Abstract: A parachute control apparatus for enabling control of an unmanned slave parachute from a manned simultaneously descending parachute is described. The apparatus includes two hand held master controllers each comprising a body and a thumb operable reciprocating plunger. The plunger is coupled to a potentiometer to provide proportional control. The parachutist carries a radio transmitter including an encoder responsive to the plunger movements and an antenna. A control signal receiver is attached to the load carried by the slave parachute and includes a receiving antenna and signal decoder operative to provide drive signals for a slave parachute control line drive. The drive includes a servo system, electric motors, gearboxes and winches for operating the slave parachute control lines.