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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

  1. Sew the inside row to complete the seam. [Figure L]
Square Canopy—Rib Repair, procedure photograph 12 (source page 7-27).
Square Canopy—Rib Repair, procedure photograph 12 (source page 7-27).
  1. Cut the new crossport to match the original location and shape. [Figure M]
Square Canopy—Rib Repair, procedure photograph 13 (source page 7-28).
Square Canopy—Rib Repair, procedure photograph 13 (source page 7-28).
Square Canopy—Rib Repair, procedure photograph 16 (source page 7-28).
Square Canopy—Rib Repair, procedure photograph 16 (source page 7-28).
  1. Trim the top and bottom edges as marked. [Figure N]
Square Canopy—Rib Repair, procedure photograph 14 (source page 7-28).
Square Canopy—Rib Repair, procedure photograph 14 (source page 7-28).
  1. Pin the top seam back onto the top panel. Sew in place with either the single needle or if available, with the double needle machine and puller. [Figure O] Repeat with the bottom seam.
Square Canopy—Rib Repair, procedure photograph 15 (source page 7-28).
Square Canopy—Rib Repair, procedure photograph 15 (source page 7-28).
  1. Inspect finished work. [Figure P]

Inspection

  • Seam alignment should be straight.
  • Check the tension of the replaced rib material.
  • Make sure the seams are restitched correctly.
  • Verify that the crossport is cut correctly.
  • The line attachment tape must be replaced correctly with no twists in the suspension line.

Square Canopy—Pilot Chute Attachment Point Repair

  • Applicable Products: Square main canopies
  • Description: Repair of the main canopy pilot chute attachment point.
  • Authorized Repairmen: FAA Master Parachute Rigger
  • Materials: E thread; fabric—type and color to match, reinforcing tape—type and color to match, reinforcing fabric—type and color to match
  • Machines: 301 straight stitch—medium duty 7–11 SPI, 308 zigzag—medium duty 7–11 SPI, 1 inch × 42 stitch bar tack
  • Equipment: Scissors, seam ripper, marking pencil, and 12–inch ruler

Procedure

This repair is quite common. If the canopy is inspected regularly, the beginnings of the damage will be noticed and a simple re-stitching will solve the problem. However, many times it is not and the resultant damage is quite extensive requiring repair of the rib, as well as the top panel.

Disassembly

  1. Inspect the area to determine the extent of the damage. [Figure A] If the stitching that holds the attachment point to the canopy is simply coming loose, re-stitch as per the original.
Square Canopy—Pilot Chute Attachment Point Repair, procedure photograph 1 (source page 7-29).
Square Canopy—Pilot Chute Attachment Point Repair, procedure photograph 1 (source page 7-29).
  1. If the canopy fabric is damaged, then turn the canopy inside out. The center rib should have a reinforced area that brackets the attachment point. [Figure B]