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DAISY CHAIN
A method of
gathering the suspension lines when
field packing a parachute so as to
reduce the possibility of their becoming
entangled.
DAMAGE CHART
A graphic
representation of a canopy used to
identify and mark damaged areas for
repair.
DART
A short, tapered seam.
DATA POCKET
Small patch
pockets sewed to the inside and outside
surfaces of a parachute container
for carrying the parachute record
card.
DECELERATE
To slow down.
A free-falling body will decrease its
rate of descent due to pressure of the
atmosphere against its frontal area.
This resistance will gradually
increase as the falling body nears the
earth due to increasing atmospheric
pressure.
DENIER
A unit of measurement
of silk in which the size of yarn is
quoted as its weight per length. This
is determined by weighing 9,000
meters and quoting the size of the
yarn in grams. Thus, if 9,000 meters
weigh 30 grams, the size of the yarn
is then known as 30 denier.
DEPLOYMENT DEVICE
A sleeve or bag.
DEPLOYMENT
That portion
of a parachute’s operation occurring
from the moment of pack opening to
the instant the suspension lines are
fully stretched but prior to the inflation
of the canopy. Also known as
development.
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DESIGNATED
PARACHUTE RIGGER
EXAMINER (DPRE)
A master
parachute rigger appointed by the
Administrator to conduct oral and
practical tests required for the certification
of parachute riggers.
DIAGONAL SEAM
A French
fell seam of the canopy which joins
two sections of a gore. Diagonal
seams meet the centerline of the gore
at angles of 45 degrees and 135
degrees.
DIAMETER
The greatest distance
across a flat canopy, from skirt
to skirt, measured when the canopy is
lying flat. This measurement designates
the size of the parachute in feet.
DIAPER
Generally, a fabric
panel secured by the suspension lines
which is sewn to and wrapped around
the canopy. Used to control and
reduce opening forces. Found mostly
on round reserves.
DIE
The lower part of the tool
used in a press to install snap fasteners
or grommets.
DIRECT BAG STATIC
LINE SYSTEM
A static line
deployment system where the bag is
attached to the static line and the
canopy deploys free into the
airstream.
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DOUBLE THROW ZIGZAG
STITCHING
Stitching in which
the needle makes a center stitch
between each left and right stitch.
Also known as a No. 308 stitch.
DOUBLE-W
A three-point
cross-stitch.
D-RING
A metal fitting shaped
like a D into which snap connectors
are hooked.
DROP TEST
Dropping a
dummy or other load from an aircraft
in flight or otherwise simulating a
live jump to prove serviceability of a
parachute.
DROP ZONE (DZ)
A specified
area upon which personnel or
equipment are dropped by parachute.
DRYING TOWER
A facility
where parachutes are suspended for
airing and drying.
DUAL PARACHUTE
PACKS
A sport assembly consisting
of a main and a reserve parachute.
DUMMY (PARACHUTE)
Torso-shaped dummy of variable
weight used for testing parachutes;
may be of fixed or articulated construction.
DUMMY DROP
A parachute
test using a dummy as the suspended
load.
DURABLE DOT FASTENER
The common snap fastener
used for closing flaps, etc.
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