Becoming an FAA Certified Parachute Rigger
Becoming an FAA Certified Parachute Rigger is one of the most rewarding jobs out there. There is no higher satisfaction or privilege knowing the parachute you packed saved a pilot or skydiver's life. That's pretty neat.
You must pack a minimum of 20 logged approved reserve parachutes under supervision of a Senior or Master Parachute Rigger, pass a computerized written test, then pass an oral and practical tests. The practical test usually consists of inspecting and repacking a reserve, sewing a canopy patch, maybe a little hand-tacking plus any other minor task the examiner, Designated Parachute Rigger Examiner (DPRE), feels like assigning to you. The testing process is straight forward and DPRE challenges you on common rigging problems. The oral question exam consists of questions about common rigging practices and tests your knowledge orally just like the written test.
To study for the written test, buy copies of Dan Poynter's "The Parachute
Manual, Volumes I&II, and Poynter's latest Rigger's Study Guide. You can
purchase these and other books through the Parachute Shop.
The real challenge is in finding a rigger to supervise your 20 practice pack
jobs.
There are 3 ways to acquire this experience.
First, you could
apprentice, by far the best choice,
under your local Senior or Master Rigger, and or Parachute Loft. This process
varies widely in time and knowledge, but an active loft will teach you more than
any quickie rubber stamped course. Apprenticeship are the best if you have
the time. That is what we do at the Parachute Shop. Apprenticeships can take a
month or more. There is some cost for the training. Call me for more
information.
Second, look in Parachutist or Sky Diver Magazine in the classifieds, there is usually someone offering a quickly 10 day course offered in the winter.
Third, you could enlist in the U.S. Military as a parachute rigger, Air Force or
Navy is the best.