Repacking a reserve parachute is a process where working from memory is unacceptable. To guarantee 100% precision, the use of a written Checklist is mandatory.
Here is a professional and systemic checklist to follow before, during, and after every repack in English:
1. Pre-Packing Phase
Before starting the actual work, the environment must meet specific standards:
[ ] Airing-out: Has the parachute been unpacked and hung for 12–24 hours in a dry, dark room?
[ ] Manufacturer’s Manual: Do you have the specific manual for this model (PDF or printed) on hand?
[ ] Work Surface: Is the floor/table clean, dry, and free of static electricity (no carpets)?
[ ] Tools: Are packing weights, plastic clips, and new rubber bands prepared?
[ ] Hygiene: Are your hands clean (free of oils and sweat, which can damage the nylon)?
2. Inspection Phase
This is the stage where the equipment's airworthiness is determined:
[ ] Canopy Fabric: Has every section been checked using the "backlighting" method (searching for micro-holes)?
[ ] Lines: Are all lines straight and free of knots, friction burns, or chemical stains?
[ ] Seams: Have the load-bearing points, where the lines attach to the canopy, been inspected?
[ ] Bridle (Connection): Is the connection to the harness (Maillon/Soft link) secure and safetied with a plastic O-ring?
3. Packing Phase
The focus here is symmetry and correct air extraction:
[ ] Flaking (Layering): Are all panels laid out symmetrically and perfectly straight according to the manufacturer’s diagram?
[ ] Air Extraction: Was the air "squeezed out" without twisting the fabric?
[ ] S-Folds (Line Stowing): Are the lines stowed so they deploy first, followed by the canopy?
[ ] New Elastic Bands: Have you used only new, specialized elastic bands? (Reusing old ones is strictly forbidden).
4. Deployment & Harness Installation
Placing the parachute into the harness is the most critical moment of accountability:
[ ] Inner Container (D-bag): Is the parachute placed correctly inside the D-bag? (Orientation is critical).
[ ] Handle: Is the deployment handle correctly attached to the D-bag and NOT to the parachute lines?
[ ] Pin Check: Are the closure pins in place and moving freely without obstruction?
5. Final Safety Check
Tests confirming the completion of the work:
[ ] Pull Test: Have you simulated an extraction to ensure the required force is between 4–7 kg?
[ ] Logbook Entry: Has the repack been recorded in the parachute’s passport and the pilot’s log (date, signature)?
[ ] Next Interval: Have you set a reminder for the 6-month interval for the next repack?
Golden Rule: If at any point during the repack you doubt your actions—even regarding a minor detail—disassemble everything and start over. A reserve parachute does not forgive mistakes.