A ripcord system pulls a closing pin, which releases a spring-loaded pilot chute, and opens the container; from which the parachute comes out.
If a skydiver is unable to open her/his parachute, an automatic activation device will automatically open the parachute.
A parachute works by forcing air into the front of it and creating a structured 'wing' under which the canopy pilot can fly. Parachutes are controlled by pulling down on steering lines which change the shape of the wing, cause it to turn, or to increase or decrease its rate of descent.
