The pilot chute is attached to the top of the main chute,it’s a miniature chute attached to a heavy spring,you compress it and place it on top of the packed chute as you close the flaps over it,when the rip cord is pulled the pilot chute flys out of the pack pulling the chute out.
Thanks. Being a former pilot, the closest I ever got to a chute, or an understanding of its mechanics, was jumping off a table. Literally. But without a chute. Merry Christmas.