When activated, what does the RSL do?

The RSL, or Reserve Static Line, plays a crucial role in enhancing skydiving safety, particularly during emergency situations involving the main parachute. When activated, the RSL is designed to automatically activate the deployment of the reserve parachute if a cutaway is performed. This typically occurs when a skydiver experiences a malfunction with the main parachute that necessitates its jettisoning.

By providing a direct connection between the main parachute and the reserve parachute, the RSL ensures that the reserve is deployed in a timely manner, minimizing the risk of freefall or complications that may arise during an emergency descent. The system is built to assist the skydiver under stress, streamlining the process of moving from an unsafe situation (with a malfunctioning main parachute) to a more secure one (with the reserve parachute deployed).