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A parachute rigger has a critical responsibility toanyone who uses a parachute. For many, a specialmeaning can be attributed to ensuring the safety of a pieceof equipment that may save their life or that of a friend.For others, attention to detail may keep a stranger safeduring recreational activities, such as sky diving or othersport parachuting events. This chapter explains whatparachute riggers do and what is required to earn aparachute rigger certificate. In addition, this chaptercovers relevant human factor issues and ethical standards.

The term “parachute rigger” originally came from its usein rigging ships and sails. Those individuals who organ-ized and repaired the sails, lines, and ropes of the shipswere called riggers. When parachutes were developed inthe early 20th century, the term came to refer to those whosewed the canopies and lines. The term eventuallybecame used in conjunction with parachutes. In the earlydays, anyone with the knowledge of sewing and materialscould make or repair parachutes. As the aviation industrygrew and matured, the need for trained individuals to packand maintain the parachutes grew as well. In order to pro-tect the pilots and public who flew in airplanes and reliedon parachutes, the Government began to license theseindividuals. Rigging then, in reference to parachutes,came to mean: the final adjustment and alignment of thevarious component sections to provide the proper aero-dynamic reaction.

PARACHUTE RIGGER CERTIFICATESParachutes intended for emergency use in civil aircraft inthe United States, including the reserve parachute of adual parachute system to be used for intentional jump-ing, must be packed, maintained, or altered by a personwho holds an appropriate and current parachute riggercertificate. The certificate is issued under Title 14 ofthe Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 65,subpart F. These regulations do not apply to an individ-ual who packs the main parachute of a dual parachutepack to be used for intentional jumping. These regula-tions also do not apply to parachutes packed, maintained,or altered for use of the Armed Forces.

Any person who holds a parachute rigger certificate mustpresent it for inspection if requested by the Administrator

or an authorized representative of the NationalTransportation Safety Board (NTSB), or any federal,state, or local law enforcement officer. A samplecertificate is shown in figure 1-1.

ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS To be eligible for a parachute rigger certificate issued bythe Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), individualsmust be at least 18 years of age; be able to read, write,speak, and understand the English language; and complywith other requirements of 14 CFR part 65, subpart F,which governs the certification of parachute riggers.

There are two parachute rigger certificates available inthe United States: senior and master. The seniorparachute rigger candidate must pack a minimum of 20parachutes of one type and be able to demonstrate theability to maintain and make minor repairs. The masterparachute rigger candidate must have 3 years of

Figure 1-1. Airman’s Certificate—Master Parachute Rigger.

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experience as a parachute rigger and have packed at least100 parachutes of two type ratings in common use. Thereare four type ratings that may be placed on a parachuterigger certificate: back, chest, seat, and lap. Of these, thefirst three are used today. The lap rating applies toparachutes that are basically obsolete. A senior parachuterigger is considered a journeyman technician, and themaster parachute rigger is considered an expert.

The two types of certificates differ in the level ofexperience and responsibility. A senior parachute riggermay pack, as well as maintain, a parachute by makingminor repairs. A master parachute rigger has all the priv-ileges of the lesser certificate plus the ability to makemajor repairs and alter parachutes according toapproved data. A major repair is one that, if improperlydone, can appreciably affect the airworthiness of theparachute. An example of this might be replacing adamaged canopy panel or altering a harness by changingthe size of a main lift web. A minor repair is anythingother than a major repair, such as a small patch on acanopy or the replacement of a defective or wornconnector link.

EARNING A PARACHUTE RIGGERCERTIFICATEWhen an applicant meets the requirements anddemonstrates sufficient knowledge and skills as outlinedin 14 CFR part 65, subpart F, the supervising parachuterigger (either a senior or master parachute rigger) “signsoff” the trainee’s logbook and provides a letter to theFAA, which will allow the applicant to take thenecessary tests. Figure 1-2 is an example of this letter.

TESTINGThe applicant should take a letter similar to the onedepicted in figure 1-2, the applicant’s logbook, and any

other necessary identification to the nearest FAA FlightStandards District Office (FSDO) or International FieldOffice (IFO). An FAA Aviation Safety Inspector(airworthiness) will examine these documents forcompleteness and eligibility. The applicant will be askedto fill out FAA Form 8610-2, Airman Certificate and/orRating Application. When the inspector has determinedthat the applicant is eligible to take the test, he or she willsign the FAA Form 8610-2. [Figure 1-3] Once this isdone, the applicant may then go to any of the designatedFAA airman knowledge testing centers to take the airmanknowledge test.

The knowledge test consists of 50 multiple-choice ques-tions that are not designed to be tricky or misleading.They cover all basic rigging and packing subject areas inaddition to 14 CFR part 65 regulations. A minimum scoreof 70 percent is required to pass the test. The test is scoredimmediately on conclusion of the test and a certified air-man knowledge test report is issued to the applicant.[Figure1-4 on page 1-4] After passing the test, the candi-date may then make an appointment for taking the oraland practical portion of the test with a DesignatedParachute Rigger Examiner (DPRE).

Under 14 CFR part 183, DPREs are master parachuteriggers who have attended an FAA course and areauthorized to conduct oral and practical tests for theAdministrator. In many cases, these individuals are fulltime professionals who work in the parachute industry.Upon the successful completion of the oral and practicaltests, in most cases, the DPRE will issue a temporaryparachute rigger certificate [Figure 1-5 on page 1-5] anda seal symbol to the candidate. In some FSDOjurisdictions, the district office may issue the temporarycertificate and/or seal symbol. The seal symbol consistsof three letters or numbers or a combination ofboth.[Figure 1-6 on page 1-5] The seal symbol is veryimportant; it will serve as the identifying mark for thatindividual parachute rigger, and is used to seal anyparachute that he/she packs.

ALTERNATE MEANS OF QUALIFYING FORA PARACHUTE RIGGER CERTIFICATEActive duty military personnel and civilian personnel,who work for the military as parachute riggers, may qual-ify for a senior parachute rigger certificate under 14 CFR,section 65.117, Special Certification Rule. If they meetthe practical requirements, they need only take a special25-question test.

A senior parachute rigger applying for a master para-chute rigger certificate only needs to take the oral andpractical test. A person with 3 years’ experience as aparachute rigger, but not holding a senior parachute rig-ger certificate, must take both the knowledge test and the

To Whom It May Concern:

This is to certify that David D. Wolf has packed in excess of 20 back-type parachutes under my supervision in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and all applicable FAA directives. In addition, he has demonstrated a sound knowledge of the parachute, its construction, packing, maintenance, and use, as well as subparts A & F of 14 CFR part 65.

Sincerely Yours,Joe SmithMaster parachute rigger #123456789

Figure 1-2. Certification letter signing off a parachute riggercandidate for FAA testing.

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Figure 1-3. FAA Form 8610-2—Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application.

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oral and practical test. Any parachute rigger, senior ormaster, who wishes to add additional ratings to his/hercertificate, needs to take only a practical test for the typerating sought. No additional knowledge test is necessary.

RETESTINGIf the applicant fails the knowledge test, he/she mayretake the test under the following conditions:

An applicant may apply for retesting by presentinghis/her failed test report-

(a) 30 days after the date the applicant failed the test;or

(b) before 30 days have expired if the applicant pres-ents a signed statement from an airman holdingthe certificate and rating sought by the applicant,certifying that the airman has given the applicantadditional instruction in each of the subjects failedand that the airman considers the applicant readyfor retesting.

Figure 1-4. Sample Airman Knowledge Test Report.

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It is also possible for candidates who pass the test, butreceive a marginal score, to retake the test with theanticipation of getting a higher score. In this case, the can-didate must wait a minimum of 30 days from the date thelast test was taken to retake a passed test. Prior to retest-ing, the individual must give his/her current airman testreport to the proctor. The most recent test taken willreflect the official score.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF ACERTIFICATED PARACHUTE RIGGERParachute riggers have a broad range of responsibilitiesthat include facilities and equipment, performance stan-dards, records, and use of their seal. The followingdescribes the responsibilities of a certificated parachuterigger.

Figure 1-5. FAA Form 8060-4—Temporary Airman Certificate.

Figure 1-6. Parachute Rigger’s Seal.

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FACILITIES AND TOOLSIssuance of a parachute rigger certificate is just the firststep toward becoming a professional parachute rigger. Asthe uncertificated person gains experience packing, he orshe should also begin to acquire an inventory of tools andmanuals necessary to exercise the privileges of a certifi-cate. In compliance with 14 CFR, section 65.127, thereare several items necessary before the parachute riggercan exercise the privileges of his/her certificate. One ofthese requirements is a smooth table top that is at least 3feet wide by 40 feet long; however, this is necessary onlyif the parachute rigger is going to pack round parachutes.With square reserve parachutes gaining widespread use inthe skydiving community in recent years, some parachuteriggers are specializing in packing only square reserveparachutes. A table can be used for packing this type ofparachute, but the manufacturer may specify any smooth,clean surface with a size that accommodates the canopy.In this case, a clean, carpeted floor will do the job and atable may not be necessary. According to 14 CFR, sub-section 65.127(b), the parachute rigger needs suitablehousing that is adequately heated, lighted, and ventilatedfor drying and airing parachutes. This is subject to inter-pretation by the parachute rigger and the Administratorsince the standards fluctuate based on location and timeof year.

A parachute rigger must have enough tools and equip-ment to pack and maintain the types of parachutes forwhich he/she is rated to service. This may include onlythe basic tools of a packing fid, temporary pin, and pull-up cord if this is all that the manufacturer says is neces-sary to pack its product. However, there is a broadselection of tools necessary for a well-equipped parachuterigger to possess. These are covered in detail in Chapter6—Hand Tools, Sewing Machines, and the Parachute Loft.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDSA number of performance standards are defined in 14CFR, section 65.129 to guide the parachute rigger’s per-formance of the duties that fall under the certificate. Theparachute rigger may not:

• Pack, maintain, or alter any parachute unless he/she israted for that type.

• Pack a parachute that is not safe for emergency use.

• Pack a parachute that is not thoroughly dried and aired.

• Alter a parachute in a manner not specifically author-ized by the Administrator or the manufacturer of theparachute.

The last item in this list is one that has been abused bymany master parachute riggers over the years. The masterparachute rigger must have Administrator or manufac-turer approval, in writing, to be in compliance with thisregulation.

Aside from the necessary tools, 14 CFR, subsection65.129(f) states that parachute riggers may exercise theprivileges of the certificate only if they understand thecurrent manufacturer’s instructions for the operationinvolved. This means that parachute riggers must possessa copy of the instructions or have access to them duringthe operation. If they do not have a copy, but the owner ofthe parachute provides them, then the parachute riggermay pack or maintain the parachute.

A variation on this theme is accessing the packinginstruction via the Internet. Many manufacturers providemanuals via their Web sites. If the parachute riggers donot download the actual instruction, they must show thatthey had access during the packing of the parachute. Forexample, a laptop computer may not have a printerattached, but could still meet this requirement.

Parachute riggers are not necessarily required to down-load the instructions to a hard drive or disk as long as theyare able to access the manual in real time. However, if aproblem is identified with the parachute rigger’s pack jobat a later date, the parachute rigger would need to proveto the Administrator that he/she had access to the instruc-tions. Without a hardcopy or downloaded computer files,it would appear that the parachute rigger had not met therule requirement.

CURRENCY REQUIREMENTS Once an individual obtains a parachute rigger certificate,it is valid for life unless surrendered, suspended, orrevoked. If the individual intends to work as a parachuterigger and not just have the certificate, it is necessary thathe/she maintains currency as a practicing parachute rig-ger. These currency requirements include at least one ofthe following.

• Performing parachute rigger duties for at least 90 dayswithin the preceding 12 months.

• Demonstrating to the Administrator the ability to per-form those duties.

RECORD KEEPINGMaintaining proper records of parachute rigger activitiesis an important responsibility. This is necessary for theprotection of the parachute rigger, the user of the para-chute, and the satisfaction of the Administrator. Under 14CFR, section 65.131, certificated parachute riggers mustdocument the packing, maintenance, and alteration ofparachutes they have performed or supervised. Theserecords normally are documented in a parachute rigger’slogbook. The following information must be docu-mented:

• Parachute type and make.

• Serial number.

• Name and address of the owner.

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• Kind and extent of work performed.

• Date and location of work performed.

• Results of any drop tests.

These records must be kept for a minimum of 2 years.Figure 1-7 shows a sample of a logbook page. In addi-tion, each parachute rigger must note on the parachutepacking record or data card [Figure 1-8] the followinginformation.

• Date and location of packing.

• A notation of any defects found on inspection.

• Parachute rigger certificate number.

• Parachute rigger name and signature.

While not required on the data card, it has becomecommonplace for the parachute rigger to note the workperformed as well. This is usually noted as A & P for

Figure 1-7. Parachute Rigger Logbook Page.

Figure 1-8. Parachute Packing Record or Data Card.

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assemble and pack or I & R for inspect and repack.Professional parachute riggers often use an ink stamp onthe data card that indicates name, certificate number, sealsymbol, and provides an area for signature. This allowsthe customer or other parachute riggers to read the name(some signatures are illegible) and to correlate the lastentry with the seal on the parachute.

SEALING THE PARACHUTEAs noted previously, each certificated parachute rigger isissued a seal symbol with which each parachute is sealedonce he/she packs it in a manner prescribed by themanufacturer. This ensures that no one tampers with theparachute and the owner knows that it is ready for use.

REGULATORY COMPLIANCEAs with other airman certificates, there are additionalparts of 14 CFR that are of direct concern to the parachuterigger in addition to those already mentioned. It isimportant that the parachute rigger have a thoroughunderstanding of these parts in order to avoid anyinadvertent non-compliance: 14 CFR parts 1, 21, 39, 91,105, and 183.

14 CFR PART 1—DEFINITIONSThis part provides legal definitions for words and abbre-viations under this title. One of the more important termsin this part is that of the Administrator. The Administratoris the administrative head of the Federal AviationAdministration or any employee of the Federal AviationAdministration to whom authority has been delegated.The parachute rigger is most likely to come in contactwith two individuals who may act on the Administrator’sbehalf.

The first is the Aviation Safety Inspector from the localFlight Standards District Office (FSDO) or InternationalField Office (IFO). This employee of the Federal AviationAdministration is responsible for enforcement of theCode of Federal Regulations in aviation matters. TheAviation Safety Inspector (airworthiness type) has juris-dictional responsibility in such matters as: compliancewith the rule, approving data for major repairs or alter-ations, investigation of accidents, overseeing airshowsand demo jumps, or any aviation related matter.

The second is the local Designated Parachute RiggerExaminer (DPRE). This private person is empowered toconduct practical tests for the Administrator.

14 CFR PART 21 SUBPART O—TECHNICALSTANDARD ORDERS (TSO)A Technical Standard Order (TSO) is issued by theAdministrator and is a minimum performance standardfor specified articles, such as parachutes. It is importantthat the parachute rigger understand the TSO process andthe various levels of TSO approval under whichparachutes are manufactured. Every parachute rigger

should read and become familiar with the technicalstandard orders for parachutes, the 23 series (C23b,C23c, C23d). This is important to the parachute rigger indetermining certification compatibility when he/she isassembling approved components.

14 CFR PART 39—AIRWORTHINESSDIRECTIVESThis part specifically deals with AirworthinessDirectives (ADs). An AD is an amendment to the Codeof Federal Regulations. An AD must be complied withbefore using an affected product. In the case of a para-chute, when:

• an unsafe condition exists in a product.

• the condition is likely to exist or develop in other prod-ucts of the same type or design.

Under 14 CFR part 39, “No person may operate aproduct to which an airworthiness directive appliesexcept in accordance with the requirements of thatairworthiness directive.”

In recent years, there have been a number of parachuteADs issued by the Administrator. These ADs prescribecertain actions to be taken by the parachute rigger inorder to ensure the safety and function of parachutes thathave been found in some manner to be defective. If theparachute rigger does not comply with the AD, theparachute rigger cannot pack, maintain, or alter theaffected parachute. ADs are mailed to each certificatedparachute rigger on the FAA listing. If the parachuterigger has moved and not complied with the requirementsfor an address change, the rigger may not receive the AD.This introduces an additional problem. Under 14 CFRpart 65, subpart A—General, section 65.21, airmen mustregister their change of address within 30 days of movingor they are not able to exercise the privileges of theircertificate.

14 CFR PART 91—GENERAL OPERATINGAND FLIGHT RULESSection 91.307 deals with parachutes and parachuting.This section defines an “approved parachute” and statesthe repack time for parachutes. Both of these are of vitalinterest to the parachute rigger.

14 CFR PART 105 SUBPART C—PARACHUTE EQUIPMENT AND PACKINGThis part deals with the use of parachutes in the UnitedStates. The following areas are of interest to parachuteriggers:

• Main parachutes used for intentional jumping must bepacked by the person jumping or by a U.S. certificatedparachute rigger.

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• The auxiliary parachute must be packed by a certifi-cated and appropriately rated parachute rigger.

• If the parachute is made from synthetic materials, itmust be packed within 120 days of its use. If it is madefrom materials subject to mold or mildew, then it mustbe packed within 60 days of use.

• If a main static line is used, it must meet certainrequirements as to its use and configuration.

• An approved parachute is defined as a parachutemanufactured under a type certificate or a TechnicalStandard Order (C-23 series), or a personnel-carryingU.S. military parachute (other than a high altitude,high speed, or ejection type) identified by a Navy AirFacility, an Army Air Field, and Air Force-Navydrawing number, an Army Air Field order number, orany military designation or specification number.

RIGGING ETHICSAs parachute riggers gain additional experience, they areoccasionally faced with situations that involve less thanideal circumstances. Some examples are: if a new jumperpurchases old or damaged equipment that may or may notbe airworthy, or if a pilot purchases an acrobatic planethat has a parachute that is far too small for his/herweight. These situations involve more than just thetechnical knowledge for a parachute rigger certificate.

In the case of the pilot above, depending on which TSOthe parachute is certified, there may be a weight and speedlimitation for the system. For example, TSO C23c cate-gory B has a limitation of 254-pound exit weight and aspeed limitation of 150 knots. Imagine a pilot who weighs225 pounds and his airplane regularly exceeds the 150-knot envelope during maneuvering. If this pilot brings aparachute to a parachute rigger for repacking, the firstthing the parachute rigger should notice is the size of thepilot. When the parachute rigger inspects the parachute,he notices that it has a 22-foot diameter round canopy.The parachute rigger finds that with the pilot at 225pounds, his clothes at 5 pounds, and the parachute at 20pounds, he is at 250 pounds or just under the limit.However, in looking at the owner’s manual, the parachuterigger cannot find any information in the weight-carryinglimit of the canopy. In addition, this particular parachutewas made by a company that is no longer in business. Theparachute appears to be in good condition visually but is30 years old. In this situation, the parachute rigger isfaced with a number of questionable areas that aredetailed below.

CERTIFICATION SPECIFICATIONSThe practical circumstances surrounding the above pilot’suse of the parachute is at the maximum limits of the certi-fication specifications of the parachute. If he does not eata big breakfast or gain much weight before using the para-chute, he might stay under the weight limit. The speedlimitation will probably be exceeded on a regular basisduring acrobatic maneuvers. If he needs to use the para-chute at some point, there should be enough of a safetymargin built into the design and testing of the parachuteto be sufficient.

PILOT VS PARACHUTE SIZEWith 250 pounds under a 22-foot diameter canopy, thepilot probably will drop from the sky at an excessive rateof descent. A common assumption in this situation is thatit is unlikely he will need to use the parachute, but if hedoes, will it save his life?

PARACHUTE SERVICE LIFEThere is no service life on the parachute; it may be con-sidered airworthy as long as it meets its technical stan-dard order. While the parachute appears to be in goodcondition, there are not many non-destructive testsavailable to the parachute rigger in the field to makethis determination. It may be possible to drop test theparachute, but the cost would probably outweigh thevalue of the system. It is up to the parachute rigger tomake the determination as to the airworthiness of theparachute system. When the parachute rigger seals theparachute and signs the data card, the rigger is saying it isready, thereby putting the customer’s life on the line.

What should the parachute rigger do? This is not just atheoretical situation—it is one that has been experiencedmany times by many parachute riggers. All of the aboveinformation plus economic factors complicate the para-chute rigger’s decision. If the rigger does not pack theparachute, the pilot may take it down the road to anotherparachute rigger for a second opinion who may not havethe same standards. An added factor is liability exposure.If the parachute rigger signs off on a questionable para-chute and an accident occurs later, the rigger may beexposed to disciplinary action from the Administrator inaddition to civil action in the courts. There are no hard andfast rules in these situations, but instead, the parachute rig-ger must exercise the best judgment the rigger can summonbased on experience and the information at hand.

Most professional parachute riggers would refuse to packthe parachute described in the scenario above, due to acombination of age, the size of the individual, and thepotential use parameters.

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