on the various types of personnel, cargo, and
deceleration parachutes. Normally, three half
hitches in a series are used for the safety tie.
Clove Hitch
The clove hitch, shown in figure 10-45, is used
to secure the suspension lines to the connector
links on many parachute assemblies.
You know how to tie the most common knots
used in parachute rigging. For even greater
security, these knots can be modified to form
several other knots. The lock knot is an overhand
knot tied adjacent to many other knots. For
example, to prevent the square and lock knots or
the surgeon’s and lock knot from slipping, you
tie overhand knots at each end of the thread or
cord. Also, the overhand knot can be tied in a
series. The same applies to the surgeon’s knot.
The binder’s knot leaves a loose end to form a
slip knot, which is used to temporarily tie an
excess amount of cord. The AS28A deployment
bag uses this type of knot. Also, when you secure
the automatic ripcord release’s arming knot guide
on the automatic seat style parachute, you use a
slip knot tied off with a lock knot. The specific
knots you use are determined by the engineers who
design, test, and establish criteria for the operation
and function of parachute assemblies.
3.220
Figure 10-45.—Tying a clove hitch.
10-30
