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## Airing and Drying 

During the inspection process, the rigger must determine the condition of the canopy and system regarding dryness and moisture. In the past, it was necessary for the parachute to be aired and dried for 24 hours prior to packing it. According to 14 CFR part 65, section 65.129(c), “No certificated parachute rigger may pack a parachute that has not been thoroughly dried and aired.” This determination is at the discretion of the rigger. 

## Ram-Air Reserves and Sport Piggyback Systems 

The following inspection procedures share much with the previous section on round canopies. The differences between ram-air reserves and sport piggyback systems are identified in the following section. Inspect as follows: 

## Pilot Chute and Free Bag/Bridle 

1. The rigger should inspect the pilot chute in the same manner as in the section on round canopies. 

2. The free bag should be checked to include all grommets, especially those bags that have a through loop configuration. Any sharpness in this area can result in a damaged closing loop. For those free bags that utilize a Safety-Stow$^{®}$ locking system, make sure the elastic loop is of the correct size, the elastic is in good shape, and the zigzag stitching is secure. Many riggers fabricate these loops in the field, which in most cases, is an unauthorized procedure. The Safety-Stow$^{®}$ loop is an integral part of the approved reserve deployment system and is manufactured under an approved quality control system from approved materials. The rigger should use only OEM-approved parts for this. 

3. Check the bridle for any damage or wear. For those bridles that have assistor pockets, make sure the stitching is secure and the pockets are not damaged. Check the Velcro$^{®}$ on the line stow pocket for wear and security. If the Velcro $^{®}$ does not hold securely, the parachute can experience “line dump” during deployment, possibly causing a malfunction or out of sequence deployment. Some deployment bags use rubber bands to stow the lines. If this is the case, check their condition and replace them if necessary. 

4. There are still older ram-air canopies in the field that did not use a free bag but a diaper deployment system. If this is the case, the diaper should be inspected the same as that on a round canopy. Be sure to use the correct type and length of bridle, since it is generally not the same as a round bridle. 

## Ram-Air Reserve Canopy 

Shown in Figure 5-19  is a typical ram-air reserve and harness and container system layout. The terminology used in describing the parts of the ram-air canopy is called out in PIA Technical Standard TS-100, Standardized Nomenclature for Ram-air Inflated Gliding Parachutes, which can be found in Appendix I of this handbook. 

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1. When inspecting and assembling ram-air canopies, begin with the upper surface of the canopy. [Figure 5-20] Work your way up and down the top panel of the cells looking for any damage or contamination. Check the seams for loose stitching and packing tabs if used, for security. 

2. Check the trailing edge seam for secure stitching, paying particular attention to the line attachment 

