Which component of a static-line parachute system helps initiate deployment?

Which component of a static-line parachute system helps initiate deployment?

• A. Pilot chute.
• B. Closing loop.
• C. Risers.
• D. Gores.

Answer: (A)

The pilot chute is the element that starts the deployment in a static-line system. When the jumper exits, the static line pulls the pilot chute out of its pack. Once inflated, the pilot chute creates the drag needed to pull the main deployment bag and its lines out of the container, initiating the full canopy deployment. The other parts play different roles—closing loop simply links the static line to the system, risers connect the canopy to the harness, and gores are the fabric panels that form the canopy—but none of them start the deployment the way the pilot chute does.

The pilot chute is the element that starts the deployment in a static-line system. When the jumper exits, the static line pulls the pilot chute out of its pack. Once inflated, the pilot chute creates the drag needed to pull the main deployment bag and its lines out of the container, initiating the full canopy deployment. The other parts play different roles—closing loop simply links the static line to the system, risers connect the canopy to the harness, and gores are the fabric panels that form the canopy—but none of them start the deployment the way the pilot chute does.