Abstract: A parachute harness including a pair of shoulder straps having connected to the upper portion thereof at front and rear spaced apart locations a pair of riser straps which rise upwardly to connect with the canopy shroud lines. The forward and rearward riser straps of the right and left pair are releasably connected together intermediately in close spaced relationship to form at the intermediate location a fulcrum point such that during opening shock the riser straps are connected together at the fulcrum point for swaying of the jumper to and fro generally about such fulcrum point. After deployment of the canopy, the riser straps may be released at the fulcrum point to permit the intermediate portion of the riser to draw apart to assume orientations angling generally upwardly and outwardly from the respective anchor points to thus minimize oscillation of the jumper under the canopy and stabilize the jumper during his descent and while making manuevers and landing.

Abstract: A student's parachute harness attaches to an instructor's parachute harness allowing both to descend in tandem. Detaching snaps at the shoulders and waist of the student's harness detachably engage fittings on generally corresponding portions of the instructor's harness to couple the tandem in proper relative body positions. The fittings at the instructor's shoulders are load distribution fittings which have a flat tangential portion connected to the canopy and reserve risers and a forwardly jutting portion connected to a snap hook on the student's harness. A drogue provides stabilization during a prone free fall by having its riser connected to the instructor's harness where the shoulder straps cross each other in the center of the instructor's back. Pulling a rip cord at the end of the drogue free fall detaches the drogue bridle from the drogue riser to release the drogue which deploys the canopy from a container attached to the instructor's harness.