2.  Inspect gores and panel fabrics by starting at the top  center gore of the canopy, working your way up one  gore while inspecting the fabric, seams, tapes, and  lines. When you reach the apex, pull the next radial  seam toward you, stretching out the fabric, and work  your way down the gore to the lower lateral band.  [Figure 5-11]  This method is the most efficient use of  your time and physical efforts. Work your way around  the canopy, inspecting each gore from top to bottom. 2.  Check the canopy cap for security to the canopy  portion along the stitching and seams. If it has a  grommet in the cap or an alignment strap, check the  grommets for tightness and smooth edges on the  inside. Sharp edges can cut the locking loop. Check  the alignment strap for centering and tacking. 3.  Check the canopy fabric for any holes, burns, stains, or  other damage. Check the seams for loose stitching and  look over the mesh portion, if used. Small holes may  be allowed, but consult the manufacturer’s manual.  Check the attachment loop at the base of the pilot  chute for security. Check any hand tacking, if used,  to secure the spring to the base of the pilot chute. 4.  If the parachute uses a sewn-on bridle, check the  stitching. If it is a tied-on model, check the knots and  any hand tacking called out in the instructions. Be sure  to check the length against the parts list. Make sure  the canopy end of the bridle is looped around the apex  lines and not around a tension loop. If a floating loop  is called out, make sure the locator tacking is secure. 3.  The manufacturer may call for the tensile testing of the  fabric after inspection of the canopy for obvious visual  damage. This is very important because there was a  fabric deterioration problem with certain parachutes  several years ago. An AD was issued, and while the  exact cause was never determined, a side benefit was  the development and adoption of a non-destructive  fabric pull test method. This method was adopted by  the PIA as Technical Standard (TS)-108, Parachute  Canopy Fabric Pull Test, Non-Destructive Method.  This method of testing canopy fabric for strength  has been adopted by several canopy manufacturers  as suitable for testing their canopies. However, the  rigger must be careful in using this test method. The  proper equipment is essential for accurate testing and  the type of material must be known in order to test to  the correct strength. The testing equipment is shown  in  Figure 5-12 . The full standard can be found in  Appendix I of this handbook. 4.  Along with the pull test, the AD also requires testing  the canopy mesh with a solution of Bromo Cresol  Green indicator to determine the presence of an acid  condition. The Bromo Cresol Green indicator is a dark  blue liquid in its standard state. It turns yellow when  1.  Check the apex lines for damage and continuity, as  well as the upper lateral band. If there is a tension  loop, make sure it is secure. If there is a vent collar  ring, check the elasticity of the material. 5-9 If available, use a canopy damage chart appropriate to  the canopy for documenting your inspection for repair of  any damage found.  Figure 5-10  shows a typical chart for round canopies. Reserve Canopy 6 7 8 $_{ }$9 1 0 1 1 1 2 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 5 4 3 2 1 2 2 2 1 $_{ }$2 0 1 9 1 8  1 7 Figure 5-10.  Round canopy damage chart. Figure 5-11.  Round canopy gore inspection.