The ideal time to check your main canopy and, everything that connects it to the rig and helps it deploy, is when you pack.

If you don't pack for yourself DO NOT rely on a staff packer to inspect your canopy, that's not what you're paying them for, and you are responsible for your own gear! If you just don't want to do it, hire a rigger to inspect your main or get it done while your 120 day inspection is being done.

The following items are the things to look for while packing;

While stowing your brakes, check the condition of the steering lines, check for twists and, if present, remove them and check the knot or fingertrap to make sure it is still set correctly. Make sure that if you have velcro on your risers it does NOT come into contact with the lines.

Look over the connector links, or slinks, make sure they are positioned properly and that the slider bumpers are intact (if present).

While walking up your line groups, "feel" the lines for integrity, look out for "hot spots" or frays.

As you quarter the slider, check the grommets for rough edges and the material for signs of wear.

Before you put the canopy in the deployment bag, inspect it for holes or wear, check the rubber bands or tube stoes (Sid's Rigging recommends using only rubber bands) and replace them as necessary. Don't try and squeeze one more jump out of them, the line stows are an integral part of the deployment process, you'll only want to experience line dump once!

Check the bridle and kill line (if present) and the pilot chute (including the integrity of the handle or hackey connection).

As you put the bag in the container and stow the risers make sure they are not in contact with any velcro (if your rig has it) and that they have not been previously compromised by velcro. If in doubt about the integrity of your risers, check with your rigger.

As you get used to checking for these things, it will become a natural part of your packing routine. Identifying problems down here will help keep you safe up there.