pilot chute
Parachute's small helper
A pilot chute is a small auxiliary parachute that deploys first, catching air to pull the main canopy from its container.
Skydivers throw it by hand; reserve and military parachutes use spring-loaded versions.
The pilot chute remains inflated during descent, trailing above the main canopy.
- ripcordDeployment activator for parachutes
- bridleEquine control harness
- harnessStraps controlling an animal
- freefallUnimpeded downward motion
- drogueTowed deceleration device
canopy · air · apex · spring-loaded · extraction · deployment · soft opening · open · pull · throw-out · risers · slider · nylon · tandem jump · toss · altimeter · fabric · airflow