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desirable to locate the ring as close to the lower end as possible so that the pivot arc of the rise does not load the lanyard. This allows the riser end of the lanyard end to be as short as possible. If there is excess lanyard, it is difficult to stow, and it is possible for the lanyard to become snagged and unseated. It is important that the correct risers with attachment ring be installed. While many risers have a ring installation, not all are installed at the correct location. Consequently, the lanyard length will not match the factory dimensions. This can result in premature reserve activation when the main is deployed. 

Most RSL lanyard designs have a snap shackle or similar release device mounted at the riser end of the lanyard.  [Figure 2-54] This allows the user to disconnect the lanyard under certain circumstances. The most common one involves landing in 

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high winds where the parachutist may wish to cutaway the main canopy to prevent being dragged. If the lanyard were not released, the reserve would be deployed as the main is cutaway. 

## Ripcord Cable Routing 

The routing of the ripcord cable from the handle to the pin determines where the lanyard connects to the cable. Most RSL attachments connect with the ripcord cable either at the yoke area or just above the ripcord pin. Generally, there is a double ring installation where the cable end of the lanyard is located.  [Figure 2-55]  On this particular installation, the connection is at the shoulder yoke area. 

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## RSL Lanyard and Container Mount 

These two components are interactive. That is, the design of the container directly affects the design of the lanyard. Once the two above locations are determined, then the routing of the lanyard can be completed. It was originally thought that the lanyard should have a long length to allow acceleration during activation to pull the ripcord cable. This has not proven to be true and most manufacturers keep their lanyards as short as possible to prevent snagging and easier stowing. The Racer cross-connector/lanyard is so sized as to not pull the reserve ripcord until both risers have separated 

In the past, a Velcro $^{®}$ pathway was used for routing the lanyard. This was either on the shoulder yoke or the reserve riser. Experience has shown that the use of Velcro $^{®}$ generally results in high wear and eventual damage to the webbing. [Figure 2-56] On this design, the lanyard is stiffened with a short piece of coated cable and stowed in two pockets located on the yoke area.  [Figure 2-57]  It is secure and has no wear points. The ripcord end of the lanyard is routed to the dual guide ring attachment location and the ripcord cable routed through the rings. [Figure 2-58]  The ripcord cable is then routed to the reserve closing loop. Figure 2-59  shows the RSL lanyard and ripcord cable at the moment of riser extension and just as the cable is loaded. A point that the rigger should be 

