Pilots in the cockpit flying an HpH Twin Shark
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parachute packing parachute inspection emergency parachute

Taking proper care of your emergency parachute, no matter the make or model, is crucial to ensuring its longevity and, most importantly, your safety. Regular maintenance and daily care through routine can prevent equipment failure, which, as you know, would bring disastrous repercussions! Here’s a short guide on keeping your parachute in peak condition, ready for when you hopefully never need it ;)

Regular Inspection

Before every flight, thoroughly inspect your parachute harness for any signs of wear or damage. Look for small tears, holes, or weakened stitching that may compromise the parachute's integrity. Pay special attention to areas prone to friction, webbing & buckle corrosion. If you detect any damage, address it before your next flight. Regular checks can help you catch minor issues before they become serious. Finally, check to ensure that its packing certificate isn’t expired – why gamble with your life for the sake of a few dollars?

Cleaning and Storage

Proper cleaning is essential to maintain your parachute. Avoid using harsh chemicals or detergents, as these can damage the fabric. Instead, gently clean it with a damp cloth and mild soap if necessary. Allow the parachute to air dry completely before packing it away to prevent mold and mildew growth. Store your parachute in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, as UV rays can weaken the fabric over time. Avoid places with high humidity, as moisture can deteriorate the material and lead to rust on metallic parts.

Packing

Proper packing is vital for a smooth deployment and extended parachute life. Every parachute manufacturer seems to be different regarding expiry dates for repacking, so ensure that a trained professional carefully packs it.

Editor's note: Strong Parachute does not stipulate a repack interval. Parachute manufacturers such as Paraphernalia require inspection and repacking by a qualified rigger every 12 months. Your Civil Aircraft Authority may shorten that requirement. In the United States, the FAA requires that "Main parachutes must be packed within 180 days before the date of use. They may be packed by any certificated parachute rigger or a person working under the direct supervision of a certificated parachute rigger."

Routine Maintenance

While this is not something we can typically do ourselves, routine maintenance, such as replacing worn-out lines and inspecting the harness for wear, is essential. Over time, the lines may stretch or fray, affecting flight performance and control. Your repacker will test the strength of the stitching on the harness and risers, as they bear significant weight during deployment. Usually the repackers are friendly & helpful people, be sure to ask them about any care or use techniques – it may save your life one day!

Avoid Unnecessary Exposure

Protect your parachute from extreme temperatures, prolonged moisture exposure, and excessive UV light. When not in use, keep it safely stored in a protective bag. Avoid sitting on or placing heavy objects over the packed parachute, as this can compress and damage the materials over time.

Banner photo by Sean Franke

Adam Woolley  Adam Woolley was born into the gliding world, being the 3rd generation in his family. Going solo at 15, his thirst for efficiency in soaring flight & quest for a world championship title to his name has never wavered. One big passion is sharing his experiences & joy with other glider pilots all around the world. Adam is an airline pilot in Japan on the B767 & spends his off time chasing summer around the globe. He has now won 7 national Championships & represented Australia at 5 WGC's & 1 EGC.