PIA TS 135  2.1.6 FAILURE OF A PARACHUTE ASSEMBLY OR COMPONENT: 2.1.7 FUNCTIONALLY OPEN: 2.1.8 RESERVE STATIC LINE (RSL): 2.1.9 MAIN PARACHUTE BREAKAWAY DEVICE:  2.1.10 MAXIMUM OPERATING WEIGHT (MOW): 2.1.11 MAXIMUM PACK OPENING SPEED (MPOS):  2.1.12 MINIMUM OPERATING WEIGHT (MinOW)  2.1.13 SERVICE LIFE RESTRICTED ITEMS:  The term “failure” in this document shall mean any change in a component or assembly that  adversely affects its airworthiness. However, the use of consumable, frangible or single use  parts shall be permitted in all assemblies and shall not be considered a failure if they function as  designed.  Functionally open shall mean a parachute sufficiently deployed and inflated to provide a rate of  descent of not more than 24 ft/s (7.3m/s). This condition may be demonstrated by video, film or  electronic data of the test in a manner determined by the manufacturer. A device connected to the main parachute assembly that is capable of actuating the reserve  parachute assembly following a breakaway from the main canopy.  A device used by the parachutist in command to separate the main parachute from the harness  of a single or dual-harness reserve parachute assembly. The parachutist in command shall be  able to operate the main parachute breakaway device for dual harness reserve parachute  assemblies.  The maximum operating weight is the total (gross) weight of all individuals or dummies and their  equipment including the parachute assembly itself. MOW is also known as the “placard weight”. The maximum pack open speed in KTAS (knots true airspeed) is the maximum speed at which  the (reserve/emergency) parachute pack (container) is designed to be opened. This definition  specifically allows for the wearing of parachutes in freefall and/or in aircraft at speeds higher than  the maximum pack opening speed. MPOS is also known as the “placard speed”. NOTE : In order to provide an inherently greater margin of safety without requiring that tests be  conducted at all possible altitudes, all test conditions in this document are stated in KEAS and  that all maximum pack opening speeds are stated in KTAS. In the event that a manufacturer  elects to conduct further testing at higher altitudes, the placard limits may be changed to reflect  any test conditions successfully conducted.  The minimum operating weight is the lowest allowed total (gross) weight of an individual or  dummy (or all individuals or dummies in the case of a tandem) and their equipment including the  parachute assembly itself. The  MinOW  shall be specified by the manufacturer and may be any  weight demonstrated to be appropriate by the manufacturer for the system. Materials or products that, by design, are service life restricted for any reason (environmental,  structural, chemical, etc.) may be used in any manner chosen by the manufacturer. Each such  item must be marked in a manner that will allow maintenance personnel to determine the  serviceable status of the part.  DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT: All Rights Reserved. No Part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission from Parachute Industry Association. PIA Headquarters, Parachute Certification St andards Committee, 3833 West Oakton Street, Skokie, IL 60076 Phone: 847-674-9742 Fax: 847-674-9743 or  website www.pia.com for contact details.  Disclaimer: This document is published by the PIA to provide technical and engineering standards that can be used by reference by all those who may benefit from them. The use of this document is entirely voluntary, and its applicability and suitability for any particular use, including any patent or trademark infringement  arising there from, is the sole responsibility of the user. There may be errors, especially in numbers. PIA disclaims any responsibility for accuracy. The PIA reviews each technical publication periodically, at which time it may be reaffirmed, revised, or canceled. The PIA invites your written comments and suggestions.  Copyright © 2010 Parachute Industry Association.  PIA TS-135, Revision 1.4, Issued April 22, 2010, Page 4 of 18  A-29 Change 1 (December 2015)