All about skydive parachutes



Parachutes are essential equipment for skydivers, providing vital safety during jumps. Made up of several key components, their handling and use require in-depth knowledge. Discover below a detailed analysis of the composition and use of parachutes.



Parachute composition

The parachute is an essential piece of equipment for any skydiver, consisting of several key components that guarantee safety during a jump. The composition of the parachute includes a harness bag, a main canopy, a reserve canopy and an automatic safety release. Each of these elements plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of the parachute.

The harness bag is the main container that houses the canopies and ensures their deployment when needed. It is designed to protect the canopies and ensure that they deploy correctly when the parachute opens. The harness bag must be handled with care and according to specific instructions to avoid malfunction.

The main canopy is the main component of the parachute, responsible for slowing the skydiver's fall once deployed. It must be in perfect condition and correctly folded to ensure efficient deployment. Regular maintenance of the main canopy is essential to guarantee its reliability and performance during jumps.

The reserve canopy is an additional safety measure in the event of failure of the main canopy. It should be carefully stored in its dedicated container, ready to be deployed in an emergency. The reserve canopy offers peace of mind to the skydiver, knowing that he or she has a back-up solution in case of need.

The automatic safety release is a crucial device that activates automatic deployment of the reserve canopy in the event of a critical situation. It is designed to react quickly in an emergency, ensuring the safety of the skydiver. The reliability and precision of the automatic safety release are essential to ensure a rapid reaction in case of need.


Handling and use

The parachute is an essential piece of equipment for any skydiver, consisting of a harness bag, a main canopy, a reserve canopy and an automatic safety release. Correct handling and use of this equipment is crucial to in-flight safety.

We recommend that you grip the parachute by the main harness straps, not by the handles. In fact, the main straps offer a more stable and secure grip, enabling efficient handling in case of need.

The parachute bag is divided into two separate containers. The upper container houses the reserve canopy, while the lower container holds the main canopy. This organization ensures better weight distribution and optimal canopy utilization in case of emergency.

Hermetic closure of containers is essential to preserve the integrity of the sails. Top, bottom and side flaps must be properly closed to prevent accidental opening and protect the sails from the elements.

In addition, the parachute harness is equipped with a chest strap, which must be attached as soon as the parachute is fitted. This strap prevents the skydiver from tipping forward when opening the canopy, ensuring a safe, controlled descent. The main straps, extended by the leg straps, must also be kept closed at all times to ensure stability in flight.

By following these tips for handling and using the parachute, skydivers can enjoy their experience with complete safety and peace of mind.


Roles of the various parties

The parachute is a crucial piece of skydiving equipment, made up of several components essential to the skydiver's safety. It's vital to understand the role of each part in order to use it properly and safely.

The upper container for the reserve canopy plays a vital role in parachute operation. It houses the reserve canopy, ready to be deployed in case of need. The reserve canopy is an additional safety measure in the event of failure of the main canopy.

As for the lower container for the main canopy, it contains the parachute's main canopy. This is the canopy usually used during a parachute jump. Its good condition and proper storage in the lower container are essential to ensure safe and efficient deployment.

The chest strap is a crucial part of the parachute harness. It is designed to prevent the parachutist from tipping forward when the canopy opens. Correctly attached from the outset, the chest strap ensures the parachutist's stability throughout the descent phase.

The main and leg straps are also essential for maintaining the skydiver's position in flight. When properly attached and adjusted, these straps ensure that the skydiver remains secure and stable throughout the jump.


Safety tips

In this final section, we'll look at some essential safety tips for skydiving. Following these recommendations is crucial to ensuring a safe and enjoyable skydiving experience.

Fasten chest strap as soon as fitted

It's imperative to ensure that the chest strap is correctly fastened as soon as the equipment is fitted. The chest strap plays a crucial role in preventing the skydiver from tipping forward when opening the canopy. Ensuring that the chest strap is securely fastened provides greater stability and safety throughout the jump.

Keep main straps closed

The main harness straps, which extend into two leg straps, must be kept closed at all times. These straps provide the link between the skydiver and the parachute, and it is essential that they are properly adjusted and secured. Ensuring that the main straps remain closed minimizes the risk of accident and guarantees a safe jump.

Follow recommended safety procedures

It's vital to always follow the safety procedures recommended by skydiving professionals. These protocols have been put in place to ensure skydivers' safety and minimize risks. By scrupulously adhering to these guidelines, you help to create a safe environment conducive to skydiving.

Regularly check the condition of the parachute

Before every jump, it's essential to regularly check the condition of the parachute. This includes inspection of the various components, such as the harness bag, main canopy, reserve canopy and automatic safety release. Ensuring that the parachute is in good condition and working properly prevents potential malfunctions and guarantees safe use of the equipment.

By following these safety tips, skydivers can enjoy their jumping experience with complete confidence and peace of mind. Safety must always be a top priority in this extreme and exciting sport.

In conclusion, parachutes are much more than simple rescue devices; they are complex tools designed to offer parachutists optimum protection. By understanding how they work and observing safety instructions, skydiving enthusiasts can enjoy unforgettable experiences in complete safety. Whether for beginners or experts, a thorough knowledge of parachutes is essential for a responsible and exciting practice of this extreme sport.



TL;DR:A complete guide to the composition and use of parachutes, from the main canopy to the chest strap.



All about skydive parachutes