Chapter 2
MAIN RISER ATTACHMENT
The main risers must have an attachment location for the
lanyard. In this example, a small ring is installed near the
lower hardware end of the riser on the inboard side.
[Figure 2-51] It is desirable to locate the ring as close to
the lower end as possible so that the pivot arc of the riser
does not load the lanyard. This allows the riser end of the
lanyard end to be as short as possible. If there is excess
lanyard, it is difficult to stow and it is possible for the lanyard
to become snagged and unseated. It is important that
the correct risers with attachment ring be installed. While
many risers have a ring installation, not all are installed at
the correct location. Consequently, the lanyard length
will not match the factory dimensions. This can result in
premature reserve activation when the main is deployed.
Most RSL lanyard designs have a snap shackle or similar
release device mounted at the riser end of the lanyard.
[Figure 2-52] This allows the user to disconnect the lanyard
under certain circumstances. The most common one
involves landing in high winds where the parachutist may wish to cutaway the main canopy to prevent being
dragged. If the lanyard were not released, the reserve
would be deployed as the main is cutaway.
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