PIA-TS-108.1 15 January 2010 Superseding  PIA-TS-108 12 December 1992 PIA Technical Standard Parachute Canopy Fabric Pull Test Non-Destructive Method Disclaimer: Parachute canopy manufacturers may have pull test requirements that  differ in methods, procedures, and loads applied. Test procedures specified by the  canopy manufacturer takes precedence over the test procedures described in this  document. The person performing the pull tests must determine if the canopy  manufacturer has a specific method of pull testing their canopy fabric. Background: The purpose of this test method is to provide a simple, standardized, non- destructive method of verifying the strength of parachute canopy fabric. This test method may be used when no other procedure is specified by the manufacturer. Although this test is intended to be non-destructive, caution should be exercised as this test could damage the fabric,  if the fabric is not positioned correctly or is not secured tightly. It may also affect the fabric permeability. This method is designed to replace the old "Riggers' Thumb Test", first devised in response to  the "canopy acid-mesh" discovery in the mid-1980's. It is now the accepted method for all parachutes requiring canopy fabric strength tests. Reasons for testing may include:  Manufacturer’s Service Bulletins (SBs), Airworthiness Directives (AD’s), aging material, chemical contamination, UV exposure or discoloration of a suspicious origin, such as grease. Tools required and possible sources are as follows: 2 ea. Locking Fabric Clamps Figure 1 Para-Gear Equipment Co. 800-323-0437 (P/N S7989) 3839 W. Oakton St. www.para-gear.com Skokie, IL 60076-3438 Aerostar International, Inc. 605-331-3500 (P/N 51406M) 1814 N. www.aerostar.com Sioux Falls, SD 57117-5057 Ink, Marking (for parachutes and other textile items) A-A-59211 (21Jul/98) Supersedes MIL-I-6903C (5Mar/68) American Writing Ink Co. 781-762-0026 33 Endicott St. Norwood, MA 02062 Page 1 of 8  A-16 Change 1 (December 2015)