PARACHUTE RIGGER HANDBOOK
 

Chapter 1

SEALING THE PARACHUTE

As noted previously, each certificated parachute rigger is issued a seal symbol with which each parachute is sealed once he/she packs it in a manner prescribed by the manufacturer. This ensures that no one tampers with the parachute and the owner knows that it is ready for use.

REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

As with other airman certificates, there are additional parts of 14 CFR that are of direct concern to the parachute rigger in addition to those already mentioned. It is important that the parachute rigger have a thorough understanding of these parts in order to avoid any inadvertent non-compliance: 14 CFR parts 1, 21, 39, 91, 105, and 183.

14 CFR PART 1—DEFINITIONS

This part provides legal definitions for words and abbreviations under this title. One of the more important terms in this part is that of the Administrator. The Administrator is the administrative head of the Federal Aviation Administration or any employee of the Federal Aviation Administration to whom authority has been delegated. The parachute rigger is most likely to come in contact with two individuals who may act on the Administrator’s behalf.

The first is the Aviation Safety Inspector from the local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) or International Field Office (IFO). This employee of the Federal Aviation Administration is responsible for enforcement of the Code of Federal Regulations in aviation matters. The Aviation Safety Inspector (airworthiness type) has jurisdictional responsibility in such matters as: compliance with the rule, approving data for major repairs or alterations, investigation of accidents, overseeing airshows and demo jumps, or any aviation related matter.

The second is the local Designated Parachute Rigger Examiner (DPRE). This private person is empowered to conduct practical tests for the Administrator.

14 CFR PART 21 SUBPART O—TECHNICAL STANDARD ORDERS (TSO)

A Technical Standard Order (TSO) is issued by the Administrator and is a minimum performance standard for specified articles, such as parachutes. It is important that the parachute rigger understand the TSO process and the various levels of TSO approval under which parachutes are manufactured. Every parachute rigger should read and become familiar with the technical standard orders for parachutes, the 23 series (C23b, C23c, C23d). This is important to the parachute rigger in determining certification compatibility when he/she is assembling approved components.

14 CFR PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

This part specifically deals with Airworthiness Directives (ADs). An AD is an amendment to the Code of Federal Regulations. An AD must be complied with before using an affected product. In the case of a parachute, when:

• an unsafe condition exists in a product.
• the condition is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type or design.

Under 14 CFR part 39, “No person may operate a product to which an airworthiness directive applies except in accordance with the requirements of that airworthiness directive.”

In recent years, there have been a number of parachute ADs issued by the Administrator. These ADs prescribe certain actions to be taken by the parachute rigger in order to ensure the safety and function of parachutes that have been found in some manner to be defective. If the parachute rigger does not comply with the AD, the parachute rigger cannot pack, maintain, or alter the affected parachute. ADs are mailed to each certificated parachute rigger on the FAA listing. If the parachute rigger has moved and not complied with the requirements for an address change, the rigger may not receive the AD. This introduces an additional problem. Under 14 CFR part 65, subpart A—General, section 65.21, airmen must register their change of address within 30 days of moving or they are not able to exercise the privileges of their certificate.

14 CFR PART 91—GENERAL OPERATING AND FLIGHT RULES

Section 91.307 deals with parachutes and parachuting. This section defines an “approved parachute” and states the repack time for parachutes. Both of these are of vital interest to the parachute rigger.

14 CFR PART 105 SUBPART C— PARACHUTE EQUIPMENT AND PACKING

This part deals with the use of parachutes in the United States. The following areas are of interest to parachute riggers:

•Main parachutes used for intentional jumping must be packed by the person jumping or by a U.S. certificated parachute rigger.
• The auxiliary parachute must be packed by a certificated and appropriately rated parachute rigger.
• If the parachute is made from synthetic materials, it must be packed within 120 days of its use. If it is made from materials subject to mold or mildew, then it must be packed within 60 days of use.
• If a main static line is used, it must meet certain requirements as to its use and configuration.
• An approved parachute is defined as a parachute manufactured under a type certificate or a Technical Standard Order (C-23 series), or a personnel-carrying U.S. military parachute (other than a high altitude, high speed, or ejection type) identified by a Navy Air Facility, an Army Air Field, and Air Force-Navy drawing number, an Army Air Field order number, or any military designation or specification number.

 
 
 
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