Senior Parachute Rigger. An individual certified by the FAA to pack and maintain parachutes. A journeyman level classification of parachute rigger.

Sewing machine. A machine with a mechanically-driven needle used for sewing.

Sewing machine knee lifter. A knee-operated mechanism that lifts the presser foot of a sewing machine.

Sewing machine uprise. The uprise is the upright part of the head (generally located on the right side of the head) that houses a portion of the moving parts that transmit motion through mechanical shafts and linkages to the mechanisms in the base of the machine.

Sewing pattern. A design outlined in drawings for joining parts.

Shock cord. A straight elastic cord comprised of continuous strands of rubber encased in a braided cover. Used today primarily for Safety Stow® loops on free bags.

Shock load. The maximum force exerted on the canopy by inflation. This maximum force may be the snatch force or it may be the opening shock.

Shot bag. A parachute packing tool. A rectangular bag filled with shot and used to hold folded gores in position during packing.

Shoulder strap. The part of the harness webbing that crosses the wearer’s back diagonally between the shoulder blades and the horizontal backstrap.

Side flap. Fabric extensions on each of the long sides of the pack that fold over to enclose the canopy.

Silk. A fiber produced by the silk worm.

Single point release. A harness release that has a single closure, such as the T-10 type; also a canopy release system operated by one hand or action.

Single throw zigzag. A machine zigzag stitch from left to right to left, etc. Also known as a 304 stitch.

Skirt. The reinforced hem forming the periphery of a canopy.

Skydiving. A popular name for sport parachuting.

Slag. A type 6 deployment device. A short sleeve configuration used on ram-air parachutes.

Sleeve. A tapered, fabric tube in which the canopy is placed to control deployment. A deployment device.

Sliders. A reefing device usually for ram-air canopies. Comprised of a fabric panel with grommets at the corners through which pass the suspension lines of the canopy.

Snag. A fabric imperfection.

Snap fastener. Metal fastening device that usually consists of four parts: button, socket, stud, and eyelet. Device is manufactured in various shapes and sizes.