•  Check for proper thread tension all around. •  Seams should be straight and parallel. •  The resulting size of the panel should match  approximately that of adjacent panels allowing for  shrinkage. •  Applicable products: Most main and reserve canopies •  Description: Replacement of a partial panel(s) in a  canopy where the extent of the damage necessitates  more than a single large or multiple small patches. •  Authorized repairmen: FAA Master Parachute Rigger  •  Materials: E thread, fabric—type and color to match •  Machines: 301 straight stitch—light duty 7–11 SPI,  308 zigzag—medium duty 7–11 SPI (optional), 1 inch  × 42 stitch bar tack (optional) •  Equipment: Scissors, seam ripper, marking pencil,  36-inch ruler, pin board or large cardboard box folded  flat, straight pins, scotch tape or equivalent 8.  Overstitch the end of the cross seam that was left open  a minimum of 2 inches and proceed to and down the  radial seam and then overstitch the open end of the  cross seam. Repeat for the opposite side. It is advisable  to hold a bit of tension on the seams as you sew to  minimize the shrinkage. 9.  Turn the canopy right side out. Trim out the damaged  panel along the seams, leaving approximately  5 ⁄8 inch.  [Figure D]  Also trim the excess edge of the panel as needed. 10. Fold the edge of the canopy under the panel to create  the seam and pin in place. 11. Sew the inside of the panel seam in place. Again, hold  tension on the fabric as you sew to minimize shrinkage. 12. Remove the canopy from the machine being careful  not to pull on the threads. Trim the threads. Inspect  the panel. •  Check the weave alignment of the fabric panel to  the canopy. 1.  Determine the extent of the damage. Mark out the  damaged area across the panel, following the weave  of the fabric. Unpick the loaded seams that hold  the damaged fabric for at least 8–10 inches past the  Square Canopy—Partial Panel Replacement Procedure Disassembly Inspection The method of repair presented in this section is an acceptable  data method. It is advised if possible to utilize the R.D.  Raghanti process as viewed in the Basic Patch Repair section  to allow for higher quality of repair. NOTE:  The repair described in the following procedure is  a major tear across the bottom surface of the canopy and  includes damage to a non-loadbearing rib. 7-22