Parachute Rigger Handbook

August 2015

Change 1 (December 2015)

U.S. Department of Transportation
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
Flight Standards Service
ii
Preface
developed by the Flight Standards Service, Airman Testing Standards Branch, in cooperation with various aviation educators

This handbook is primarily intended to assist individuals who are preparing for the parachute rigger airman knowledge

The use of such language is not intended to add to, interpret, or relieve a duty imposed by Title 14 of the Code of Federal

The FAA greatly acknowledges the valuable assistance provided by many individuals and organizations throughout the

/s/ John Barbagallo, for

Director, Flight Standards Service

iii
iv
Acknowledgments

Tim Taykalo, for images used in in Chapter 6

v
vi
Record of Changes
Change 1 (December 2015)

•
•
• 3 1

•
•
•

•
•
• Revised Appendix A: replaced PIA TS-100—Standardized Nomenclature for Ram-Air Parachutes with latest version

• Revised Appendix A: replaced SAE AS 8015B—Minimum Performance Standards for Parachute Assemblies and
Components with Personnel PIA TS 135—Performance Standards for Personnel Parachute Assemblies and Components

Change 1 (December 2015) vii

viii
Table of Contents
Preface....................................................................iii Component Parts
Main Parachute Canopy
Acknowledgments..................................................v Reserve Parachute Canopy
Emergency Parachute Canopy
Record of Changes...............................................vii Harness/Container
Pilot Chutes and Bridles for the Main and
Table of Contents ..................................................ix Reserve Parachutes
Ripcords or Equivalent Devices for the Main
Chapter 1 and Reserve Parachutes
Introduction to Parachute Rigging ....................1-1 Deployment Devices for the Main and Reserve
Regulations and Human Factors 1-1 Parachutes
Main Parachute Release Mechanism and
Eligibility and Requirements
Associated Handles or Static Lines
Risers and Associated Steering Toggles
Testing 1-3
Alternate Means of Qualifying for a Parachute
Canopy Design
1-3
Nomenclature
Retesting 1-3 Construction Concepts and Techniques

Facilities and Tools Materials

Performance Standards Damage
Currency Requirements 1-6 Containers

Sealing the Parachute Harness Design

Regulatory Compliance Bridles and Deployment Devices
Deployment Types
Type 1: Canopy First Deployment

Type 3: Ascuitto or Piglet-Style Flat Diaper

Type 4: Handbury or Preserve Full Diaper
Rules 1-9

Equipment and Packing 1-9 Type 6: Sleeves

Rigging Ethics 1-9 Bridles
1-9 Pilot Chutes
Pilot Versus Parachute Size 1-9 Spring-Loaded Pilot Chutes
Parachute Service Life 1-9 Hand Deploy Pilot Chutes
Chapter Summary 1-10

Chapter 2 Automatic Activation Devices

Design and Construction....................................2-1

Parachute Design and Construction RSL Designs

Change 1 (December 2015) ix

 Main Riser Attachment Suspension Lines and Connector Links
Ripcord Cable Routing Harness
RSL Lanyard and Container Mount Container
Ripcord
Chapter Summary Airing and Drying
Ram-Air Reserves and Sport Piggyback Systems
Chapter 3 Pilot Chute and Free Bag/Bridle
Materials ...............................................................3-1 Ram-Air Reserve Canopy
3-1 Canopy Assembly and Line Continuity

Fabrics Harness
3-3 Container
3-4 Ripcord
Cords, Lines, and Threads Rigging and Repairs
Hardware Packing
Plastics and Synthetics Round Canopy into a Pilot Emergency
Fasteners Parachute System
Housings Layout
Ripcords, Cables, and Swages Pleating the Canopy
Miscellaneous
Fold the Skirt
Chapter Summary
Closing the Diaper and Stowing the Lines
Chapter 4 Skirt or Diaper Placement
Operations............................................................4-1 Accordion Folding the Canopy
4-1 Closing the Container
Sport Parachute Main Packing Techniques Ripcord Pull Force
Sealing the Parachute
Main Pilot Chute 4-9 Ram-Air Reserve into a Sport Piggyback System
Bridle Length 4-10 Assembling the Reserve System
Rubber Bands 4-10 Ram-Air Reserve into a Two-Pin Piggyback
Assembly of the Main Canopy To The Harness Documentation
and Container 4-11 Chapter Summary
Assembly of Components and Compatibility 4-13
Reserve Bag Extraction Force 4-14 Chapter 6
4-14 Hand Tools, Sewing Machines, and the
Harness Strength 4-14 Parachute Loft .....................................................6-1
Volume 4-16 6-1
Deployment Type 4-16 Hand Tools
Chapter Summary Hand Tools Description
Sewing Machines 6-14
Chapter 5 6-16
Inspection and Packing ......................................5-1 Sewing Theory
Needles

Component Compatibility Machine Maintenance

Round Canopies and Pilot Emergency Systems Sewing Machine Attachments
Straightening the Canopy The Parachute Loft

Pilot Chute and Bridle

Reserve Canopy Sewing Machines

x Change 1 (December 2015)

 Harness Table and Machines
Cutting Table Repair
Procedure

Materials Storage Area

Chapter Summary Replacement
Procedure
Chapter 7
Repairs, Alterations, and Manufacture ..............7-1
Procedure

Major or Minor Repairs

Contamination Conditions Procedure
Acid Contamination Continuous Line Method
Action Non-continuous Line Method

Action
Removal of Perspiration Procedure

Removal of Mildew
Removal of Petroleum Products Procedure
Removal of Bloodstains
Removal of Soil
Drying a Parachute
Container Fabric Panel Repair
Cleaning the Parachute
Procedure
Binding Tape Repair or Splice
Approved Data
Types of Approved Data Hidden Patches
Repair Techniques
Section 1, Canopy and Lines Single-Side Fabric Patches

Materials Container Grommet Replacement

Seam Restitching Procedure
Procedure Material Repair and Grommet Replacement

Canopy Ripstop Tape Repair Container Velcro® Replacement

Procedure Procedure

Container Plastic Stiffener Replacement

Procedure Procedure
Main Container Side Flap Replacement
Procedure Procedure

Procedure Procedure

Ring Release Housing Replacement

Procedure Procedure

Change 1 (December 2015) xi

Section 3, Harness and Risers AAD
Chest Strap Replacement Procedure
Procedure

Lower Leg Strap Shortening

Procedure
Section 6, Manufacturing
Ripcord Pocket Velcro® Replacement Main and Reserve Closing Loop Manufacture
Procedure Procedure

Articulated Upper Leg Hardware Replacement Main Deployment Bag

Procedure Procedure

Background Procedure
Procedure

Main Riser 3-Ring Locking Loop Replacement Hand Tacking Techniques

Procedure Procedure
Main Riser Steering Toggle Velcro® Replacement
Procedure Background
Colorfastness
Section 4, Accessory Components Procedure
Chapter Summary
and Bad Grommet
Procedure Appendix A.......................................................... A-1

Glossary ..............................................................G-1

Procedure Index ......................................................................I-1

Reinforcing
Procedure

Main Pilot Chute Collapsible Bridle Replacement

Procedure

Grommet Pullout
Procedure

Resizing
Procedure
Leg Pad Resizing
Procedure

xii Change 1 (December 2015)

Chapter 1

Introduction to
Parachute Rigging
Regulations and Human Factors
A parachute rigger has a critical responsibility to anyone

attributed to ensuring the safety of a piece of equipment that

detail may keep a stranger safe during recreational activities,

what parachute riggers do and what is required to earn a

1-1
 th Century and referred

to a person who organized, repaired, and maintained sails and

individual aboard the ship, but he was an essential technician

as indispensible as they are, must operate within strict

boundaries set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration
th

Century, those who sewed the canopies and lines became

knowledge of sewing and materials could make or repair

the need for trained individuals to pack and maintain the

and alignment of the various component sections to provide

Parachutes intended for emergency use in civil aircraft in

the United States, including the reserve parachute of a dual
parachute system to be used for intentional jumping, must
be packed, maintained, or altered by a person who holds an Figure 1-1. Airman's Certificate—Master Parachute Rigger.

rigger and have packed at least 100 parachutes of two types

do not apply to an individual who packs the main parachute four type ratings that may be placed on a Parachute Rigger

These regulations also do not apply to parachutes packed,

a journeyman technician, and the Master Parachute Rigger

present it for inspection if requested by the Administrator or

an authorized representative of the National Transportation
Senior Parachute Rigger may pack, as

Figure 1-1 Master Parachute Rigger has all the privileges of the lesser

Eligibility and Requirements

one that, if improperly done, can appreciably affect the

read, write, speak, and understand the English language; and might be replacing a damaged canopy panel or altering a

repair is anything other than a major repair, such as a small

patch on a canopy or the replacement of a defective or worn

one type and be able to demonstrate the ability to maintain

candidate must have 3 years of experience as a parachute

1-2
 passing the test, the candidate may then make an appointment
and provides a letter to the FAA that allows the applicant to for taking the oral and practical portion of the test with a
[Figure 1-2]

To Whom It May Concern:

Riggers who have attended an FAA course and are authorized
This is to certify that David D. Wolf has packed in
excess of 20 back-type parachutes under my supervision many cases, these individuals are full-time professionals
in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and
all applicable FAA directives. In addition, he has
completion of the oral and practical tests, in most cases, the
demonstrated a sound knowledge of the parachute, its
construction, packing, maintenance, and use, as well as
subparts A & F of 14 CFR part 65. [Figure 1-5]

Sincerely Yours,
Joe Smith [Figure 1-6] The seal symbol is very important; it serves as
Master parachute rigger #123456789 the identifying mark for that individual parachute rigger and

Figure 1-2. Certification letter signing off a parachute rigger Alternate Means of Qualifying for a Parachute Rigger
candidate for FAA testing.
Active duty military personnel and civilian personnel who
work for the military as parachute riggers may qualify for a

however, it takes a lot of time to become intimately familiar

with materials, learn how to identify stains, and experience

A Senior Parachute Rigger applying for a Master Parachute

Testing
The applicant should take a letter similar to the one depicted
in Figure 1-2

Any parachute rigger, senior or master, who wishes to add

determined that the applicant is eligible to take the test, he Retesting

[Figure 1-3]
is done, the applicant may then go to any of the designated the test under the following conditions: An applicant may
FAA airman knowledge testing centers to take the airman apply for retesting by presenting the failed test report:
• 30 days after the date the applicant failed the test; or
• before 30 days have expired if the applicant presents a

all basic rigging and packing subject areas in addition to 14 and rating sought by the applicant certifying that the
airman has given the applicant additional instruction
in each of the subjects failed and that the airman

[Figure 1-4] After

1-3
Figure 1-3. FAA Form 8610-2, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application.

1-4
 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Airman Knowledge Test Report

skydiving community, some parachute riggers specialize in

NAME:
EXAM: Parachute Rigger Senior (RIG)
APPLICANT ID:
EXAM ID:
this type of parachute, but the manufacturer may specify
EXAM DATE: 04/20/2004 EXAM SITE: any smooth, clean surface of a size that accommodates the
SCORE: 96 GRADE: PASS TAKE: 1

Below are subject matter knowledge codes in which questions were answered
incorrectly. For code descriptions see the latest version of AC 60-25
Reference Materials and Subject Matter Knowledge Codes for Airman
Knowledge Testing, available via the internet: http://afs600.faa.gov
A single code may represent more than one incorrect response. housing that is adequately heated, lighted, and ventilated for
L90 P38

Expiration Date: 04/30/2006 by the parachute rigger and the Administrator since the
DO NOT LOSE THIS REPORT
Authorized instructor’s statement. (If applicable)
A parachute rigger must have enough tools and equipment
I have given Mr./Ms. additional
instruction in each subject area shown to be deficient and to pack and maintain the types of parachutes for which he or
consider the applicant competent to pass the test.

Last Initial Cert. No. Type

(Print clearly)

Signature
However, there is a broad selection of tools necessary for a
FRAUDULENT ALTERATION OF THIS FORM BY ANY PERSON IS A BASIS FOR SUSPENSION
OR REVOCATION OF ANY CERTIFICATES OR RATINGS HELD BY THAT PERSON.

ISSUED BY: ADMINISTRATOR

in detail in Chapter 6, Hand Tools, Sewing Machines, and
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

Performance Standards
Figure 1-4. Sample Airman Knowledge Test Report.

a marginal score to retake the test with the anticipation of parachute rigger may not:
• Pack, maintain, or alter any parachute unless he or she
a minimum of 30 days from the date the last test was taken

• Alter a parachute in a manner not specifically

authorized by the Administrator or the manufacturer
Rigger
Parachute riggers have a broad range of responsibilities
that include ensuring that proper facilities and equipment The last item in this list is one that has been abused by
are available to him or her, adhering to certain performance
Parachute Rigger must have Administrator or manufacturer

Facilities and Tools

or she should also begin to acquire an inventory of tools and means that the rigger must possess a copy of the instructions

have a copy, but the owner of the parachute provides them,

1-5
 I. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA III. CERTIFICATE NO.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION - FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
Pending
ii. TEMPORARY AIRMAN CERTIFICATE
THIS CERTIFIES THAT IV. Frank Alvin Adams
V. 2530 S.W. 57th street
Oklahoma City, OK 73119-9999

DATE OF BIRTH HEIGHT WEIGHT HAIR EYES SEX NATIONALITY VI.

09/13/1962 72 IN 180 Black Blue M USA

IX. has been found to be properly qualified and is hereby authorized in accordance with the conditions of issuance on the
reverse of this certificate to exercise the privileges of

Senior Parachute Rigger

RATINGS AND LIMITATIONS

XII. Seat, Chest, and Back types

XIII. Seal Symbol—KRR

THIS IS X
AN ORIGINAL ISSUANCE A REISSUANCE OF THIS DATE OF SUPERSEDED AIRMAN CERTIFICATE
GRADE OF CERTIFICATE

BY DIRECTION OF THE ADMINISTRATOR EXAMINER'S DESIGNATION NO. OR

INSPECTOR'S REG. NO.
X. DATE OF ISSUANCE X. SIGNATURE OF EXAMINER OR INSPECTOR
1404108
06/02/2005 Floyd E. Long DATE DESIGNATION EXPIRES

Floyd E. Long 10/31/2005

FAA Form 8060-4 (8-79) USE PREVIOUS EDITION

Figure 1-5. FAA Form 8060-4, Temporary Airman Certificate.

computer may not have a printer attached but could still meet

Parachute riggers are not necessarily required to download

the instructions to a hard drive or disk as long as they are able

the parachute rigger would need to prove to the Administrator

Currency Requirements

Figure 1-6. Parachute Rigger’s Seal.

A variation on this theme is accessing the packing instruction

• Performing parachute rigger duties for at least 90 days

the actual instruction, they must show that they had access

1-6
 • Demonstrating to the Administrator the ability to
Figure 1-7
each parachute rigger must note on the parachute packing
Record Keeping record or data card the following information: [Figure 1-8]
Maintaining proper records of parachute rigger activities is an • Date and location of packing

of the parachute rigger, the user of the parachute, and the • A notation of any defects found on inspection

• Parachute rigger name and signature

the packing, maintenance, and alteration of parachutes they

commonplace for the parachute rigger to note the work

information must be documented: assemble and pack
• Parachute type and make
• Serial number riggers often use an ink stamp on the data card that indicates

• Name and address of the owner

• Description of the work performed
• Date and location of work performed
• Results of any drop tests

EQUIP. DATA MANUFACTURER MODEL SERIAL NO. MFR. DATE WHERE PACKED
RESERVE
A&P CANOPY PD PR-143 022797 10/2k FLOY AZ
HARNESS & Sun Path Wings 4/03 4/03
CONTAINER
AAD TYPE B S C

EQUIP. DATA MANUFACTURER MODEL SERIAL NO. MFR. DATE WHERE PACKED
A&P RESERVE
CANOPY
Paucision Rayon 135 53733054 12/97 FLOY AZ
HARNESS & Sun Path Javelin 14/93 1/98
CONTAINER
AAD TYPE B S C

EQUIP. DATA MANUFACTURER MODEL SERIAL NO. MFR. DATE WHERE PACKED
RESERVE
A&P CANOPY PD PR-160 9132 7/95 FLOY AZ
HARNESS & Sun Path Javelin 8640 9/95
CONTAINER
AAD TYPE B S C

EQUIP. DATA MANUFACTURER MODEL SERIAL NO. MFR. DATE WHERE PACKED
RESERVE
A&P CANOPY
PISA Tempo 170 218748 7/2k FLOY AZ
HARNESS & Sun Path Javelin 21462 9/01
CONTAINER
AAD TYPE B S C

EQUIP. DATA MANUFACTURER MODEL SERIAL NO. MFR. DATE WHERE PACKED
RESERVE
A&P CANOPY PD PR-126 022027 6/2k FLOY AZ
HARNESS & Sun Path Javelin 23267 9/02
CONTAINER
AAD TYPE B S C

TOTALS TO DATE: BACK ______ SEAT ______ CHEST ______ ALL TYPES 830
________

Figure 1-7. Parachute Rigger Logbook Page.

1-7
 DATE
Sep 1, 2003 LOCATION
ELOY AZ SIGNATURE & CERTIFICATE NO.
Kenny Chou #1234567 PARACHUTE LOGBOOK & DATA CARD
WORK PERFORMANCE
Inspect & repack Kenny Chou This log should be kept with the parachute assembly at all time. When it becomes
full, it should remain with the assembly or stored in a secure place. The owner
DATE LOCATION SIGNATURE & CERTIFICATE NO.
should keep a photocopy of this page in the event the parachute is lost or stolen.
WORK PERFORMANCE

OWNER INFORMATION:
DATE LOCATION SIGNATURE & CERTIFICATE NO. NAME: Joe Smith
WORK PERFORMANCE 123 Maple Dr.
STREET or P.O. BOX:

DATE LOCATION SIGNATURE & CERTIFICATE NO.

Middletown, MA 00010
CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE:

WORK PERFORMANCE TELEPHONE: 413-555-1212

DATE LOCATION SIGNATURE & CERTIFICATE NO. EQUIPMENT INFORMATION:
WORK PERFORMANCE
Rigging Innovations Talon T5
HARNESS & CONTAINER MANUFACTURER & MODEL
21512 May 2002
DATE LOCATION SIGNATURE & CERTIFICATE NO.
HARNESS & CONTAINER SERIAL NUMBER & DATA OF MANUFACTURE
WORK PERFORMANCE
Precision Aerodynamics Super Raven 150
AUTOMATIC / EMERGENCY CANOPY MANUFACTURER OR MODEL

DATE LOCATION SIGNATURE & CERTIFICATE NO.

29218222 Aug 1998
AUTOMATIC / EMERGENCY CANOPY SERIAL NUMBER & DATA OF MANUFACTURE
WORK PERFORMANCE Airtec, Cypres
AUTOMATIC / OPENER(AAD) MANUFACTURER & MODEL IF ANY
DATE LOCATION SIGNATURE & CERTIFICATE NO.
50DO17325dc822-2x July 1998
AUTOMATIC / OPENER(AAD) SERIAL NUMBER & DATA OF MANUFACTURE
WORK PERFORMANCE

WARNING!
DATE LOCATION SIGNATURE & CERTIFICATE NO. USE OF THIS PARACHUTE MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. PARACHUTES SOMETIMES MALFUNCTION,
EVEN WHEN PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, PACKED AND USED. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND MANUALS PRIOR TO
WORK PERFORMANCE DONNING. SOME COUNTRIES HAVE REGULATIONS REGARDING THE MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PARACHUTES.

Figure 1-8. Parachute Packing Record or Data Card.

Sealing the Parachute

issued a unique symbol with which to seal each parachute

once he or she packs it in a manner prescribed by the 14 CFR part 21, subpart O—Technical Standard
Orders (TSO)
A
no one tampers with the parachute, and the owner knows Administrator and is a minimum performance standard for

Regulatory Compliance

14 CFR that are of direct concern to the parachute rigger in

parachute rigger have a thorough understanding of these parts

in order to avoid any inadvertent non-compliance: 14 CFR
14 CFR part 39—Airworthiness Directives (ADs)

case of a parachute, when:

administrative head of the FAA or any employee of the FAA
• The condition is likely to exist or develop in other
is most likely to come in contact with two individuals who

which an airworthiness directive applies except in accordance

employee of the FAA is responsible for enforcement of the

such matters as compliance with the rules, approving data

for major repairs or alterations, investigation of accidents, actions to be taken by the parachute rigger in order to ensure
overseeing airshows and demo jumps, or any aviation- the safety and function of parachutes that have been found

1-8
not comply with the AD, the parachute rigger cannot pack,
the parachute is certified, there may be a weight and

the parachute rigger has moved and not complied with the
requirements for an address change, the rigger may not receive

register their change of address within 30 days of moving or

14 CFR part 91—General Operating and Flight Rules

14 CFR part 105, subpart C—Parachute Equipment particular parachute was made by a company that is no longer
and Packing

rigger is faced with a number of questionable areas that are

• Main parachutes used for intentional jumping must be

• The auxiliary parachute must be packed by a

breakfast or gain much weight before using the parachute,

is probably exceeded on a regular basis during acrobatic

there should be enough of a safety margin built into the design

Pilot Versus Parachute Size

A common assumption in this situation is that it is unlikely he

needs to use the parachute, but if he does, will it save his life?
Field, an Air Force-Navy drawing number, an Army
Air Field order number, or any military designation Parachute Service Life
There is no service life on the parachute; it may be considered

Rigging Ethics appears to be in good condition, there are not many non-
As parachute riggers gain additional experience, they are
occasionally faced with situations that involve less than ideal
the parachute, but the cost would probably outweigh the
jumper who has purchased old or damaged equipment that may
or may not be airworthy; or it may be a pilot who purchased an the determination as to the airworthiness of the parachute
acrobatic plane that came with a parachute that is far too small
signs the data card, the rigger is saying it is ready, thereby

1-9
 The most important thought to keep in mind with regard

inspection and repack cycle is to inspect the parachute and

information plus economic factors complicate the parachute all of its sub-assemblies, as well as the harness/container

the pilot may take it down the road to another parachute could theoretically remain packed for years and still open
rigger for a second opinion who may not have the same and function normally if stored in a perfect environment,

parachute rigger signs off on a questionable parachute has shown however, that in rare instances fabrics can break
and an accident occurs later, the rigger may be exposed to down spontaneously and their chemical makeup can change,
disciplinary action from the Administrator in addition to
Therefore it is imperative that a thorough inspection is done
in these situations, but instead the parachute rigger must on a frequent and regular basis by a competent rigger prior
exercise the best judgment he or she can summon based on

Most professional parachute riggers would refuse to pack the

parachute described in the scenario above due to the age of
the parachute, the size of the individual, and the potential use

of the facts concerning permissible exit weights and speeds

the pilot can be convinced to purchase a more appropriate

Chapter Summary

is a serious undertaking and requires independent study and

determination to learn the history of parachutes, as well as

1-10
Chapter 2

Design and Construction

Introduction

design parameters and construction techniques of modern

understanding of these areas to perform any desired or

or components were originally designed, and why they were

may degrade the function and/or structural integrity of the

2-1
Parachute Design and Construction
Canopy

that a parachute assembly normally, but not exclusively, Slider

consists of the following major components: a canopy, a
deployment device, a pilot chute and/or drogue, risers, a
Suspension lines

Component Parts
Steering lines

Main Parachute Canopy

The main parachute canopy is used in conjunction with a
reserve parachute assembly as the primary parachute canopy
Figure 2-1. Component parts of a ram-air parachute.
everything from the main riser connector links to the bridle
container assembly is what remains when all items that can
[Figure 2-1]
sport parachute assemblies have the harness and containers
Reserve Parachute Canopy integrated into one assembly, but many military assemblies
The reserve parachute canopy is worn in conjunction with may be disassembled into separate harness and container

parachute consists of everything from the reserve riser the harness/container assembly and are shown in Figure 2-2

Pilot Chutes and Bridles for the Main and Reserve

lines, and any type of deployment device that is sewn to the Parachutes
The pilot chute is a small parachute or similar device that
enters the airstream when released to act as a drag device and
Emergency Parachute Canopy
The emergency parachute canopy is worn for emergency, tension on the canopy and lines during the deployment

either spring-loaded or manually thrown into the airstream as

Harness/Container
The harness and container assembly includes all the of line or webbing that connects the canopy or deployment
remaining parts necessary to complete an airworthy

2-2
 Typically such devices are the 3-ring release or Capewell
Harness 3-ring
Upper main lift web

handle assembly consists of a cable to each riser and a

Reserve parachute

Container
Chest strap

Main parachute

Lower main lift web

Hip ring

Typically when the cable is removed from its housing, it has

Horizontal back strap Upper leg strap

Reserve pilot Main deployment bag Main pilot chute

chute and bridle need to worry about sand or dirt being attracted to the oil on
the cable as it is more important for the cable to be lubricated
[Figure 2-3] The reserve may employ
3-ring release Reserve ripcord
handle

Reserve deployment bag RSL lanyard

Main risers and toggles

Figure 2-2. Subcomponents of the harness/container assembly.

Ripcords or Equivalent Devices for the Main and

Reserve Parachutes
The ripcord is a device for securing the container closed

one or more pins, and a device for securing the cable to the Figure 2-3. Lolon cable is yellow. Teflon cable is red or orange.

Similar to the ripcord is the main riser retain/release cable/ Risers and Associated Steering Toggles
handle assembly if the parachute is equipped with a main Risers are part of the suspension system between the lines and

Deployment Devices for the Main and Reserve they are detachable and not integral and are being used for
Parachutes an emergency parachute, they require a cross connector, as
Deployment devices are designed to provide an orderly
on sport or military systems used for intentional jumping
Typical devices include bags, sleeves, pockets, straps,

Main Parachute Release Mechanism and

Associated Handles or Static Lines
[Figure 2-4]

2-3
 Figure 2-5 is a table showing the

approval, which ensures that the manufacturer is able to

design changes are allowed, any major design change must

Figure 2-4. Toggle through brake eye and stowed.

Other Harness/Container Assembly Components A major change is anything that affects the airworthiness of

For the aspiring rigger, the primary purpose of knowing the

on reserve or emergency parachutes are usually design

TSO Standards
or mating of separately approved components may be made

instructions and without further authorization by the

This document also references a performance standard that

greater than the maximum force generated by the canopy

TSO Documents
TSO number C23b C23c C23d
Performance standard NAS-804 AS-8015a AS-8015b
Effective dates 1949-1984 1984-1994 1994-Present
Performance specifications Low speed 3000 lb Category A Weight: 300 lb Variable-
Speed: 150 knots Maximum operating weight x 1.2
Standard category 5000 lb Category B Weight: 300 lb Maximum operating weight x 1.2
Speed: 175 knots
Category C Weight: 300 lb
Speed: 230 knots
Placard limitations Low speed 3000 lb Category A Weight: 198 lb Placard with average peak force
Speed: 130 knots measured during the strength
Standard category 5000 lb Category B Weight: 254 lb drop.
Speed: 150 knots
Category C Weight: 254 lb
Speed: 175 knots
Number of drop tests 28 68 68

Figure 2-5. TSO comparisons.

2-4
Canopy Design
Accomplished design skills are not necessary for the rigger to
Pilot chute Bridle

Canopy
necessary, however, that the rigger understands some of the
basic concepts to relate the performance characteristics to the

rigger, these concepts are accepted as those proven and tested

rigger should understand to determine the identity, function,

Lines
Understanding the sequence and method of deployment is
necessary when assembling components to assure proper

canopy to roll over the bottom skin leading edge closing off
Risers
Harness
Container

steering line is pulled down through the steering guide ring Figure 2-6. Round parachute assembly.
on the risers and locked with the nose of the steering toggle

causes the canopy to turn into that side as the cells remain an excellent discussion of the design parameters and
characteristics of round parachutes for those needing more

Construction Concepts and Techniques

Nomenclature TS-100 describes the various ram-air construction methods

methods, the beginning rigger can become confused as to how

Additionally, there are two basic methods of construction for

for the rigger to understand the manuals and repair procedures
the adjacent bottom skins with the attendant rib together and

Figure 2-6 tabs are then appliquéd over the rolled seam for subsequent

has remained constant for several decades with a few the rib has the line attachment tab attached directly to it and

the square parachute has replaced it, the round parachute

2-5
Round parachute construction is divided into two primary
Bias construction is

Damage

By being able to identify these patterns, the rigger can provide

Block construction is where the warp threads of the panels the user with correct technique and, thereby, prevent possible

gained in popularity in the lightweight sport reserves of feedback to the manufacturer of potentially serious problems
with new designs once they have been subjected to real world

programs before releasing new products to the market, very

often, subtle problems do not arise until the parachute has
canopy or from skirt to link using reinforcement tape for the

Containers
Operational Theory The container component assembly of the parachute system
The rigger must have knowledge of how the parachute

assemble the correct components so that they function as

the use of cones or loops, which are secured by ripcord pins
what components are to be used with their particular design,
with the vast numbers of products on the market today, Containers may consist of single units as are used on pilot
emergency systems or multiple units such as are used on

with each other, many designs have subtle differences that

include pilot chute drag capability and bag extraction force

Early containers were simply a bag-shaped unit that the

Materials
The materials used in construction have changed over the last was static line deployed and the parachutist simply fell away

low permeability fabric was necessary for the canopy to remain position at which they were located in relation to the body

the drag created by the suspension lines, newer lightweight and

®, followed
®, and now Spectra® and Vectran®

the line bulk and drag, these materials have introduced newer

location of the main parachute on the back and the reserve on

and deployment methods to reduce the loads on the parachutist [Figure 2-7]

2-6
 Figure 2-8. Piggyback containers.
Figure 2-7. Conventional container.

the main and reserve on the back became known as a

[Figure 2-8 and 2-9]

cones and pins, usually three or four to maintain the length

generation of commercial products was simply colored

had progressed to ram-air designs, which were smaller

introduction of the hand deploy pilot chute was probably the Figure 2-9. Tandem container system.

2-7
 Modern Design Concepts
Cones were replaced by fabric closing loops, and main The containers of today do more than simply enclose the
ripcords and pins were replaced by hand deploy bridles and
need to be designed so that they contribute to the deployment

loops were used to compress the pack and make it thinner to

The reserve container is generally small, tight, and mostly

Today, most modern container designs have completely done

days of the ram-air reserve, there were certain container

are listed below:

hesitator loop configuration secures the bridle
and holds the bag in until the reserve pilot chute is
[Figure 2-11]
design concepts pioneered by the sport industry as they have
Figure 2-10 shows a

Figure 2-11. Square reserve hesitator loop configuration.

Nonrestrictive corners to allow the bag to be lifted

off by the bridle in the event of a horseshoe-type
[Figure 2-12]

Figure 2-10. Modern military container. Figure 2-12. Non-restrictive container corners.

Change 1 (December 2015)

2-8
containers achieve the required holding and deployment

reserve container are designed so that the bag is held in place

while the pilot chute and bridle deploy and then releases the
bag, rotating it out of the container top to bottom into the

The main container is less restrictive than the reserve in

important so that there is no tendency for the bag to twist or

used today, if the bag is unstable, it results in the main

canopy opening unevenly and causing spins and possible

of the primary problems faced during those days was the high

skydivers learned to sit up during deployment causing the air

Figure 2-13. Modern aerodynamic container design.

container is to hold the canopy and pilot chute closed, and

positions experienced during free fall range from head-down

Most modern sport parachute containers have housings of

to maybe 140 mph, today speeds in a head-down position can

ensure a more secure system and increased protection from

The housing type is critical to provide proper protection

Figure 2-13 shows a modern container design

Non-compressible housing is the correct type to use for 3-ring

An additional area that needs to be addressed when designing cutaway systems so the compression does not cause the sides

of sport piggyback designs, the main risers were held in

Harness Design

attempt to protect the main risers during high-speed free fall, an arrangement of cotton, linen, nylon, or Dacron® webbing,
some designs tend to restrict the deployment of the reserve

the opening forces and the weight of the load are evenly

additional restriction over the upper corners of the reserve

2-9
The earliest harness was nothing more than a swing seat
that the parachutist sat on and then held onto the risers

openings were in any way uneven, it could be very precarious

down, it was necessary to add additional straps to secure

have been added over time for additional purposes, such as

Figure 2-14 shows a basic military

Figure 2-15. Super swooper harness.

As skydiving and the sport parachute industry has grown,

most of the equipment is now custom-built for each

[Figure 2-16] Elimination of the extra

hardware and webbing has resulted in a dramatic reduction

This design incorporates metal rings at the hip junction and

[Figure 2-17] These rings allow
a full range of motion both in the air and on the ground and

hardware incorporated into the main lift web or junction of

Figure 2-14. Military harness.
a harness should be equal in strength to the webbing or at
Most of the early parachute systems had the harness detachable

This was accomplished by sandwiching the harness between

Figure 2-15 shows one of the earliest custom systems called

horizontal harness [Figure 2-18]
a stepped harness, stitching may break, and the junction can

2-10
Figure 2-16. Standard piggyback harness.

the stitching were to fail, the wearer would still be wrapped

Figure 2-17. Fully-articulated harness.

years, harnesses were overbuilt as they were basically copies

Bridles and Deployment Devices

before tension was applied to the lines, a malfunction was

years, it was learned that the deployment process needed to

Figure 2-18. Stair-stepped harness (aka stepped harness) junction
warping.
of deployment devices that changed the deployment sequence

paratroops, the main canopy was deployed from a direct [Figure 2-19] This was fairly
complicated to pack but effective in controlling the parachute
packed in a bag that was permanently attached to the static

2-11