Canopy. The umbrella-like surface of a parachute and its framework of cords, called suspension lines, from which the load is suspended. The drag surface of the decelerator.

Canopy fabric. The fabric used in the fabrication of parachute canopies. It is lightweight and woven to withstand the impact of air pressure when the parachute opens. The canopy fabric is woven from nylon yarns usually in a ripstop weave.

Canopy relative work (CRW). A skydiving discipline where the parachutists fly their open canopies in a formation formed by grasping the canopies or lines using the hands or legs.

Canopy releases. Devices that allow immediate release of the parachute canopy. They disconnect the harness main lift webs from the risers.

Center pull. A ripcord design for chest parachutes.

Centerline. Lines that run from the risers to the apex of a canopy and are used to pull the apex down, such as on a Para Commander.

Certificated. A personnel parachute holding an FAA TSO certificate. Also used to refer to other FAA-approved parachutes, such as Government surplus personnel models, which were manufactured under military contract.

CFM. Cubic feet per minute. A measure of permeability.

Chafing strip. A light piece of webbing positioned between the load bearing webbing and a piece of hardware that acts as a buffer between the two.

Chest parachute. A parachute worn on the wearer’s chest.

Chuck. The upper part of the tool used to install fastener or grommet parts.

Chute. A contraction of the term “parachute,” and used interchangeably with it.

Clamp. A medical hemostat used by riggers for picking threads or retrieving small objects.

Closing loops. Fabric or cord loops used to secure the container closed. Used in place of locking cones.

Cloth. A pliable fabric that is woven, felted, or knitted from any filament; commonly fabric of woven cotton, woolen, silk, nylon, rayon, or linen fiber.

Clove hitch knot. A type of knot used for attaching the suspension lines of a parachute to the connector links.

Cloverleaf handle. A ripcord handle with a cloverleaf shape. Commonly found on chest parachutes.

Cocking. Setting the collapsible bridle for operation.

Confluence wrap. A piece of webbing that wraps around the confluence of two or more pieces of webbing. Prevents the stitching from splitting. Most common use is on main risers and the 3-ring harness ring installation.

Connector link. Usually identified as a small, rectangular metal fitting used to connect ends of risers or lift webs to suspension lines. The suspension lines are tied and sewn above one part of the link, the webs being stitched about the lower part. The design of the link may vary in size and shape according to the intended use.