Chapter 1
EARNING A PARACHUTE RIGGER
CERTIFICATE
When an applicant meets the requirements and
demonstrates sufficient knowledge and skills as outlined
in 14 CFR part 65, subpart F, the supervising parachute
rigger (either a senior or master parachute rigger) “signs
off” the trainee’s logbook and provides a letter to the
FAA, which will allow the applicant to take the
necessary tests. Figure 1-2 is an example of this letter.
TESTING
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.
ALTERNATE MEANS OF QUALIFYING FOR A PARACHUTE RIGGER CERTIFICATE
Active duty military personnel and civilian personnel,
who work for the military as parachute riggers, may qualify
for a senior parachute rigger certificate under 14 CFR,
section 65.117, Special Certification Rule. If they meet
the practical requirements, they need only take a special
25-question test.
A senior parachute rigger applying for a master parachute
rigger certificate only needs to take the oral and
practical test. A person with 3 years’ experience as a
parachute rigger, but not holding a senior parachute rigger
certificate, must take both the knowledge test and the oral and practical test. Any parachute rigger, senior or
master, who wishes to add additional ratings to his/her
certificate, needs to take only a practical test for the type
rating sought. No additional knowledge test is necessary.
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