maximum force during the pull. Next, the rigger needs to  pull the ripcord in a smooth, quick motion, duplicating the  motion of the user and the test requirements of the TSO.  Take note of the force required to pull the ripcord pin(s)  clear of the locking loop(s) and activate the system. If the  force is less than 22 pounds, the rigger can then re-close the  container and seal the ripcord. If the force is over 22 pounds,  the rigger must make whatever adjustments are needed, such  as lengthening the locking loop or re-stowing the canopy, to  achieve a pull force below 22 pounds. The correct packing is the most important aspect of repacking  a parachute, but the cosmetic appearance of the container is  important as well. This is true both for a pilot emergency  and a sport piggyback system. Pilots want their parachute as  snug and as flat as possible to keep the parachute comfortable  when in use. Skydivers want theirs as snug and streamlined  as possible so it stays closed during free fall. The key to  these requirements is to make sure the pilot chute is held  down securely. To do that, the closing loop needs to be as  short as the rigger can make it and still meet the requirements  for the maximum pull force. Under the TSO system, the  maximum allowable pull force for the ripcord is 22 pounds.  Most riggers develop a feel for the closing of the container  and the resultant force. However, new riggers need to check  their packing technique to measure the pull force, which is  done without a seal or thread.  As stated in 14 CFR part 65, section 65.133, “Each  certificated parachute rigger must have a seal with an  identifying mark prescribed by the Administrator, and  a seal press. After packing a parachute, he shall seal the  pack with his seal in accordance with the manufacturer’s  recommendation for that type of parachute.” Most manuals  simply say to “seal the parachute.” The following describes  a commonly approved method. Sealing the Parachute Ripcord Pull Force Start by having someone put on the parachute to replicate  the real shape and conformity of the parachute system. To  pull the ripcord while the parachute is lying on the table is  not realistic. The rigger then takes the ripcord handle from  the pocket and attaches a calibrated scale to it.  [Figure 5-64] Ideally, a recording scale should be used to register the  Take a length of seal thread approximately 20 inches  long. Fold in half and make two lark’s head knots around  the ripcord cable adjacent to the shank of the ripcord pin.  [Figure 5-65]  Pass one end of the thread through the seal and  then under the pin on the opposite side of the locking loop or  cone.  [Figure 5-66]  Bring the end back through the second  hole in the seal and tie a knot with the other end of the thread.  [Figure 5-67]  Leave enough slack in the thread to allow for  movement of the pin without breaking the thread. However,  make sure the pin cannot be extracted from the locking loop  without breaking the thread. Slide the seal over the knot and  compress the seal with the seal press.  [Figure 5-68]  Trim  the excess thread. Figure 5-65.  Lark’s head the thread on the cable. Figure 5-64.  Ripcord pull test. Count all of your tools. Fill in the appropriate information  on the packing data card and the rigger’s logbook. Place the  data card in the packing data card pocket. 5-27