Chapter 1 — Introduction
A parachute rigger has a critical responsibility to
anyone who uses a parachute. For many, a special
meaning can be attributed to ensuring the safety of a piece
of equipment that may save their life or that of a friend.
For others, attention to detail may keep a stranger safe
during recreational activities, such as sky diving or other
sport parachuting events. This chapter explains what
parachute riggers do and what is required to earn a
parachute rigger certificate. In addition, this chapter
covers relevant human factor issues and ethical standards.
The term “parachute rigger” originally came from its use
in rigging ships and sails. Those individuals who organized
and repaired the sails, lines, and ropes of the ships
were called riggers. When parachutes were developed in
the early 20th century, the term came to refer to those who
sewed the canopies and lines. The term eventually
became used in conjunction with parachutes. In the early
days, anyone with the knowledge of sewing and materials
could make or repair parachutes. As the aviation industry
grew and matured, the need for trained individuals to pack
and maintain the parachutes grew as well. In order to protect
the pilots and public who flew in airplanes and relied
on parachutes, the Government began to license these
individuals. Rigging then, in reference to parachutes,
came to mean: the final adjustment and alignment of the
various component sections to provide the proper aerodynamic
reaction.
PARACHUTE RIGGER CERTIFICATES
Parachutes intended for emergency use in civil aircraft in
the United States, including the reserve parachute of a
dual parachute system to be used for intentional jumping,
must be packed, maintained, or altered by a person
who holds an appropriate and current parachute rigger
certificate. The certificate is issued under Title 14 of
the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 65,
subpart F. These regulations do not apply to an individual
who packs the main parachute of a dual parachute
pack to be used for intentional jumping. These regulations
also do not apply to parachutes packed, maintained,
or altered for use of the Armed Forces.
Any person who holds a parachute rigger certificate must
present it for inspection if requested by the Administrator or an authorized representative of the National
Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), or any federal,
state, or local law enforcement officer. A sample
certificate is shown in figure 1-1.
ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for a parachute rigger certificate issued by
the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), individuals
must be at least 18 years of age; be able to read, write,
speak, and understand the English language; and comply
with other requirements of 14 CFR part 65, subpart F,
which governs the certification of parachute riggers.
There are two parachute rigger certificates available in
the United States: senior and master. The senior
parachute rigger candidate must pack a minimum of 20
parachutes of one type and be able to demonstrate the
ability to maintain and make minor repairs. The master
parachute rigger candidate must have 3 years of experience as a parachute rigger and have packed at least
100 parachutes of two type ratings in common use. There
are four type ratings that may be placed on a parachute
rigger certificate: back, chest, seat, and lap. Of these, the
first three are used today. The lap rating applies to
parachutes that are basically obsolete. A senior parachute
rigger is considered a journeyman technician, and the
master parachute rigger is considered an expert.
The two types of certificates differ in the level of
experience and responsibility. A senior parachute rigger
may pack, as well as maintain, a parachute by making
minor repairs. A master parachute rigger has all the privileges
of the lesser certificate plus the ability to make
major repairs and alter parachutes according to
approved data. A major repair is one that, if improperly
done, can appreciably affect the airworthiness of the
parachute. An example of this might be replacing a
damaged canopy panel or altering a harness by changing
the size of a main lift web. A minor repair is anything
other than a major repair, such as a small patch on a
canopy or the replacement of a defective or worn
connector link.
The applicant should take a letter similar to the one
depicted in figure 1-2, the applicant’s logbook, and any other necessary identification to the nearest FAA Flight
Standards District Office (FSDO) or International Field
Office (IFO). An FAA Aviation Safety Inspector
(airworthiness) will examine these documents for
completeness and eligibility. The applicant will be asked
to fill out FAA Form 8610-2, Airman Certificate and/or
Rating Application. When the inspector has determined
that the applicant is eligible to take the test, he or she will
sign the FAA Form 8610-2. [Figure 1-3] Once this is
done, the applicant may then go to any of the designated
FAA airman knowledge testing centers to take the airman
knowledge test.
The knowledge test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions
that are not designed to be tricky or misleading.
They cover all basic rigging and packing subject areas in
addition to 14 CFR part 65 regulations. A minimum score
of 70 percent is required to pass the test. The test is scored
immediately on conclusion of the test and a certified airman
knowledge test report is issued to the applicant.
[Figure1-4 on page 1-4] After passing the test, the candidate
may then make an appointment for taking the oral
and practical portion of the test with a Designated
Parachute Rigger Examiner (DPRE).
Under 14 CFR part 183, DPREs are master parachute
riggers who have attended an FAA course and are
authorized to conduct oral and practical tests for the
Administrator. In many cases, these individuals are full
time professionals who work in the parachute industry.
Upon the successful completion of the oral and practical
tests, in most cases, the DPRE will issue a temporary
parachute rigger certificate [Figure 1-5 on page 1-5] and
a seal symbol to the candidate. In some FSDO
jurisdictions, the district office may issue the temporary
certificate and/or seal symbol. The seal symbol consists
of three letters or numbers or a combination of
both.[Figure 1-6 on page 1-5] The seal symbol is very
important; it will serve as the identifying mark for that
individual parachute rigger, and is used to seal any
parachute that he/she packs.
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