Note: There are three basic main bridle configurations: One, a standard non-collapsible bridle. Two,
a bungee collapsible bridle. Three, a centerline or “kill-line” collapsible bridle. The standard bridle
is a simple design and any damage usually results in the replacement of the bridle. The exception to
this is if the tape attaching the curved pin is worn. The replacement of the tape is a simple task. The
most common bridle in use today is the kill-line collapsible type. The replacement of the bridle is
described in the following procedure.
1.0 DISASSEMBLY:
1.1 Remove the old bridle from the pilot chute [Figure A].
2.0 REASSEMBLY:
2.1 Thread the loop ends of the bridle through the bottom support
tapes of the pilot chute [Figure B].
2.2 Glue the ends in place with the glue gun [Figure C].
2.3 Bar tack the bridle along the sides. Do not capture the centerline
[Figure D].
2.4 Align the bridle tapes on the center of the pilot chute attachment
tapes and bar tack in place [Figure E].
2.5 Check the trim of the pilot chute centerline. When the centerline
is taut, the apex should be even with or no more than
1" below the skirt of the canopy.
2.6 Anchor the bag end of the pilot chute at the bag stop. Grasp
the Spectra® centerline and pull to “cock” the bridle.
2.7 Route the free end of the Spectra® centerline up through the
center of the pilot chute and through the loop of the pilot
chute centerline at the apex. Grasp the handle of the pilot
chute and apply tension so that the centerline of the pilot
chute and the bridle are equal. Pinch the Spectra® line so
that the location will not move. Secure with 2 half hitches
[Figure F].
2.8 Change the anchor point to the end of the bridle. Stretch the
bridle so that the pilot chute is collapsed. Lay the pilot chute
out with the mesh exposed and secure the radial tapes with
the pony clamp at the mesh/fabric seam [Figure G]. Pull
moderate tension on the pony clamp and check the location
of the apex of the pilot chute at the opening of the bridle.
2.9 Again anchor the bridle at the bag stop and cock the bridle.
Check the position of the apex of the pilot chute. It should
be within 1" of the skirt [Figure H].
2.10 Finger-trap the running end of the Spectra® centerline for a
distance of 3" [Figure J]. Bar tack or zigzag to secure. Trim the excess line.
2.11 Cock the bridle. Take the hemostats and grasp the Spectra® centerline at the eye of the bridle
[Figure K].
2.12 Pull the centerline out to expose approximately 3" each side of the hemostats. Take the green
felt tip marker and place a mark at the hemostat location and 1" either side [Figure L]. Color
the line between the marks and on both sides [Figure M].
2.13 Pull the bridle tight to reposition the centerline and check the green color of the eye [Figure
N].
3.0 INSPECTION:
3.1 Check the bar tack at the pilot chute loops and at the base.
3.2 Verify the Spectra® centerline is knotted, finger-trapped and sewn.
3.3 Verify the colored eye location of the centerline is marked green.
