4.  Position the loop line stow Velcro $^{®}$ to match the  hook and sew along the edge, overstitching the ends.  [Figure C] •  Check that the location of Velcro$^{®}$ is the same as the  original. •  Check stitch patterns and center stitching. •  Reserve pilot chute repair—mesh, tackings, and  bad grommet •  Reserve free bag repair—grommet pullout •  Main pilot chute repair—top canopy reinforcing •  Main pilot chute collapsible bridle replacement •  Main deployment bag repair—closing flap grommet  pullout •  Applicable products: Most reserve pilot chutes •  Description: Replacement of cap grommet •  Authorized repairmen: FAA Master Parachute Rigger  •  Materials: Nylon supertack, stainless steel sheet  grommet—same as original •  Machines: None •  Equipment: Scissors, seam ripper or scalpel, hand  tacking needle, grommet set, and diagonal cutters 1.  Metal ripcords usually are not repairable and must be  replaced when they are damaged. 2.  Reserve pilot chutes experience torn mesh, minor  canopy damage, broken hand tackings, and damaged  grommets in the cap.  1.  Remove the hand tackings used to secure the base of  the pilot chute to the spring.  [Figure B] 2.  Turn the pilot chute upside down and push the canopy  down until the grommet is exposed.  [Figure C] 3.  Using diagonal cutters, remove the damaged grommet  being careful not to damage the fabric of the cap.  [Figure D] main components on a regular basis and generally operate  on a “repair as broken” basis. By the time the rigger sees the  components, it is easier and more cost effective to replace  than to repair them. However, there are regular wear trends  that the rigger can make their customers aware of so they  can look for them and have them taken care of. The following are repairs to accessory components, found in  Section 4, Accessory Components, of this chapter: Accessory components are comprised of the reserve pilot  chute, reserve deployment bag or device, main deployment  bag, main pilot chute and bridle, main and reserve toggles,  reserve static line (RSL) lanyard, 3-ring release handle, and  reserve ripcord.  The reserve components generally do not suffer much wear  due to their infrequent use. In addition, with their frequent  inspection during the repack cycle, any necessary repairs  become obvious and are taken care of before they become  major problems. The canopy fabric portion of a reserve pilot chute would  be repaired as necessary with similar patching techniques  as used on a canopy. The mesh portion, however, may be  subject to different techniques. Another area of common  damage is the thru grommet in the top of the pilot chute.  The following procedure describes the replacement of the  grommet in the top of the pilot chute.  Figure A  shows a  damaged grommet. The reserve free bag may have the grommets in the closing  flap pull out of the material. The high-drag bridle is a critical  area and is usually not repairable. The RSL lanyard is another  critical item that is usually not repairable, except for the  replacement of a defective snap shackle. Main components, on the other hand, are subject to extensive  wear and tear. Most jumpers do not take time to inspect their  Inspection Reserve Pilot Chute Repair—Mesh, Tackings, and  Bad Grommet Section 4, Accessory Components Procedure Disassembly 7-65