Glossary

A

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.

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.

B

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.

C

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

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.

E

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.

F

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 horseshoetype 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

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.

H

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.

I

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 nonairworthy condition.

Inversion. State in which the canopy has been turned completely inside out. Also see partial inversion.

J

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.

K

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

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.

M

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.

N

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.

O

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.

P

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 insideout). 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.

Q

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.

R

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, doublesurface 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

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.

T

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.

U

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

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.

W

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.

Z

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.