Figure 3-4.-Routing line for pulling retaining cord through
canopy.
rigged, install the spreading gun using the
following procedures:
WARNING
BEFORE COMMENCING ANY FUR-
THER OPERATIONS, ENSURE THAT
THE SAFETY-PIN IS INSTALLED IN
THE SPREADING GUN.
Tie apiece of Type III nylon suspension line
20 feet long to a shot bag (fig. 3-4).
Throw the shot bag attached to the line
through the canopy gores so that it reaches the
canopy peak. Then pull the shot bag through the
vent hem and tie the line temporarily to the vent
lines. Secure the bottom end of this line to keep
it in place while you whip and fold the canopy.
When the canopy has been whipped and folded,
tie the free end of this line to the end of the
spreading gun retaining cord and pull the retaining
cord through the canopy and out the peak.
Untie the Type III nylon line from the
retaining cord and vent lines, and route the
retaining cord through the lark’s head knot in the
pilot parachute connector strap and under all the
vent lines. The retaining cord has a plastic sleeve
that should be centered over the indexing line on
the retaining cord. Align the indexing line on the
retaining cord above the vent lines.
With the help of a bodkin tool, telescope 2
inches of the retaining cord into itself to form a
Figure 3-5.—Rigging retaining cord.
3-inch loop (± 1/4 inch) around the vent lines and
connector strap, as shown in figure 3-5. Cut 1 inch
off the end of the retaining cord at a 45-degree
angle.
Tie a half-hitch around the retaining cord and
complete the splice by telescoping the remainder
of the end into the retaining cord, as shown in
figure 3-6. Work the line until it becomes smooth
on the inside of its casing.
Tack the end inside the retaining cord with two
turns of waxed nylon 6-cord, doubled. Tie the
ends with a surgeon’s knot followed by a square
knot.
Now position the spreading gun at the skirt
hem. Place the spreading gun between the suspen-
sion line groups 1 through 14 and 15 through 28 so
the retaining cord of the gun faces the canopy.
Remove the tension strap from the canopy peak.
Figure 3-6.—Rigging retaining cord (completed splice).
3-3
