What is the most critical aspect of closing the main container equipped with a hand-deployed pilot chute?

The most critical aspect of closing the main container equipped with a hand-deployed pilot chute is bridle routing and placement. Proper routing ensures that the pilot chute can extract the main parachute effectively once it is deployed. If the bridle is not properly routed, it may become twisted or snagged during deployment, which can lead to malfunctions such as a delayed opening or a complete failure to open the parachute.

Correct bridle routing positions the pilot chute in a manner that allows it to launch effectively when the skydiver leaves the aircraft. This is essential for ensuring a safe and successful jump, as it directly affects the deployment sequence.

Other aspects, like proper adjustment of leg straps or securing the reserve parachute, are important for overall safety and equipment functionality but are secondary to ensuring that the pilot chute will be deployed correctly. Accurate bridle routing is therefore essential for a safe and smooth opening of the main parachute.