## 2.1.6 FAILURE OF A PARACHUTE ASSEMBLY OR COMPONENT: 

## 2.1.7 FUNCTIONALLY OPEN: 

## 2.1.8 RESERVE STATIC LINE (RSL): 

## 2.1.9 MAIN PARACHUTE BREAKAWAY DEVICE: 

## 2.1.10 MAXIMUM OPERATING WEIGHT (MOW): 

## 2.1.11 MAXIMUM PACK OPENING SPEED (MPOS): 

The term “failure” in this document shall mean any change in a component or assembly that adversely affects its airworthiness. However, the use of consumable, frangible or single use parts shall be permitted in all assemblies and shall not be considered a failure if they function as designed. 

Functionally open shall mean a parachute sufficiently deployed and inflated to provide a rate of descent of not more than 24 ft/s (7.3m/s). This condition may be demonstrated by video, film or electronic data of the test in a manner determined by the manufacturer. 

A device connected to the main parachute assembly that is capable of actuating the reserve parachute assembly following a breakaway from the main canopy. 

A device used by the parachutist in command to separate the main parachute from the harness of a single or dual-harness reserve parachute assembly. The parachutist in command shall be able to operate the main parachute breakaway device for dual harness reserve parachute assemblies. 

The maximum operating weight is the total (gross) weight of all individuals or dummies and their equipment including the parachute assembly itself. MOW is also known as the “placard weight”. 

The maximum pack open speed in KTAS (knots true airspeed) is the maximum speed at which the (reserve/emergency) parachute pack (container) is designed to be opened. This definition specifically allows for the wearing of parachutes in freefall and/or in aircraft at speeds higher than the maximum pack opening speed. MPOS is also known as the “placard speed”. 

## PIA TS 135 

NOTE : In order to provide an inherently greater margin of safety without requiring that tests be conducted at all possible altitudes, all test conditions in this document are stated in KEAS and that all maximum pack opening speeds are stated in KTAS. In the event that a manufacturer elects to conduct further testing at higher altitudes, the placard limits may be changed to reflect any test conditions successfully conducted. 

## 2.1.12 MINIMUM OPERATING WEIGHT (MinOW) 

## 2.1.13 SERVICE LIFE RESTRICTED ITEMS: 

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT: All Rights Reserved. No Part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission from Parachute Industry Association. PIA Headquarters, Parachute Certification St andards Committee, 3833 West Oakton Street, Skokie, IL 60076 Phone: 847-674-9742 Fax: 847-674-9743 or website www.pia.com for contact details. 

The minimum operating weight is the lowest allowed total (gross) weight of an individual or dummy (or all individuals or dummies in the case of a tandem) and their equipment including the parachute assembly itself. The MinOW  shall be specified by the manufacturer and may be any weight demonstrated to be appropriate by the manufacturer for the system. 

Materials or products that, by design, are service life restricted for any reason (environmental, structural, chemical, etc.) may be used in any manner chosen by the manufacturer. Each such item must be marked in a manner that will allow maintenance personnel to determine the serviceable status of the part. 

## PIA TS-135, Revision 1.4, Issued April 22, 2010, Page 4 of 18 

Disclaimer: This document is published by the PIA to provide technical and engineering standards that can be used by reference by all those who may benefit from them. The use of this document is entirely voluntary, and its applicability and suitability for any particular use, including any patent or trademark infringement arising there from, is the sole responsibility of the user. There may be errors, especially in numbers. PIA disclaims any responsibility for accuracy. The PIA reviews each technical publication periodically, at which time it may be reaffirmed, revised, or canceled. The PIA invites your written comments and suggestions. Copyright © 2010 Parachute Industry Association. 

