Tandem. A dual harness, dual parachute system for use by two people under the same main parachute. 

Tapes. Narrow woven ribbons used for reinforcing parachutes. 

Tape fastener. Velcro$^{®}$. 

Technical standard order. A minimum performance standard for specified articles, such as materials, parts, processes, or appliances used on civil aircraft. 

Tension plate. A device hooked into the connector links in order to put tension on the canopy while packing. 

Thread.  A thin continuous filament made by spinning fibers and combining the strands. 

Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR).  The rules, regulations, and guidelines established by the FAA to govern the operation of aircraft, airways, airmen, and the safe operation of civil aircraft. 

Toggle. A knob or webbing loop at the end of the steering line for grasping by the parachutist. 

Trimming.  Clipping or paring to reduce to a neat orderly state. 

Tubular nylon.  Sleevelike weave, seamless, and pressed flat, similar in appearance to tape, but stronger and hollow in the center. 

Tuck.  A shortening of material caused by pulling fabric up in folds and stitching across the gathered fabric. 

## U 

Ultimate load. Maximum load that can be applied without causing any part of the structure to fail. 

Ultraviolet light damage. Degradation of nylon fabric by exposure to sunlight or fluorescent lights. Identified by a yellowish color on white fabric or excessive fading to colored fabric. 

United States Parachute Association. A nonprofit division of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) that governs sport parachuting activities in the U.S. 

## V 

V-ring. A metal fitting shaped in the form of a closed letter V, used with snaps to secure or attach a load to a parachute. 

Velcro$^{®}$. The commercial name for hook and pile nylontape fastener. 

Velocity. A vector quantity that includes both magnitude (speed) and direction relation to a given frame of reference; also the time rate of change of position. 

Vent. The opening at the top, or peak, of the canopy. 

Vent cap. A piece of fabric sewn to the upper lateral band and covering the vent; also known as a vent patch. 

## W 

Warp. The threads that run parallel to the selvage edge of cloth; those which are crossed by the filling threads. 

Weave. The forming of a textile by interlacing yarns. The making or manufacturing of cloth on a loom by interlacing warp and filling yarns. 

Webbing. A stout, closewoven tape used for straps, belts, harnesses, etc. 

Weight (fabric). The weight of fabric measured in ounces per square yard. 

Weight. Gravitational force on a mass. 

Wrinkles. A series of small pleats. 

## Z 

Zigzag. A stitch formation of alternating left and right throw stitches, usually made on a sewing machine that moves the needle bar alternately left and right during sewing. 

Zipper. A slide fastener. 

