Packing

After making my jump, I learned how to properly pack a tandem parachute. Packing is a detailed process that had many important steps that, if left out, could easily result in a fatality. Packing a parachute correctly organizes the nylon cells so that they catch the maximum amount to wind upon deployment. “It doesn’t matter of you wad the [parachute] up and stuff it into the bag- as soon as you pull it it'll catch air, you just want to make sure its organized so it opens correctly. Common malfunctions involve a "line over" which (as its name implies) means that the lines connecting the parachute to the harness are looped over the chute, resulting in a parachute that is shaped like a bow-tie. These parachutes (as I learned in ground school) do not meet the second question "Is it square?" and must be cut away.

I was surprised to learn that the opening of the parachute bag is entirely dependent on about 12 rubber bands. After the parachute is arranged correctly and rolled to be put in the bag, the bag is closed by rubber bands that are looped together. Had I known this before I made my first jump, I would have been a lot more nervous.

( Top) In order for the huge parachute to be packed into a tiny bag, all the air must be squished out of it.

(Left) The rubber bands on the packing bag must be checked to make sure that they are still flexable so that the bag will not lock up upon deployment, keeping the chute inside.