Pack. A synonymous term for the parachute container.

Pack opening band. A cloth-covered steel spring assembly with hooks at each end used to expedite the opening of the pack by rapidly pulling the flaps away from the canopy.

Pack stiffener. Generally, metal stiffeners used in military assemblies to give shape and form to the pack.

Pack tray. The portion of the container or deployment device where the lines are stowed.

Packing bar. A long, flat bar of metal or wood used in the folding of the canopy of a parachute during the packing process and to aid in closing the container; also known as a long bar, paddle, or fid.

Packing hook. A special hook-like tool used to draw the suspension lines into place in the hesitator loops. Pull-up cords are sometimes used for this purpose.

Packing paddle. A flat, narrow piece of metal or wood used to form the packed container; also known as a packing bar or fid.

Packing table. A table used in packing parachutes, normally 3 feet wide by 40 feet long with a smooth top surface.

Packing. The operation of folding the canopy and enclosing it in the container.

Panel. A subdivision of a gore; also known as a section.

Parachute. 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.”

Parachute Industry Association (PIA). An international trade organization composed of parachute manufacturers, dealers, riggers, and others involved in the parachute industry.

Parachute pack. Such as a back pack or chest pack, means the parachute assembly less the harness. It means the container, canopy, suspension lines, pilot chute risers and connector links. The terms “pack” and “container” are not synonymous in the terminology of this part.

Parachute record card. A card kept in the record pocket that records the packing intervals of the parachute and other important information as required under 14 CFR part 65, subsection 65.131(c). Also known as the “packing data card.”

Parachute rigger. A person certified by the FAA to perform packing and maintenance on parachutes.

Parachute rigging. The process of inspecting, repairing, and replacing minor parts of a parachute assembly and of repacking the parachute so that it is ready for immediate use. Parachute rigging also includes fitting and adjusting the harness.

Parachute standard (PS). PIA specification for parachute materials.

Partial inversion. A type of deployment malfunction that occurs when one or more gore sections near the skirt become inverted during deployment and form a small pocket which inflates, causing a partial inversion of the canopy. The condition may or may not work out or may become a complete inversion (i.e., the canopy turns completely inside-out). It is the skirt, not the line, which is “over;” not to be confused with a “line-over.” Also known as a “Mae West.”

Patching. Method of repair by covering a hole or tear in a canopy or pack.