## K 

Kicker plate. A launching disc which is placed under the pilot chute. 

Kill-line collapsible bridle. A main pilot chute bridle configuration whereby the pilot chute is collapsed by use of a retractable centerline after it has deployed the parachute. 

## L 

L/D.  Lift to drag ratio. 

Lap parachute.  A parachute that rests in the lap of the wearer and attaches to the harness with risers to snaps and D-rings on the front. Resembles a chest parachute with long risers. Not in current use. 

Lateral band.  Lower (in the periphery) or upper (in the vent hem), a reinforcement web. 

Launching disc.  A kicker plate placed under the pilot chute. 

Leg strap. That part of the harness webbing that encircles the wearer’s leg. The leg straps can be adjusted to fit the user. 

Life cycle.  Service life. The time that a parachute may be considered usable. 

Lift web (main). The portion of the harness from the shoulder to the hip area; generally from the canopy releases to the leg strap junction. 

Lift webs.  The front portion of the harness from the shoulder to the leg strap junction; includes the risers if there are no riser releases. 

Lift.  The force perpendicular to drag that helps reduce vertical descent. 

Line extension.  When the lines are fully deployed; prior to line stretch. 

Line separator. A tool used to separate and hold the lines of a round parachute during the packing process. 

Line stowing.  The process of drawing the suspension lines into suspension line retaining loops in the parachute pack; accomplished to prevent entanglement or twisting of the lines during opening of the parachute. Stows may be held by retaining loops or rubber bands. 

Line stretch.  Occurs during deployment, after the lines are fully extended. Follows snatch force and line extension. 

Line-over.  A type of deployment malfunction that occurs when one or more suspension lines pass over the top of the canopy during deployment preventing complete, normal inflation. Not to be confused with “partial inversions.” 

Locking cone.  A cone shaped metal device used in conjunction with end tabs and ripcord pins to hold the container flaps closed. 

Locking pins. Straight or curved metal pins used with a throwout or pull-out pilot chute for securing the container closed. 

Locking ripcord pin. A small metal prong, slightly smaller in diameter than the ripcord cable and fastened to it by means of a swage fitting or serving and solder. One pin is attached to the end of the cable and the others (when two or more are used) are set at intervals on the cable. The spacing of the pins is dependant on the distance between the cones on the container flap. The locking pins pass through the locking cones of the flaps and thus serve to lock the container until such time as the pins are withdrawn. 

Lockstitch.  Type of stitching used in manufacturing parachutes. This type of stitch is formed by two threads. A loop of the thread is passed through the material where it is entered by the supply of the other thread. The loop of the first thread is drawn into the material to the extent that the loop or lock is approximately halfway between the two surfaces of the material. Also known as a type 301 stitch. 

Loft.  A facility for the repair and maintenance of parachutes. 

Logbook. A format for complying with 14 CFR part 65, subsection 65.131(a) in regards to recording the work done by the rigger on parachutes. 

## M 

Machine head. The entire metal housing that supports the moving parts and bearings of the machine. 

Main parachute. A parachute assembly, excluding the harness, that is used in conjunction with a reserve parachute assembly as the primary assembly for a premeditated jump. 

Main seam. That which joins two adjacent gores in a canopy; also known as a radial seam. 

Maintenance. Inspection, overhaul, repair, preservation, and replacement of parts but excludes preventative maintenance. 

