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L/D
Lift to drag ratio.
LAP PARACHUTE
A parachute
which rests in the lap of the
wearer and attaches to the harness
with risers to snaps and D rings on
the front. Resembles a chest parachute
with long risers. Not in current
use.
LATERAL BAND
Lower (in
the periphery) or upper (in the vent
hem), a reinforcement web.
LAUNCHING DISC
A
kicker plate placed under the pilot
chute.
LEG STRAP
That part of the
harness webbing which encircles the
wearer’s leg. The leg straps can be
adjusted to fit the user.
LIFE CYCLE
Service life. The
time that a parachute may be considered
usable.
LIFT WEB (MAIN)
The portion
of the harness from the shoulder to
the hip area. Generally from the canopy
releases to the leg strap junction.
LIFT WEBS
The front portion
of the harness from the shoulder to
the leg strap junction. Includes the
risers if there are no riser releases.
LIFT
The force perpendicular to
drag which helps reduce vertical
descent.
LINE EXTENSION
When
the lines are fully deployed. Prior to
line stretch.
LINE SEPARATOR
A tool
used to separate and hold the lines of
a round parachute during the packing
process.
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LINE STOWING
The process
of drawing the suspension lines into
suspension line retaining loops in the
parachute pack; accomplished to prevent
entanglement or twisting of the
lines during opening of the parachute.
Stows may be held by retaining loops
or rubber bands.
LINE STRETCH
Occurs during
deployment, after the lines are
fully extended. Follows snatch force
and line extension.
LINE, GUIDE OR CONTROL
One or more parachute
lines that run from a slot or orifice in
a steerable canopy to the harness providing
better steerability.
LINE, STATIC
A line, cable,
or webbing, one end of which is fastened
to the pack, the other to some
part of the launching vehicle; used to
open a pack or to deploy a canopy.
LINE-OVER
A type of deployment
malfunction. It occurs when one
or more suspension lines pass over
the top of the canopy during deployment
preventing complete, normal
inflation. Not to be confused with
“partial inversions.”
LINES, SUSPENSION
Cords
or webbing of silk, nylon, cotton,
rayon, or other textile materials
which connect the drag surface of the
parachute to the harness. They are the
means by which the wearer or weight
is hung or suspended from the
inflated canopy.
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LINK, CONNECTOR
Usually identified as a small, rectangular
metal fitting used to connect
ends of risers or lift webs to suspension
lines. The suspension lines are
tied and sewn above one part of the
link, the webs being stitched about
the lower part. The design of the link
may vary in size and shape according
to the intended use.
LOCKSTITCH
Type of stitching
used in manufacturing parachutes.
This type of stitch is formed
by two threads. A loop of the thread
is passed through the material where
it is entered by the supply of the other
thread. The loop of the first thread is
drawn into the material to the extent
that the loop or lock is approximately
halfway between the two surfaces of
the material. Also known as a type
301 stitch.
LOFT
A facility for the repair
and maintenance of parachutes.
LOGBOOK
A format for complying
with 14 CFR part 65, subsection
65.131(a) in regards to recording
the work done by the rigger on parachutes.
LOOPS, HESITATOR
Retain the suspension lines in a neat
and orderly arrangement in the parachute
pack. These loops are made in
varying sizes and materials.
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