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> Operations
> Sport Parachute Main Packing Techniques
The most common packing method used today
is the Proper Ram-air Orientation (PRO) packing. Figures 4-1
thru 4-32 show this technique. There are several variations
to this technique designed for special purposes. Free fall cameramen
may require a slower opening to reduce the opening shock. Canopy
Relative Work (CRW) parachutists may want faster sub-terminal
openings. The rigger should be able to provide guidance to the
parachutist for the type of opening required.
Figure 4-1. Prepare the slider. If
collapsible, make sure the drawstring(s) is cocked.
Figure 4-2. Grasp the line groups between
your fingers.
Figure 4-3. Run your hands up the lines
pushing the slider ahead of them. Spread the line groups and
shake out canopy.
Figure 4-4. Make sure the canopy is
orientated with the nose to rear and tail to front.This view
is shown from the top of thecanopy looking down and towards
the packer.
Figure 4-5.Transfer all the lines to
one hand.
Figure 4-6. Starting with the cell
nearest your legs, flake the nose.
Figure 4-7. Grasp all the cells and
tuck them between your legs.
Figure 4-8. Clear the stabilizers on
each side.
Figure 4-9.View from front with slider
moved upward for clarity. Note how the attachment tapes of each
line group fall together.
Figure 4-10. Separate and clear material
between line groups.
Figure 4-11. Square the slider between
the line groups.
Figure 4-12. Grasp the center of the
tail.
Figure 4-13. Grasp the center of the
tail seam with the same hand that holds the lines. With the
other hand, pull the tail seam downward. Repeat for the other
side.
Figure 4-14. Pull both side seams together
at the bottom.
Figure 4-15. Roll both seams together
tightly starting at the bottom.
Figure 4-16. Hold the rolled tail between
the legs and roll the upper material tightly against the lines.
Figure 4-17. Smooth the air out of
the rolled canopy.
Figure 4-18. Take the free hand and
place it under the rolled canopy bundle.
Figure 4-19. Keeping the lines taut,
lay the canopy bundle on the floor.
Figure 4-20. Triangular shape on the
floor. Make sure the slider is securely wrapped in the tail.
Figure 4-21. If used, cock the kill-line
bridle.
Figure 4-22. Check the collapsed bridle.
Figure 4-23. Dress the canopy bundle
slightly wider than the deployment bag.
Figure 4-24. Make a short “S”
fold at the slider end of the bundle.
Figure 4-25. Fold the top of the canopy
bundle back towards the lines for a second “S” fold.
Figure 4-26. Complete the “S”
fold.
Figure 4-27. Place one corner of the
canopy stack in the bag.
Figure 4-28. Place the other side of
the canopy in the bag.
Figure 4-29. Canopy fully in the bag.
Figure 4-30. Secure the center locking
stow with the line group.
Figure 4-31. Secure the remainder of
the mouth locking stows.
Figure 4-32. Stow the remainder of
the lines on the side bag stows.
When packing reserves and emergency parachutes,
the rigger must adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions
and is not allowed to deviate from them. When packing main parachutes,
the manufacturer may specify a certain packing method but then
gives guidance and leeway for alternative methods to use to
vary the opening according to the needs of the parachutist.
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