HOOK, PACKING—A special hook used to draw suspension lines into place in hesitater loops. HOOK, TENSION—Hooks used to retain the connector links during parts of the packing procedure. HOUSING, EXTENSIBLE RIPCORD—A ripcord and housing that can be extended approximately 4 inches to accommodate the addition of a raft kit to the seat-type parachute assembly. HOUSING, RIPCORD—A flexible steel tube encasing the ripcord cable used to protect against accidental release of damage and to serve as a cable guide. Integrated ripcord assembly housings are constructed of vinyl-coated flexible tubing. IN.—Abbreviation for inches. IND—Abbreviation for indicated. IN. H₂0—Abbreviation for inches of water column (27.68 in. H₂0 equals 1.0 psi equals 2.036 in. Hg). See also IN. Hg. IN. Hg—Abbreviation for inches of mercury column. (0.07349 in. Hg equals 1.0 in. H2O) See also IN. H2O. INNER CORE—Five to nine internal yarns (number depending on type) for suspension lines that are covered by a woven sleeve or casing. INSPECTION—A close examination for damage, wear, and dirt. Also, regularly scheduled examination of parachute assemblies. See also SERVICING PARACHUTES. KEEPER—Small strip of tape or loop used to retain an object; for example, riser and back pad keepers. KIAS—Knots indicated air speed. KICKPLATE—A platform on the NES-8B parachute container that serves as a firm place for the pilot parachute to spring from during opening. KIT BAG, FLYER’S—A container made of canvas or nylon and reinforced with webbing, usually with a slide fastener opening. It is used to carry the parachute and its accessories. KNOT, BINDER—The simplest method of joining two threads or lines. The two ends are placed side by side and a simple, overhand knot is then tied in both lines simultaneously. It will not slip when drawn tightly. Also called a thumb knot. KNOT, BOWLINE—A knot formed by making a small overhand loop a desired distance from the end of the line. The end of the line is then passed through the loop from the underside of the main part of the line and back through the small loop. When this knot is drawn tight, it will not slip but still can be easily untied. KNOT, CLOVE-HITCH—A knot formed by making one turn around a post, bringing the end across the line, continuing around the post a second time, and passing the end under the second loop. Used to tie suspension lines to connector links. KNOT, HALF-HITCH—A knot formed by passing a cord or line around an object, then passing the free end around the main part of the cord and bringing the free end up through the loop thus formed. It is used to finish the tying of the suspension lines to the connector link and in forming safety ties. KNOT, LARK’S HEAD—A knot formed around an attachment ring or bar by passing the free ends of the line around the bar or though the ring and then through a loop or bight in the line. This knot is used to attach pilot parachute connector straps. KNOT, OVERHAND—A simple knot tied in the end of a line by forming a loop and passing the end over and down through the loop. KNOT, SQUARE—A knot formed bypassing the end of the cord in the left hand over and under the end in the right hand, and then reversing the process by passing the end in the right hand over and under the one in the left hand. KNOT, SURGEON’S—The surgeon’s knot is similar to the square knot, except that the first overhand tie is wrapped twice around the cord or line. LB—Abbreviation for pounds. LIFT WEBS—The parts of parachute harness webbing or riser that extends from the connector AI-7