Parachute

Definition

• 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.”

References

• Parachute Rigger Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2015