PIA TS 135  4.3.9  RATE OF DESCENT TESTS (METHOD 1): 4.3.9.1  RATE OF DESCENT TESTS (METHOD 2):  4.3.10 STABILITY TESTS: Per Table 3, there shall be not less than 6 drops, with an individual and/or dummy in each  harness weighing not less than the maximum operating weight$^{2}$. The average rate of descent  shall not exceed 24 ft/s (7.3 m/s) and the total velocity shall not exceed 36 ft/s (11.0 m/s) in an  unaltered post deployment configuration, corrected to standard day sea level altitude conditions. The rate of descent measurement shall be taken over a minimum interval of 100 ft (30.5 m). These tests may be combined with other tests in this section.  The rate of descent corrected to standard day sea level altitude conditions shall not exceed 5  ft/sec (1.5m/sec) at touchdown with appropriate control manipulations and the average rate of  descent shall not exceed 24 ft/sec (7.3 m/s) in the unaltered post deployment configuration over  a minimum interval of 100 ft (30.5m). These tests may be combined with other tests in this  section.  NOTE:  If the total velocity exceeds 36 ft/sec at maximum certified weight, the container or  harness (if integral to the container) must be marked in an area readily visible to the user:  “For  experienced parachutists only. The owner‟s manual contains experience requirements.” Per Table 3, there shall be not less than 6 drops, at the minimum operating weight. The  oscillations shall not exceed 15   from the vertical, in an unaltered post-deployment configuration. These tests may be combined with other tests in this section.  Per Table 3, there shall be a minimum of 4 live tests with an individual weighing not more than the  maximum operating weight in each harness. Two drops shall include a freefall of not more than 3  seconds and 2 drops shall include a freefall of at least 20 seconds. These tests may be  conducted in conjunction with functional and/or rate of descent tests when practical. The user(s)  must suffer no significant discomfort from the opening shock and must be able to disengage  himself (themselves) unaided from the harness after landing. For this test the standard harness  may be altered to permit attachment of a certified reserve parachute assembly (less harness)  provided that such alteration does not interfere with the normal operation of the parachute  assembly being tested. Reserve parachute assemblies shall be tested with the main  compartment(s) full and empty, with a minimum of two tests each.  4.3.11 LIVE TESTS: 5.  COMPONENT QUALIFICATIONS:  NOTE : Live tests for Dual Harness Reserve Parachute Assemblies may be tested with the  parachutist in command and a dummy payload in the passenger harness.  Any single component, assembly of components, group of components or group of assemblies  may be certified. Table 4 lists the appropriate test paragraphs for each of the major components. Any components not listed in Table 4 shall be tested according to all applicable sections of this  document based on the components function.  $^{2}$  A person‟s or individual‟s body weight may be increased to equal the maximum operating weight by using a weight be lt or similar device.  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 Standards 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 11 of 18  Change 1 (December 2015)  A-36