Pack tray. The portion of the container or deployment device where the lines are stowed. 

Packing bar. A long, flat bar of metal or wood used in the folding of the canopy of a parachute during the packing process and to aid in closing the container; also known as a long bar, paddle, or fid. 

Packing hook. A special hook-like tool used to draw the suspension lines into place in the hesitator loops. Pull-up cords are sometimes used for this purpose. 

Packing paddle. A flat, narrow piece of metal or wood used to form the packed container; also known as a packing bar or fid. 

Packing table. A table used in packing parachutes, normally 3 feet wide by 40 feet long with a smooth top surface. 

Packing. The operation of folding the canopy and enclosing it in the container. 

Panel. A subdivision of a gore; also known as a section. 

Parachute. An umbrella-like device designed to trap a large volume of air in order to slow the descent of a falling load attached to the parachute. The word “parachute” is formed from the French words “para,” for shield, and “chute,” to fall. Thus, “parachute” literally means “to defend from a fall.” 

Parachute Industry Association (PIA). An international trade organization composed of parachute manufacturers, dealers, riggers, and others involved in the parachute industry. 

Parachute pack. Such as a back pack or chest pack, means the parachute assembly less the harness. It means the container, canopy, suspension lines, pilot chute risers and connector links. The terms “pack” and “container” are not synonymous in the terminology of this part. 

Parachute record card. A card kept in the record pocket that records the packing intervals of the parachute and other important information as required under 14 CFR part 65, subsection 65.131(c). Also known as the “packing data card.” 

Parachute rigger. A person certified by the FAA to perform packing and maintenance on parachutes. 

Parachute rigging. The process of inspecting, repairing, and replacing minor parts of a parachute assembly and of repacking the parachute so that it is ready for immediate use. Parachute rigging also includes fitting and adjusting the harness. 

Parachute standard (PS). PIA specification for parachute materials. 

Partial inversion. A type of deployment malfunction that occurs when one or more gore sections near the skirt become inverted during deployment and form a small pocket which inflates, causing a partial inversion of the canopy. The condition may or may not work out or may become a complete inversion (i.e., the canopy turns completely inside- out). It is the skirt, not the line, which is “over;” not to be confused with a “line-over.” Also known as a “Mae West.” 

Patching. Method of repair by covering a hole or tear in a canopy or pack. 

Performance standards. The specifications that define the minimum performance and safety standards for certificating parachutes. There are three standards that have been used or are in use: NAS-804, AS-8015A, and AS-8015B. 

Permeability. The mass rate of flow or the volume rate of flow per unit projected area of cloth for a prescribed pressure differential. In the U.S., permeability is measured in cubic feet of air through one square foot per minute at ½ " of water pressure. Sometimes confused with porosity. 

Personnel parachutes. Parachutes designed expressly for human use as opposed to cargo drops or aircraft deceleration. 

Piggyback. A single harness, dual parachute system used for intentional parachute jumping where both parachutes are mounted on the back of the jumper. 

Pilot chute assist system. A connection of breakcord or Velcro$^{®}$ between the static line and the pilot chute of a sport parachute, which pulls the pilot chute out of the pack and then separates. 

Pilot chute. A small parachute used to accelerate deployment; constructed in much the same manner as the main canopy and from similar material. Some types of pilot chutes are equipped with a spring-operated, quick-opening device. The frame is compressed so as to open immediately when released from the pack. 

Pin protector flap. A flap that covers the locking pins and cones to prevent the pack from being opened by any means other than the ripcord. 

Pleat. A fold sewn in the fabric. 

