Pilot Chute
The purpose of the pilot chute is to help deploy the
main parachute. The vane-type pilot chute (fig. 11-10)
is a small spring-loaded chute. It is held in a
compressed state by the closing feature of the parachute
container. When released from the container, the coil
spring will eject the pilot chute into the airstream. The
pilot chute canopy inflates and pulls the main parachute
canopy and suspension lines from the container.
PARACHUTE HANDLING AND
CARE
Anyone whose life has been saved by using a
parachute needs no motivation when it comes to taking
care of parachutes. Parachutes may seem cumbersome
at times, but their bulk should serve as a reminder to
those who handle them that the parachute is a lifesaving
instrument. The following is a list of handling
precautions designed to guide you in the proper ways of
caring for a parachute.
1.
Do not carry a parachute by its ripcord handle
or the lift webs.
2.
Keep
actuating
lanyards
for
cartridge-
actuating devices well protected.
3.
Keep parachutes dry and away from all sources
of moisture.
4.
Keep parachutes away from extreme heat, such
as heaters or radiators.
5.
Do not drop a parachute.
6.
Do not step on a parachute.
7.
Keep parachutes clean. Protect them from
contact with oil, grease, dirt, acids, and other
destructive elements. Acids of any kind, even in weak
solutions, are extremely harmful to fabrics. Spillage
from aircraft storage batteries often contaminates areas
of the deck. This harmful condition has many ways of
being transmitted to a parachute. Report immediately
any discrepancy noted on the exterior of a parachute.
WARNING
Never hide or attempt to rearrange webbings,
material, or actuating lanyards that are disarranged
by careless handling. The life you save by reporting
these discrepancies might be your own.
Q11-4.
What are the three basic types of navy
parachutes?
Q11-5.
What secures the parachute to the wearer?
Q11-6.
Which parachute harness has a gated D-ring
attached for helicopter rescue?
Q11-7.
What is the purpose of a pilot chute?
11-8
TUBULAR WEBBING
REINFORCEMENT
CONE
SPRING CASING
SPRING
VANES
GORES
CROWN
GROMMET
PILOT CHUTE
RIP STOP NYLON
PARACHUTE CLOTH
USED THROUGHOUT
ANf1110
Figure 11-10.—Vane-type pilot chute.
