Parachuting is a thrilling sport, but the excitement ends the moment you touch the ground. The real work begins with a meticulous post‑jump inspection. A disciplined routine not only catches damage before it becomes catastrophic, it also significantly prolongs the useful life of your canopy, lines, harness, and hardware. Below is a step‑by‑step guide that seasoned jumpers and newcomers alike can follow after every descent.
Immediate "Quick Scan" (0‑5 minutes after landing)
| What to Look For | Why It Matters | Quick Action |
|---|---|---|
| Canopy fabric -- visible tears, holes, delamination, or discoloration | Small fabric defects can grow under load | Tag the area with a fabric marker or tape; do not pack the canopy until repaired |
| Suspension lines -- fraying, kinked, or broken strands | A compromised line can cause uneven load distribution | Pull each line gently; if any feel unusually stiff or have visible damage, set aside |
| Risers & hardware -- cracked stitching, bent buckles, loose pins | Hardware failure is often catastrophic | Snap the buckles open and inspect each joint; tighten any loose pins |
| Harness -- buckles, straps, and padding | A worn harness can expose the jumper to injury on the next jump | Make sure all buckles snap shut cleanly; replace any frayed straps |
The quick scan takes less than a minute per piece of equipment and helps you catch obvious problems before you proceed to a full inspection.
Detailed Canopy Inspection
- Lay the canopy flat on a clean, dry surface.
- Inspect panel seams : Run a gloved fingertip along each seam, feeling for gaps or uneven stitching.
- Check for UV damage : Look for yellowing, brittleness, or chalky spots---signs that the fabric's coating is deteriorating.
- Examine vent and pilot opening : Ensure the opening edges are clean and free from lint or debris that could snag during deployment.
- Use a magnifying glass (or a jeweler's loupe) to spot micro‑tears that are invisible to the naked eye.
Tip: If you're unsure about a spot, mark it with a small piece of colored tape and have a qualified rigger or instructor evaluate it later.
Suspension Line and Risers Examination
- Line Length Consistency -- Unwind each line and lay them side‑by‑side. All should be the same length within a few millimeters. Uneven lengths indicate prior improper packing or line stretch.
- Kink Detection -- Bend each line in a gentle "S" shape; any resistance or permanent kink is a red flag.
- Sheath Integrity -- For sheathed lines, pull the sheath apart at several points to ensure the inner core isn't exposed.
- Riser Fabric & Stitching -- Look for any abrasion or chafing where the lines contact the riser. Reinforce or replace if needed.
If any line fails the above checks, remove it from service immediately and replace it with a certified spare.
Harness & Personal Gear Check
- Strap Tension -- Pull each strap; it should feel firm but not brittle.
- Buckles & Release Mechanisms -- Operate all buckles three times to confirm smooth operation.
- Padding Inspection -- Check foam pads for compression or cracks---these protect you from impact forces.
- Weight Sensors & Altimeter Mounts -- Verify that all electronic mounts are securely fastened and the cables are intact.
Cleaning Procedure
A clean parachute performs better and ages slower.
| Item | Recommended Cleaning Method |
|---|---|
| Canopy fabric | Spot‑clean with a soft brush and mild soap solution (pH 5‑7). Rinse with distilled water; avoid high‑pressure sprays that can force water into seams. |
| Lines | Hand‑wash in lukewarm water with a gentle detergent. Rinse thoroughly and lay out straight to dry; never tumble‑dry. |
| Hardware | Wipe with a lint‑free cloth and a light oil (e.g., silicone spray) to prevent corrosion. Avoid petroleum‑based products that can degrade fabric coatings. |
| Harness | Machine wash on a gentle cycle with a mesh bag, then air‑dry. Do not use fabric softeners. |
Allow all components to air‑dry completely before repacking. Moisture trapped in the canopy can lead to mildew and weaken the fabric.
Packing & Repacking Standards
- Follow the manufacturer's packing diagram to the letter. Small deviations can create stress points during deployment.
- Use a calibrated pack‑board to ensure consistent canopy folding.
- Apply the correct amount of repacking fluid (if used). Too much fluid can attract dust; too little reduces fabric protection.
- Perform a "pull‑test" on each line after packing to confirm tension is within spec.
- Seal the container with a breathable cover; store it in a climate‑controlled bag to avoid temperature swings.
Storage Best Practices
- Temperature : Keep equipment in a cool (15‑20 °C), dry environment. Extreme heat accelerates UV degradation; freezing can embrittle synthetic fibers.
- Humidity : Maintain relative humidity below 60 %. Use desiccant packets inside storage bags if needed.
- Light Exposure : Store in darkness or UV‑filtered bags; even indirect sunlight can break down fabric coatings over time.
- Rotation : If you have multiple canopies, rotate usage to give each one a rest period between jumps.
Documentation & Logkeeping
A well‑maintained logbook is your best defense against hidden wear.
| Log Entry | Details to Record |
|---|---|
| Date & Jump Number | Helps track usage cycles |
| Inspection Findings | All defects, even minor ones |
| Repair Actions | Part replaced, repaired, or sent for RSO (Recognized Service Organization) |
| Environmental Conditions | High UV days or salty sea‑air exposure may accelerate wear |
| Pack Person | Accountability for proper packing |
Review the log before each jump; if a component approaches its service limit (e.g., 200‑300 jumps for many canopies), schedule a professional inspection.
Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
| Pitfall | Consequence | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Skipping the quick scan | Missed tears become larger | Make the scan a non‑negotiable habit |
| Using harsh chemicals | Fabric coating dissolves | Stick to mild, pH‑balanced cleaners |
| Packing in damp conditions | Moisture leads to mold | Ensure all parts are completely dry |
| Storing with metallic objects | Corrosion scratches fabric | Keep storage area free of metal debris |
| Ignoring minor line frays | Line failure under load | Replace lines at the first sign of wear |
Final Thoughts
A parachute's lifespan isn't determined solely by the number of jumps; it hinges on how you treat it after each flight . By integrating a disciplined post‑jump inspection routine, thorough cleaning, proper packing, and diligent record‑keeping, you protect yourself, your teammates, and your investment.
Remember: Safety is a habit, not an event . Make the post‑jump inspection as integral to your jump routine as the jump itself, and your canopy will reward you with many more years of reliable performance. Happy jumping!