> Design and Construction > Pilot Chutes > Hand Deploy Pilot Chutes

Attached to a short lanyard and handle. [Figure 2-42] This handle is usually mounted on the bottom corner of theThe hand deploy pilot chute was invented by Bill Booth in 1976. There are two types of hand deploy designs. One is the throw-out pilot chute (TOP) configuration. This is the type where the pilot chute pulls the locking pin located on the bridle. [Figure 2-40] The original design had the pilot chute pouch mounted on the belly band

Figure 2-39. Magnum pilot chute.

Today the primary location is an elastic/Spandex® pocket mounted on the bottom of the main container (BOC). [Figure 2-41] The second type is the pull-out pilot chute (POP) configuration.This design has the pilot chute packed in the container, which is locked with a straight locking pin main container. The parachutist grasps the handle and pulls the locking pin from the locking loop and brings the pilot chute into the airstream. The handle is usually attached to the bottom of the pilot chute and as soon as the chute enters the airstream, the handle is pulled from the parachutist’s hand. This makes for a positive deployment. The main drawback to this system is losing the handle due to it being dislodged while moving around in the aircraft or in the air.

Figure 2-40.TOP bridle/pin configuration.

Figure 2-41. BOC pocket location.

Figure 2-42. POP handle and lanyard.