content_image/592134.jpg content_image/592135.jpg
There are other methods employed to reduce hard openings, such as rolling the nose of the canopy to delay the initial inflation process as the leading edge unfurls. This rolling technique varies from a single roll to several rolls. [Figure 4-36]  If this does not solve the opening problem, riggers should contact the manufacturer for advice. Most manufacturers are very cooperative and have considerable expertise in working with their products. 

<img src='content_image/592134.jpg'>

The manufacturer may recommend modifying the slider size or deployment brake settings. Of these options, the easiest to do is to change the brake setting. Reducing the brake setting results in less pressure on the canopy during opening, thereby reducing the opening force. The negative effect of reducing the brake setting is an increase in opening surge. The new brake setting must find the balance of these results that best fit the user. If changing the brake setting does not work, then the rigger may wish to increase the size of the slider to slow the openings. This usually means replacing the slider with a larger one. This has the effect of increasing the drag on the slider and restricting the canopy inflation. Another effective method of preventing hard openings is to install a 2-inch diameter rubber band on the center B or C line attachment tab and stowing the apex of the slider in a single wrap of that band. [Figure 4-37] The jumpers’ airspeed also has a significant effect on opening shock. Jumpers should make a conscious effort to slow down before putting out their pilot chute, and then assume a slightly head high attitude in preparation for opening. 

As canopies age and accumulate substantial jumps on them, many begin to develop slow openings, commonly known as “sniveling.” If the canopy was originally packed with the nose rolled, reducing the number of rolls may speed up the openings. However, many times the slow openings are due to other causes. Probably the main reason for canopies developing slow openings is increased porosity that occurs with frequent use. It is especially noticeable on canopies that have a “lip” or a baffled nose. These particular design features cause a canopy to open slower for softer openings, which 

<img src='content_image/592135.jpg'>

is a desirable characteristic, but as the canopy fabric wears and permeability increases, the openings may get too slow. 

The effect on fabric that originally had a permeability of 0–3 cubic feet per minute (CFM) or 0–5 CFM, such as PIA-C- 44378, may not be as dramatic. With these canopies, pulling down the tail by deepening the brake setting speeds up the inflation of the canopy. The rigger must be careful not to set the brakes so deeply as to place the canopy in a stall during opening. If this does not work, then decreasing the size of the slider or the fabric type of the slider may help speed up the openings. The size and condition of the pilot chute may also contribute to the perceived speed of opening. 

Another cause is when the canopy gets out of trim due to the stretch of the suspension lines or shrinkage of steering/ brake lines. The rigger should check the trim of the canopy against the manufacturer’s specifications and either re-trim the canopy or re-line it. This may have a pronounced effect of improving the openings, as well as the flying characteristics. 

## Main Pilot Chute 

Hand deploy pilot chutes are made from either the PIA-C-44378 (0–3 CFM) (formerly known as F-111 which is a proprietary brand name that is no longer manufactured. 

