Safety Critical Checks are the boundary that separates a "simply packed" parachute from a truly functional survival system. Many pilots make the mistake of ending the repacking process once the parachute is inside the container; however, the most vital stage begins right after.
Here is an in-depth analysis of these critical issues in English:
1. The Pull Test
This is the experimental confirmation that your reserve will actually exit the harness container in a moment of crisis.
Why is it important? If the parachute is packed too tightly, or if the handle pins are inserted too deeply, the pilot might be unable to extract it with a single motion. During high adrenaline and stress, your physical strength increases, but your range of motion and precision can deteriorate.
The Standard (4–7 kg): The force must be high enough to prevent accidental deployment (e.g., during transport) but must not exceed 7 kg, ensuring that any pilot can successfully pull it.
How to check: Use a specialized dynamometer (spring scale). Pull the handle at the same angle you would in the air. If the force exceeds 7 kg, the packing density or the pin alignment must be reassessed.
2. Volume Compatibility
This is an "engineering conflict" that is often the root cause of technical incidents.
Volume Mismatch: If you have a large parachute (e.g., Tandem or XL) and a small, lightweight harness, forcing them together creates excessive pressure. This pressure "compresses" the fabric, slowing down the opening time and making extraction difficult.
Container Shape: Some parachutes (like square models) occupy more space in the corners than round ones. Compatibility means the parachute must fit freely in the container without creating a "bulging" effect when the handle is closed.
Bridle Length: Ensure the connecting strap (bridle) is not longer than the harness channel. Excess length can lead to entanglements with the pins.
3. G-Force Simulation & Throwing Technique
In a real emergency (such as an auto-rotation or a spiral dive), your body experiences significant gravitational loads.
Centrifugal Force Impact: When the wing is rotating, G-force can pin your arm to your body or push it outward. Finding and pulling the handle becomes much more difficult under these conditions.
Throwing Direction: The Golden Rule — The parachute must be thrown outward, in the direction opposite to the rotation. If you throw it toward the inside of the rotation, it will likely fall directly into your main wing and fail to open.
Mental Rehearsal: During training, the pilot should be suspended in a specialized simulator to practice the reserve throw. This develops "muscle memory" so that in a crisis, the brain doesn't waste time thinking "How do I do this?"—the body simply acts automatically.
Why Are These Points Critical?
The majority of pilots who have experienced a "Reserve Failure" (the parachute failing to open) cite incorrect installation or improper throwing technique as the cause, rather than a defect in the parachute itself.
The Pull Test guarantees it will come out.
Compatibility guarantees it will deploy quickly.
G-Force Simulation guarantees you can actually use it during chaos.