Selecting the Right Parachute
Choosing the appropriate parachute is paramount to ensure a safe and successful jump. Here are some critical considerations:
1. Experience Level and Skill:
Your experience level and skill set should dictate the type of parachute you select. For beginners, a beginner-rated parachute with a high glide ratio (the ratio of horizontal distance traveled to vertical descent) is recommended. This allows for more control and slower landings. As you gain experience, you can transition to a sport-rated parachute with a lower glide ratio for increased maneuverability and higher speeds.
2. Canopy Size and Shape:
The canopy size, measured in square feet, should correspond to your body weight. Smaller canopies provide faster descents and higher maneuverability, while larger canopies offer greater stability and slower landings. The canopy shape also influences performance. Elliptical canopies offer a balance of speed and stability, while rectangular canopies provide higher speeds and increased flair control.
3. Equipment Compatibility:
Ensure that the parachute is compatible with your harness and reserve system. The reserve system is a backup parachute that deploys in case of a main parachute malfunction. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations to verify compatibility and ensure a cohesive system.
4. Materials and Construction:
The parachute’s material and construction significantly impact its durability, performance, and longevity. Nylon is a common material choice due to its strength and durability. High-quality construction techniques, such as triple-stitching and reinforced seams, ensure reliability and longevity.
5. Additional Features:
Consider additional features such as slider systems, brakes, and risers. Slider systems control the parachute’s opening, brakes allow for greater control during descent, and risers adjust the parachute’s trim and position. These features enhance safety, performance, and customization.
Pre-Packing Preparation
Equipment Inspection
Before packing, thoroughly inspect your parachute. Check for cuts, tears, or fraying in the canopy, lines, and harness. Ensure that all buckles, toggles, and risers are in good working order. If any damage is found, consult a certified rigger for repairs.
Layout and Drying
Lay out the parachute on a clean, flat surface. Line, canopy, and harness should be free of wrinkles, twists, or folds. If the equipment is damp, allow it to dry completely before packing to prevent mildew or damage.
Table: Packing Equipment Preparation
| Item | Preparation |
|---|---|
| Canopy | Spread out, remove wrinkles, and dry if damp. |
| Lines | Lay out in order, untangle, and remove knots. |
| Harness | Position comfortably, buckles and toggles facing the correct direction. |
| Container | Open and inspect for any damage or blockages. |
Laying Out the Parachute
Laying out the parachute is the first step in packing it. This is an important step, as it ensures that the parachute is properly packed and will open correctly when deployed. To lay out the parachute, spread it out on a flat surface, such as a table or the ground. Make sure that the lines are not tangled and that the canopy is evenly spread out. The leading edge of the parachute should be facing away from you, and the trailing edge should be facing towards you. Once the parachute is laid out, you can begin the packing process.
Folding the Canopy
The canopy is the main part of the parachute, and it is what creates the drag that slows the jumper’s fall. To fold the canopy, start by folding it in half lengthwise. Then, fold it in half again, bringing the leading edge to the trailing edge. Finally, fold the canopy in half again, bringing the two side edges together. The canopy should now be a long, thin rectangle.
Packing the Lines
The lines connect the canopy to the harness and are what control the parachute’s opening. To pack the lines, start by folding them in half. Then, fold them in half again, bringing the two ends together. Finally, wrap the lines around the canopy, starting at the center and working your way out. Make sure that the lines are not tangled and that they are evenly distributed around the canopy.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Fold the canopy in half lengthwise. |
| 2 | Fold the canopy in half again, bringing the leading edge to the trailing edge. |
| 3 | Fold the canopy in half again, bringing the two side edges together. |
| 4 | Fold the lines in half. |
| 5 | Fold the lines in half again, bringing the two ends together. |
| 6 | Wrap the lines around the canopy, starting at the center and working your way out. |
Canopy Preparation
Before packing a parachute, canopy preparation is a crucial step that ensures a safe and successful jump. Here’s a comprehensive guide to canopy packing:
1. Canopy Inspection
Begin by thoroughly inspecting the canopy for any tears, holes, or damage. Check the lines, hardware, and attachment points for any signs of wear or weakness.
2. Canopy Cleaning
Remove any dirt, debris, or vegetation from the canopy using a soft brush. Avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents, as they can weaken the fabric.
3. Canopy Laying
Lay out the canopy on a clean, flat surface in a diamond shape. Ensure that the lines are untangled, and the opening in the center is free from obstructions.
4. Canopy Shaping
To achieve optimum performance, the canopy must be properly shaped before packing. Follow these specific steps:
- Leading Edge: Smooth out any wrinkles and ensure a clean, crisp leading edge.
- Cells: Gently shape each cell into a smooth, symmetrical form. Avoid creating any bulges or distortions.
- Trailing Edge: Gradually gather the trailing edge of the canopy, folding under the excess fabric towards the center. Secure the trailing edge with a Velcro strap or tucking under the canopy flap.
- Crown: Adjust the lines to create a taut, tensioned canopy. Gather any slack lines towards the center and tuck them under the fabric.
Folding the Canopy
Meticulously folding the canopy is crucial for a properly packed parachute. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and consistent fold:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Spread the canopy flat on the ground, facing the slider side up. |
| 2 | Locate the center of the canopy and fold the left and right sides inward, overlapping by approximately 6 inches. |
| 3 | Fold the top and bottom edges of the canopy inward, ensuring they overlap the sides by at least 3 inches. |
| 4 | Smooth out the folded canopy and remove any creases or wrinkles. |
| 5 | **Advanced Technique: Rowing the Canopy:**
For experienced packers, rowing the canopy offers additional control and precision:
|
Once the canopy is folded, proceed to the next steps of the packing process: arranging the lines, attaching the slider, and securing the canopy into the container.
Packing the Canopy
1. Lay out the canopy
Position the canopy on a clean surface so that the cells are facing up. Ensure that there are no debris, dirt, or foreign objects on the surface or within the canopy.
2. Smooth out the canopy
Use your hands or a canopy smoothing tool to gently flatten and remove any wrinkles or creases in the canopy. Straighten the leading edge and trailing edge to align with the canopy’s center line.
3. Inspect the canopy
Thoroughly check the canopy for any damage, tears, or wear. Ensure that all suspension lines are securely attached and free of fraying or damage. If any abnormalities are detected, the canopy should be repaired or replaced immediately.
4. Fold the canopy
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations or established folding techniques to create a compact and evenly folded canopy. Typically, the canopy is folded into thirds, with the leading edge and trailing edge meeting in the center.
5. Secure the canopy
Use a canopy packing band or rubber band to secure the folded canopy tightly. Ensure that the band is positioned at the center of the canopy to prevent sections from shifting.
6. Position the canopy in the container
Place the folded canopy in the designated spot within the parachute container. The canopy should fit snugly but not be excessively tight or loose.
7. Adjust the canopy deployment
a. Container type:
| Container Type | Deployment System |
|---|---|
| Round container | Static line or ring slider |
| Square container | Integral slider or full-size slider |
b. Canopy size and shape: Smaller, thinner canopies require a shorter deployment line than larger, thicker ones.
c. Deployment bag size: The size of the deployment bag affects the initial opening force of the canopy.
d. Altitude and temperature: Higher altitudes and lower temperatures require a longer deployment line.
e. Jumper’s weight: Heavier jumpers require a longer deployment line to compensate for additional drag.
f. Canopy release handle: Adjust the length of the release handle to ensure comfortable and easy access during deployment.
Securing the Suspension Lines
8. Tying the Suspension Lines to the Slider
The final step in packing a parachute is to tie the suspension lines to the slider. This is a critical step, as it ensures that the lines are evenly distributed and that the parachute will open properly.
To tie the suspension lines to the slider, follow these steps:
- Identify the center suspension line. This is the line that is located directly above the center of the canopy.
- Take the center suspension line and pass it through the slider. The slider will have a hole or slot for the line to pass through.
- Pull the suspension line tight and tie it off with a square knot. Make sure that the knot is tight and secure.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the remaining suspension lines.
Once all of the suspension lines are tied to the slider, the parachute is packed and ready to be deployed.
| Suspension Line Type | Knot |
|---|---|
| Center suspension line | Square knot |
| Side suspension lines | Figure-eight knot |
Packing the Closing Pin
9. Pinning the Closing Pin
Step 1: Insert the pin.
hold the closing pin steady with one hand and use the other hand to slide the white slider at the top of the pin forward. This will open the pin’s jaws, allowing you to place it in the Velcro on the harness.
Step 2: Close the pin.
Once the pin is in place, release the white slider to close the jaws of the pin. Make sure that the pin is snugly closed, but not so tight that it cannot be opened easily.
Step 3: Check the pin.
To ensure the pin is securely fastened, gently attempt to pull it open. If it does not open, it is fastened.
Closing Pin Function
The closing pin plays a critical role in the parachute packing process. If the pin is not properly pinned, the parachute may not open properly in an emergency situation. Therefore, it is important to follow the steps above carefully to ensure a secure and properly pinned closing pin.
Below is a table summarizing the steps involved in pinning the closing pin:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Insert the pin into the Velcro on the harness. |
| 2 | Close the pin by releasing the white slider. |
| 3 | Check the pin by gently attempting to pull it open. |
Final Inspection and Jump Readiness
Before donning your parachute and making the final leap, it’s crucial to conduct a thorough final inspection to ensure your gear is fully operational and ready for takeoff.
- Pin Check: Recheck that all pin locks are securely fastened and fully engaged, holding the canopy securely to the harness.
- Line Check: Inspect the lines meticulously, looking for any signs of damage, cuts, or entanglements. Ensure they are free from knots and arranged smoothly without any kinks or crossovers.
- Canopy Check: Unfold the canopy partially to visually inspect for any tears, holes, or punctures. Check if the canopy cells are fully inflated and there are no creases or wrinkles that could affect its performance.
- Harness and Riser Check: Make sure the harness and risers are adjusted properly and comfortably fit your body. Tighten all buckles and straps securely, ensuring they are snug but not excessively constricting.
- Reserve Check: If your parachute system includes a reserve parachute, conduct a quick check to ensure it is packed securely and accessible in case of an emergency.
- Altimeter Check: Verify that your altimeter is functioning correctly and set to accurately measure your altitude. Ensure the battery is fresh and the device is properly calibrated.
- Communication Check: Test your communication device, such as a radio or helmet-mounted headset, to ensure it is working properly and you can receive and transmit signals clearly.
- Wind Direction and Speed: Assess the wind conditions and adjust your exit and landing plans accordingly. Determine the wind direction and approximate speed to ensure a safe and controlled landing.
- Mental and Physical Readiness: Take a few moments to mentally prepare for the jump, focusing on maintaining a clear mind and a steady pulse. Ensure you are physically ready, having had adequate rest and nourishment.
- Buddy Check: If possible, have a trusted jump buddy conduct a final visual inspection of your parachute and equipment, providing another pair of eyes to identify any potential issues.
| Item | Check |
|---|---|
| Pin Locks | Securely engaged |
| Lines | Free from damage, kinks, and entanglements |
| Canopy | Fully inflated, no tears or punctures |
| Harness and Risers | Properly adjusted, snug but not constricting |
| Reserve Parachute | Packed securely and accessible |
| Altimeter | Functioning correctly, set to accurate altitude |
| Communication Device | Working properly, clear reception |
| Wind Conditions | Assessed and accounted for in jump plan |
| Mental and Physical Readiness | Clear mind, steady pulse, adequate rest and nourishment |
| Buddy Check | Thorough visual inspection by a trusted jump buddy |
