What are the parts of a parachute?

What are the parts of a parachute?

Parachute jumping is an unforgettable experience that raises your adrenaline levels to the maximum and allows you to enjoy a spectacular moment. There are many elements involved making this incredible experience possible for us to enjoy. Some of those elements are the parts of a parachute.

We at iJump have prepared this post with information about the different parts of a parachute and how each of them works, for you to know more about this sport, so you can live one of the most fun experiences in the world to the absolute fullest.

Do you want to learn more about how parachutes work and get to know the elements that make it possible for you to jump safely out of a plane? Read on!

The parts of the parachute

Have you ever stopped to think about the elements that allow skydivers to jump from a plane at great heights and fly through the sky at high speed safely? We’ll explain them to you below!

At first glance, a parachute may seem simple, but the way a parachute works consists of many individual parts that interact with one another.

Regardless of the parachute type we use there are some elements common to all of them that are essential for a pleasant and safe jump.

Main Parachute / Canopy

This is the part that is popularly known as the “parachute” as it is the “main” element, i.e. the nylon part that slows down the speed of the fall.

It is the part in charge of exerting air resistance. It is very important that it is made of robust and strong materials that can withstand the air pressure without problems. In addition, its size may vary depending on the type of jump you want to do, the weight of the person who is going to jump, etc.

Slider

This element is used to help the opening of the parachute to be carried out symmetrically and gradually, allowing for smooth and controlled openings.

It is a small rectangle, usually made of nylon with gromets, through which all the lines pass, and which remains above the head once the canopy is fully open.

Stabilisers

These elements serve to stabilise the parachute during flight. They align the trajectory of all the equipment in order to maintain the direction of the parachute in a controlled manner.

Hackie, ripcord, pilot chute

This is the element that the parachutist will have to pull to open the main parachute. It is usually located at waist height for quick and easy access.

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Reserve parachutes

All skydiving equipment includes a second reserve canopy to be used in the rare event of the main parachute not opening properly. This parachute has its own handle to activate its opening when pulled. It even has an additional line connected to one of the risers of the main canopy to initiate the activation of the emergency parachute in the case that the main canopy is disconnected.

Harness

This is the element made up of webbing that allows the entire equipment to be attached to the body. In addition, they ensure that the body weight is distributed evenly to avoid any discomfort during the jump and to assist with symmetrical openings of the canopy. These webbing straps are embedded in the container and are usually placed between the chest, shoulders and legs.

Container

This is the name given to the backpack in which all the equipment is stored and has the harness integrated to attach the container to the body of the parachutist.

The bag, parachutes, pilot chute and lines are stored inside.

RSL or Reserve Static Line

This is a line that connects the risers of the main canopy to the line that activates the reserve parachute so that, once the main parachute has been separated from the container, the opening of the reserve canopy is activated automatically by the RSL.

The toggles

These elements make it possible to manoeuvre the parachute once it is already open. With them you can take control of the flight direction, change the angle of descent as well as achieve soft and controlled landings.

Altimeter

The altimeter is a barometric device that allows us to know how high we are at all times with respect to the ground level. With this information we can calculate how much time we have before reaching the ground and the moment when we want to activate the canopy.

Three ring system

Three metal rings are used to connect the main canopy to the rest of the equipment. This system is designed to minimise the pressure/force required to disconnect the main canopy if necessary.

Hook knife

A hook knife is the blade used to cut the lines or harness if necessary. It is usually stored somewhere easily accessible to the skydiver.

mechanism-of-a-parachute

Live an amazing experience with iJump

We hope that you found this post about some of the most important parts of a parachute interesting.

As skydiving experts from iJump, we encourage you to live this experience while enjoying the best views of Gran Canaria. Take the plunge with us and have fun with this original adventure.

At iJump we have the best professionals and we offer different options for you to live the experience as you wish: with friends or as a couple, as an original gift, a unique marriage proposal, tandem skydive, bachelor skydive, birthday jump

In addition, we have an excellent service that will allow you to take all your memories home with you in form of high quality photos and videos so that you can share this unforgettable experience with your friends and family.

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions; we’ll be happy to help you with anything you need. Ready to jump?

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