PurposeParachutes are equipment that is repeatedly used as and when needed. Some of them are used for as many as 60 jumps. The property of the canopy fabric gets deteriorated with use. It is evaluated by destructive tensile and bursting strength. This study aims to focus on the nondestructive evaluation of the canopy fabric's fitness by testing air permeability and relating it with bursting strength. Predictor equations were developed to determine bursting strength from air permeability values.Design/methodology/approachANOVA techniques and statistical regression equations were formed.FindingsA series of samples containing five parachutes fabrics was used seven times, and their air permeability and bursting strength were determined to find the extent to the effect of reuse of parachute fabrics on their bursting strength and air permeability determination. It was found that there was a progressive drop in bursting strength and an increase in air permeability. An investigation of the extent of determination in terms of bursting strength and an increase in air permeability following the sense of five different types of parachute fabrics is reported.Research limitations/implicationsThe work focuses on the prediction of bursting strength to textile materials only and may not apply to other materials like membranes and sheets. The process of determining air permeability is relatively simpler and faster.Practical implicationsThe bursting strength can be predicted for used parachutes, which are otherwise subjected to destructive testing.Social implicationsThe men using the parachutes can be assured of the superior flawless performance of the parachute as equipment and also contribute to the saving of resources due to nondestructive testing, 100% evaluation of all parachutes is possible.Originality/valueThis article describes the nature of the test procedure and discusses the means of introducing it to users of parachutes. It is accepted that the method must undergo field evaluation and possible modification before it can become a routine tool of parachute using organizations.