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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

The most common damage seen on main pilot chutes is in the area of the apex and the hand deploy handle. [Figure A] This area is subject to fairly severe stress and strain. The following procedure deals with the apex area repair. It should be noted that if the repair is too complex, it is probably more cost effective to replace rather than repair the pilot chute.

Disassembly

  1. Working through the hole in the base, turn the pilot chute inside out. Unpick the seam at the junction of the canopy and mesh and between two of the radial tapes. [Figure B] This allows good access to the apex area.
Main Pilot Chute Repair—Top Canopy Reinforcing, procedure photograph 2 (source page 7-69).
Main Pilot Chute Repair—Top Canopy Reinforcing, procedure photograph 2 (source page 7-69).

Reassembly

  1. Take a piece of ¾ inch Type-3 tape and overlay the reinforcing material at the apex, covering the damaged area. [Figure C]
Main Pilot Chute Repair—Top Canopy Reinforcing, procedure photograph 3 (source page 7-69).
Main Pilot Chute Repair—Top Canopy Reinforcing, procedure photograph 3 (source page 7-69).
  1. Re-sew the canopy and mesh panels as per the original. Turn the pilot chute right side out.

Inspection

  • Damaged area must be covered.
  • Canopy seam must be re-stitched correctly.

Main Pilot Chute Collapsible Bridle Replacement

  • Applicable products: Most kill-line pilot chute bridle configurations
  • Description: Replacement of the bridle of a kill-line collapsible pilot chute
  • Authorized repairmen: FAA Senior or Master Parachute Rigger
  • Materials: E thread, replacement bridle
  • Machines: 301 straight stitch—medium duty 7–11 SPI and 1 inch × 42 stitch bar tack 308 zigzag—medium duty 7–11 SPI (optional)
  • Equipment: Scissors, seam ripper or scalpel, green felt tip marker, 6-inch ruler, hemostats, pony clamp, and hot glue gun

Procedure

There are three basic main bridle configurations listed below:

  • Standard non-collapsible bridle
  • Bungee collapsible bridle
  • Centerline or “kill-line” collapsible bridle

The standard bridle is a simple design and any damage usually results in the replacement of the bridle. The exception to this is if the tape attaching the curved pin is worn. The replacement of the tape is a simple task. The most common bridle in use today is the kill-line collapsible type. The replacement of the bridle is described in the following procedure.

Disassembly

  1. Remove the old bridle from the pilot chute. [Figure A]
Main Pilot Chute Collapsible Bridle Replacement, procedure photograph 1 (source page 7-69).
Main Pilot Chute Collapsible Bridle Replacement, procedure photograph 1 (source page 7-69).

Reassembly