Ripcord housing. A flexible tubing in which the ripcord is installed for protection and to provide a free path for the ripcord.

Ripcord housing clamp. A metal clamp located on the outside of the end flap of back and seat-type parachutes. The clamp secures the ripcord cable and power cable of the actuator.

Ripstop nylon. A type of weave designed to prevent tears from spreading. Extra numbers of yarns are closely woven into the cloth intermittently across the width and across the length.

Ripstop tape. Ripstop nylon fabric with a pressure sensitive adhesive. Used to repair small tears in canopies.

Riser. The portion of the suspension system between the lower end of a group of suspension lines and the point of attachment to the load.

Riser release. A canopy release.

Roll packing. A method of packing a ram-air parachute whereby the nose and the tail are rolled towards the center of the canopy.

Routine inspection. A visual inspection of all parts of a packed parachute that may be checked without opening the parachute.

S.A.E. Society of Automotive Engineers.

Saddle. The part of the harness positioned under the seat of the wearer.

Safety tie. The thread used in sealing a parachute.

Scissors. A cutting instrument with two opposing blades.

Seal press. A mechanical press used for compressing lead seals to seal parachutes in accordance with 14 CFR part 65, subsection 65.133.

Seam ripper. A small tool used for picking or cutting threads in sewing operations.

Seams. Where two pieces of fabric are joined together.

Sear. Damage to fabric or lines by heat generated through rubbing. The melting of webbing, fabric, or line of nylon to prevent fraying.

Seat parachute. Parachute positioned below the back of the wearer. Forms part of the seat cushion in the aircraft.

Section. Any one of the pieces of cloth which, when assembled, form one gore of a parachute canopy. Also known as a panel.

Selvage edge. The edge of cloth which is so woven as to prevent raveling.