## 4.3.9 RATE OF DESCENT TESTS (METHOD 1): 

## 4.3.9.1 RATE OF DESCENT TESTS (METHOD 2): 

Per Table 3, there shall be not less than 6 drops, with an individual and/or dummy in each harness weighing not less than the maximum operating weight$^{2}$. The average rate of descent shall not exceed 24 ft/s (7.3 m/s) and the total velocity shall not exceed 36 ft/s (11.0 m/s) in an unaltered post deployment configuration, corrected to standard day sea level altitude conditions. The rate of descent measurement shall be taken over a minimum interval of 100 ft (30.5 m). These tests may be combined with other tests in this section. 

The rate of descent corrected to standard day sea level altitude conditions shall not exceed 5 ft/sec (1.5m/sec) at touchdown with appropriate control manipulations and the average rate of descent shall not exceed 24 ft/sec (7.3 m/s) in the unaltered post deployment configuration over a minimum interval of 100 ft (30.5m). These tests may be combined with other tests in this section. 

## PIA TS 135 

NOTE:  If the total velocity exceeds 36 ft/sec at maximum certified weight, the container or harness (if integral to the container) must be marked in an area readily visible to the user: “For experienced parachutists only. The owner‟s manual contains experience requirements.” 

## 4.3.10 STABILITY TESTS: 

## 4.3.11 LIVE TESTS: 

Per Table 3, there shall be not less than 6 drops, at the minimum operating weight. The oscillations shall not exceed 15   from the vertical, in an unaltered post-deployment configuration. These tests may be combined with other tests in this section. 

Per Table 3, there shall be a minimum of 4 live tests with an individual weighing not more than the maximum operating weight in each harness. Two drops shall include a freefall of not more than 3 seconds and 2 drops shall include a freefall of at least 20 seconds. These tests may be conducted in conjunction with functional and/or rate of descent tests when practical. The user(s) must suffer no significant discomfort from the opening shock and must be able to disengage himself (themselves) unaided from the harness after landing. For this test the standard harness may be altered to permit attachment of a certified reserve parachute assembly (less harness) provided that such alteration does not interfere with the normal operation of the parachute assembly being tested. Reserve parachute assemblies shall be tested with the main compartment(s) full and empty, with a minimum of two tests each. 

NOTE : Live tests for Dual Harness Reserve Parachute Assemblies may be tested with the parachutist in command and a dummy payload in the passenger harness. 

## 5. COMPONENT QUALIFICATIONS: 

Any single component, assembly of components, group of components or group of assemblies may be certified. Table 4 lists the appropriate test paragraphs for each of the major components. Any components not listed in Table 4 shall be tested according to all applicable sections of this document based on the components function. 

