canopy and lines ..........................................................7-13

Canopy assembly and line continuity ..........................5-14

Canopy design ................................................................2-5

Canopy ripstop tape repair ...........................................7-16

Center cell top skin ........................................................7-7

Certification specifications .............................................1-9

Chest strap replacement ...............................................7-51

Cleaning and washing procedures ...............................7-89

Cleaning the parachute .................................................7-11

Hand washing (if absolutely necessary) ...................7-11

Closing plate ..................................................................6-6

Collapsible pilot chute/bridle system ...........................2-16

Bungee collapsible configuration .............................2-16

Kill-line collapsible configuration ............................2-16

Index

Colorfastness ................................................................7-89

Component compatibility ...............................................5-4

Component parts ............................................................2-2

Compound feed machine .............................................6-20

Configuration .................................................................2-7

Connector link separator tool .........................................6-7

Consew 206RB ............................................................6-16

Construction concepts and techniques ...........................2-5

Container ............................................2-6, 5-12, 5-17, 7-38

Container fabric panel repair .......................................7-38

Binding tape repair or splice ....................................7-39

Hidden patches .........................................................7-40

Overlay patches ........................................................7-40

Single-side fabric patches .........................................7-41

Container grommet replacement ..................................7-42

Container plastic stiffener replacement .......................7-44

Container Velcro® replacement ....................................7-43

Contamination conditions ..............................................7-8

Continuous line method ...............................................7-34

Cords, lines, and threads ................................................3-8

Currency requirements ...................................................1-6

Cutting pad ...................................................................6-13

Damage ..........................................................................2-6

Damage identification ....................................................5-8

Deployment and inflation characteristics .......................4-8

Deployment type ................................................ 2-12, 4-16

Type 1: Canopy first deployment .............................2-12

Type 2: Two-stow diaper or half diaper ...................2-12

Type 3: Ascuitto or piglet-style flat diaper ...............2-13

Type 4: Handbury or preserve full diaper ................2-13

Type 5: Free bag .......................................................2-13

Type 6: Sleeves ........................................................2-13

Designated Parachute Rigger Examiner (DPRE) ..........1-3

Detailed information on square canopy repairs ...........7-14

Documentation .............................................................5-39

Drop feed machine .......................................................6-19

Drying a parachute .......................................................7-11

Earning a Parachute Rigger Certificate ..........................1-2

Alternate means of qualifying for a Parachute

Rigger Certificate .......................................................1-3

Retesting .....................................................................1-3

Testing ........................................................................1-3

Emergency parachute canopy ........................................2-2

Fabric marking pencils and felt tip markers ..................6-4

Fabrics .................................................................... 3-2, 7-6

Facilities and tools .........................................................1-5

Fasteners ......................................................................3-21

Finger-trapping needle ...................................................6-4

Finger-trapping wire ......................................................6-5

Flat packing ....................................................................4-2

Grommet protectors .......................................................7-5

Hand deploy pilot chutes .............................................2-17

Pull-out pilot chute (POP) configuration ..................2-18

Throw-out pilot chute (TOP) configuration .............2-17

Hand tacking needles .....................................................6-9

Hand tacking techniques ..............................................7-86

Hand tools ......................................................................6-2

Hardware ......................................................................3-12

Harness ............................................................... 5-11, 5-17

Harness and risers ........................................................7-51

Harness/container ...........................................................2-2

Deployment devices for the main and reserve

parachutes ...................................................................2-3

Main parachute release mechanism and

associated handles or static lines ................................2-3

Other harness/container assembly components ..........2-4

Pilot chutes and bridles for the main and reserve

parachutes ...................................................................2-2

Ripcords or equivalent devices for the main and

reserve parachutes ......................................................2-3

Risers and associated steering toggles........................2-3

Harness design ...............................................................2-9

Harness strength ...........................................................4-14

Hemostats or clamp ........................................................6-2

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) .............................3-20

Hole punches ................................................................6-13

Hot glue gun .................................................................6-12

Hot knife element with cutting tip, basting tip,

and stand ......................................................................6-12

Housings ......................................................................3-22

Push-pull system ......................................................3-24

Identification ..................................................................5-2

Identification and nomenclature ...................................6-16

Inor repair .......................................................................7-8

Inspect and repack (I&R) ...............................................1-7

Inspection ............................................................. 5-2, 5-16

Inspection process ..........................................................7-2

Installing the needle and threading the machine ..........6-21

Lead seals and seal thread ..............................................6-8

Lexan® ..........................................................................3-20

Line attachments ............................................................7-6

Line dump ......................................................................4-8

Lines ...............................................................................7-5

Line separator (suspension line holder) .........................6-7

Line strip ........................................................................4-8

Links ..............................................................................7-5

Locking pull-up cord ......................................................6-5

Lower leg strap shortening ...........................................7-54

Machine maintenance ..................................................6-23

Magnum® pilot chute ...................................................2-17

Main and reserve closing loop manufacture ................7-80

Main container side flap replacement ..........................7-46

Main deployment bag ..................................................7-82

Main deployment bag repair—closing flap

grommet pullout ...........................................................7-72

Main parachute canopy ..................................................2-2

Main pilot chute .............................................................4-9

Main riser 3-ring locking loop replacement .................7-62

Main riser steering toggle Velcro® replacement ..........7-64

Major repair ...................................................................7-8

Manufacturing .................................................... 7-80, 7-86

Master Parachute Rigger ................................................1-2

Material repair and grommet replacement ...................7-43

Materials .............................................................. 2-6, 7-14

Materials storage area ..................................................6-28

Miscellaneous ..............................................................3-26

Modern design concepts ................................................2-8

Hesitator loop configuration .......................................2-8

Nonrestrictive corners ................................................2-8

Molar strap .....................................................................6-5

Navy end tab ..................................................................6-9

Needle feed machine ....................................................6-20

Needle-nose pliers ........................................................6-11

Needles .........................................................................6-20

Nomenclature .................................................................2-5

Non-continuous line method ........................................7-34

Note pad .........................................................................6-8

Nylon..............................................................................3-2

Office area ....................................................................6-27

Operation ............................................................ 2-19, 6-21

Operational theory .........................................................2-6

Packing .........................................................................5-19

Packing data card ...........................................................6-8

Packing fid .....................................................................6-5

Packing paddle ...............................................................6-5

Parachute loft ...............................................................6-24

Cutting table .............................................................6-27

Harness table and machines .....................................6-27

Metal working area ...................................................6-27

Packing and inspection area .....................................6-25

Work area including layout tables and sewing

machines ...................................................................6-26

Parachute rigger .............................................................1-1

Parachute Rigger Certificates .........................................1-2

Parachute service life .....................................................1-9

Performance standards ...................................................1-5

Pilot chute and bridle .....................................................5-8

Pilot chute and free bag/bridle .....................................5-13

Pilot chute attachment ....................................................7-6

Pilot chute locking rod ...................................................6-6

Pilot chutes ...................................................................2-17

Hand deploy design ..................................................2-17

Spring-loaded design ................................................2-17

Pilot chute threading tool ...............................................6-6

Pilot versus parachute size .............................................1-9

Plastics and synthetics ..................................................3-20

Pony clamps .................................................................6-10

Proper ram-air orientation (PRO) packing .....................4-2

Pull-up cords ..................................................................6-5

Ram-air reserve canopy ...............................................5-13

Ram-air reserve into a sport piggyback system ...........5-28

Ram-air reserve into a two-pin piggyback ...................5-38

Ram-air reserves and sport piggyback systems ...........5-13

Rawhide mallet ............................................................6-13

Record keeping ..............................................................1-7

Removal of bloodstains ................................................7-10

Removal of fresh water ................................................7-10

Removal of mildew ......................................................7-10

Removal of perspiration ...............................................7-10

Removal of petroleum products ...................................7-10

Removal of soil ............................................................7-10

Repair techniques .........................................................7-12

Reserve bag extraction force ........................................4-14

Reserve canopy ..............................................................5-9

Reserve container ...........................................................2-8

Reserve parachute canopy ..............................................2-2

Reserve pilot chute repair—mesh, tackings, and

bad grommet ................................................................7-65

Reserve static line (RSL) systems ................................2-21

Responsibilities of a Certificated Parachute Rigger .......1-5

Rigger’s logbook ............................................................6-8

Rigging and repairs ......................................................5-19

Rigging ethics ................................................................1-9

Ring release housing replacement ...............................7-49

Ripcord ............................................................... 5-12, 5-18

Ripcord pocket Velcro® replacement ...........................7-55

Ripcord pull force ........................................................5-27

Ripcords, cables, and swages .......................................3-24

Intermediate pin ........................................................3-25

Terminal pin .............................................................3-25

Ripstop roller ...............................................................6-11

Round and square canopy—basic patch repair ............7-17

Round canopies and pilot emergency systems ...............5-7

Round canopy into a pilot emergency parachute

system ..........................................................................5-20

Accordion folding the canopy ..................................5-25

Closing the container ................................................5-25

Closing the diaper and stowing the lines ..................5-23

Fold the skirt .............................................................5-22

Layout .......................................................................5-20

Pleating the canopy ..................................................5-21

Skirt or diaper placement .........................................5-24

Round canopy—non-continuous line replacement ......7-30

Round canopy—panel replacement .............................7-21

RSL designs .................................................................2-21

Dual side RSL ..........................................................2-21

Joint Efficiency .........................................................2-24

Fabric ...................................................................2-24

Reinforcing ...........................................................2-25

Stitches per inch ....................................................2-25

Stitch type ..............................................................2-25

Thread tension ......................................................2-25

Thread type ...........................................................2-25

LOR system ..............................................................2-21

Main riser attachment ...............................................2-22

Ripcord cable routing ...............................................2-23

RSL lanyard and container mount ............................2-23

Single-side RSL ........................................................2-21

The collins lanyard/Skyhook™ system .....................2-22

Rubber bands ....................................................... 4-10, 6-8

Safety Stow® ................................................................2-14

Salt water contamination ..............................................7-10

Action .......................................................................7-10

Scalpel or Exacto® knife ................................................6-2

Scissors ..........................................................................6-4

Screwdriver–multi-tip ..................................................6-11

Sealing the parachute ........................................... 1-8, 5-27

Seal press .......................................................................6-7

Seam restitching ...........................................................7-15

Seam ripper ....................................................................6-2

Seam starts .....................................................................7-6

Seam work .....................................................................7-6

Securing the deployment device ..................................2-14

Senior Parachute Rigger ................................................1-2

Sewing machine attachments .......................................6-24

Sewing machines .........................................................6-14

Sewing theory ..............................................................6-18

Oscillating hook .......................................................6-18

Rotary hook ..............................................................6-18

Shot bags ........................................................................6-7

Shoulder strap hook .....................................................6-10

Size “O” rolled rim spur grommet handset ..................6-12

Slider ..............................................................................7-5

Specifications .................................................................3-2

Sport parachute main packing techniques ......................4-2

Spring-loaded pilot chutes ...........................................2-17

Spring scale and fabric testing clamps .........................6-12

Square canopy

Control line replacement ..........................................7-33

Crossport repair ........................................................7-36

Main line replacement ..............................................7-31

Partial panel replacement .........................................7-22

Pilot chute attachment point repair ...........................7-28

Rib repair ..................................................................7-25

Trim check and re-trim .............................................7-37

Stabilizers .......................................................................7-5

Standard harness main lift web replacement ...............7-57

Background ..............................................................7-58

Inspection .................................................................7-62

Procedure ..................................................................7-59

Stealth pilot chute ........................................................2-17

Stimpson Co., Inc. ........................................................6-13

Straightening the canopy ................................................5-7

Suspension lines and connector links ..........................5-10

Tape measure ...............................................................6-10

T-bar positive leverage device .......................................6-6

Technical Standard Order (TSO) ...................................1-8

Temporary locking pins (temp pins) ..............................6-6

Tension board assembly with apex tiedown ................6-12

T-handle bodkin .............................................................6-6

The parachute loft .......................................................6-24

The Safety Stow® ........................................................2-14

The stealth pilot chute .................................................2-17

Thread snips ...................................................................6-3

TSO certification and placard limitations ....................4-14

TSO standards ................................................................2-4

Types of approved data ................................................7-12

Velcro® .........................................................................3-22

Velcro® line protectors ...................................................6-6

Volume .........................................................................4-16

Waxed nylon “supertack” ..............................................6-9

Webbing and tapes .........................................................3-3

Webbing selection ..........................................................3-4

Needle weave .............................................................3-4

Shuttle weave .............................................................3-4

Original source PDFPublished from pages 320–350 of the recorded source chapter.

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