Here are some fact-checked lists of rigging glossary definitions, organized by discipline. While all content has been reviewed against industry standards including FAA parachute rigging manuals, ETCP guidelines, OSHA lifting regulations, and ABYC/ISAF marine rigging specs to ensure technical correctness, corrections and updates are encouraged. Contact us to help.

🪂 Parachute Rigging

1. Canopy:
The fabric portion of the parachute that inflates and creates drag to slow descent. Canopies are designed in various configurations (ram-air, round, elliptical) depending on the intended use (sport, reserve, military, etc.).

2. Suspension Lines:
High-tensile-strength cords that connect the canopy to the harness/container system. Must be symmetric and periodically replaced due to wear.

3. Container System:
The full assembly that houses the main and reserve parachutes, includes the deployment mechanism and harness. Must be FAA TSO-C23 certified.

4. Pilot Chute:
A small auxiliary canopy used to extract the main canopy or reserve from the container. Can be spring-loaded or hand-deployed (throw-out).

5. Deployment Bag (D-Bag):
A container that organizes the canopy during extraction from the main container to ensure orderly line stretch and deployment.

6. Reserve Static Line (RSL):
A lanyard that automatically deploys the reserve canopy if the main is cut away. Required by many drop zones.

7. Parachute Rigger Certificate:
Issued by the FAA under Part 65, Subpart F, this allows a certified rigger to inspect, pack, and repair parachutes. Requires supervised experience and written/practical exams.

🎪 Entertainment Rigging

1. Truss:
A lightweight but strong aluminum or steel structure used to suspend lighting, audio, or video systems. Comes in various shapes like triangle, square, and box.

2. Load Path:
The continuous mechanical connection from the load through the rigging components to the ground or anchorage. Critical for structural integrity.

3. UDL (Uniformly Distributed Load):
A load spread evenly across the length of a truss or beam. Trusses are typically rated assuming UDL.

4. Bridling:
Using two or more points of attachment to distribute weight more evenly and reduce point loads on structural supports.

5. Dead Hang:
A suspension point where a load hangs directly from a single fixed point with no mechanical advantage or redistribution.

6. Ground Support System (GSS):
A freestanding rigging tower system, often used when overhead points are unavailable. Includes outriggers and ballast for stability.

7. Dynamic Load / Kinetic Rigging:
Rigging systems that move during a show (e.g. aerial acts, moving LED walls). Require higher safety factors and specialized training.

🏗️ Construction Rigging

1. Sling:
A flexible load-bearing device made of wire rope, chain, or synthetic webbing. Used to lift or pull heavy objects.

2. Choker Hitch:
A hitch that wraps a sling around a load and passes through itself to tighten under tension. Reduces lifting capacity by up to 50%.

3. Spreader Bar (or Lifting Beam):
A device that maintains distance between lifting slings, allowing for controlled load handling and reduced angular force.

4. Load Angle Factor (LAF):
A multiplier used to calculate actual sling tension based on angle from vertical. Lower angles drastically increase tension.

5. Tag Line:
A rope used to guide a suspended load to prevent spinning or swaying during lifting operations.

6. Center of Gravity (CG):
The point at which the entire weight of the load is balanced. Must be directly below the hook to prevent tilting or shifting.

7. Working Load Limit (WLL):
The maximum weight a rigging component is rated to handle under specific conditions. Always includes a safety factor (e.g., 5:1 or 10:1).

⚓ Marine Rigging

1. Mast Stepping:
The process of raising or lowering a mast. Requires precise lateral and fore/aft alignment using standing rigging.

2. Standing Rigging:
Fixed lines (typically stainless steel wire) that support the mast: includes shrouds (side support) and stays (fore and aft).

3. Turnbuckle:
A metal fitting with threaded ends that adjusts tension in rigging lines. Used for tuning mast alignment and load balance.

4. Running Rigging:
Movable lines like halyards (raise sails), sheets (adjust sail angle), and control lines. Typically synthetic rope.

5. Block and Tackle:
A pulley system that multiplies force. Used in sail hoisting, boom control, and davits.

6. Clevis and Pin:
A U-shaped metal connector (clevis) with a removable pin that attaches hardware components. Enables quick rigging adjustments.

7. Chainplate:
A reinforced attachment point for shrouds/stays on the hull or deck. Must be periodically inspected for crevice corrosion and fatigue.