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Parachute Rigger Handbook

FAA-H-8083-17A Version 2015 (Change 1)
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Chapter 7

Repairs, Alterations, and Manufacture

Square Canopy—Rib Repair, procedure photograph 1 (source page 7-25).
Square Canopy—Rib Repair, procedure photograph 1 (source page 7-25).

Disassembly

  1. Determine the extent of the damaged area and unpick the top and bottom seams to access the rib. [Figure B] In most cases, restitching the rib to the top and bottom panels is fairly straightforward. Because of this, opening up the seam for a good distance (18 inches plus either side of the proposed patch) allows easier access and sewing.
  2. Pin the damaged rib to the pin board to stabilize the material for marking. Mark out the damaged portion of the panel, following the weave of the fabric.
Square Canopy—Rib Repair, procedure photograph 2 (source page 7-26).
Square Canopy—Rib Repair, procedure photograph 2 (source page 7-26).
Square Canopy—Rib Repair, procedure photograph 4 (source page 7-26).
Square Canopy—Rib Repair, procedure photograph 4 (source page 7-26).

[Figure C] This will be the patch fold lines and the limits of the partial rib panel.

Square Canopy—Rib Repair, procedure photograph 5 (source page 7-26).
Square Canopy—Rib Repair, procedure photograph 5 (source page 7-26).
Square Canopy—Rib Repair, procedure photograph 3 (source page 7-26).
Square Canopy—Rib Repair, procedure photograph 3 (source page 7-26).
  1. Using the patching square, mark a parallel line .75 inch inside the patch fold lines and then another one .62 inch inside the second line. [Figure D] The inner lines are the trim lines for the rib patch.
Square Canopy—Rib Repair, procedure photograph 6 (source page 7-26).
Square Canopy—Rib Repair, procedure photograph 6 (source page 7-26).

Reassembly

  1. Cut a piece of fabric approximately 4 inches wider and longer than the damaged panel area. Make sure that one of the width edges is straight and even with the weave of the fabric.
  2. Fold the straight edge .75 inch from the edge and pin in place across the damage line. Make sure the fabric is centered on the existing panel.
  3. Remove the pins from the crossport area and smooth the new panel fabric over the damaged panel.
  4. Fold the new fabric outwards at the patch fold mark and pin in place. Use the patching square to mark a line at .75 inch in from the fold line. [Figure E]
  5. Trim the repair panel at the inner line, fold under and pin in place. [Figure F]
  6. Check the tension of the two panels. They should be equal. Mark the top and bottom edges and the crossport location. [Figure G and Figure H]
Square Canopy—Rib Repair, procedure photograph 7 (source page 7-27).
Square Canopy—Rib Repair, procedure photograph 7 (source page 7-27).
Square Canopy—Rib Repair, procedure photograph 8 (source page 7-27).
Square Canopy—Rib Repair, procedure photograph 8 (source page 7-27).
  1. Remove the rib from the pin board. Sew the two outboard seams approximately .06 inch from the edge with the single needle. [Figure I]
Square Canopy—Rib Repair, procedure photograph 9 (source page 7-27).
Square Canopy—Rib Repair, procedure photograph 9 (source page 7-27).
  1. Trim the original damaged panel to the trim lines. [Figure J] Fold the fabric under to create a French fell seam. Repeat with the opposite seam. [Figure K]
Square Canopy—Rib Repair, procedure photograph 10 (source page 7-27).
Square Canopy—Rib Repair, procedure photograph 10 (source page 7-27).
Square Canopy—Rib Repair, procedure photograph 11 (source page 7-27).
Square Canopy—Rib Repair, procedure photograph 11 (source page 7-27).