How to Become a Licensed Parachute Rigger

Skydiving is a fun and exhilarating experience. To ensure the safety of skydivers, every parachute is carefully inspected and packed by a parachute rigger licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). One must complete the proper certification and training to become a licensed parachute rigger. This is a very rewarding position, and you can attain it with perseverance and practice.

Instructions

1. Apprentice under a licensed parachute rigger. You are an entry-level rigger at this point.

2. Pack a minimum of 20 practice jobs under the supervision of a senior or master parachute rigger. It takes about a month or so to complete this step.

3. Pass a computerized written test. Computerized learning centers administer such tests. You get the results of this test immediately.

4. Take oral and practical tests. The oral test consists of questions regarding common parachute rigging practices. The practical test requires you to demonstrate your inspecting and packing capabilities.

5. Gain three years' experience at the senior parachute rigger level and earn the option to test for master parachute rigger, which allows you to make more extensive parachute repairs.

6. Enlist in the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Navy as a parachute rigger, if you don't wish to go the civilian route.

Tips & Warnings

• Look in the classifieds section of "Parachutist" or "Sky Diver" magazine for organizations offering courses in parachute rigging.

• Study for the written examination by reading "The Parachute Manual, Volumes I and II" and the latest "Rigger's Study Guide," both by Dan Poynter.

• Take training courses at the U.S. Academy of Parachute Rigging in Arizona.

• In many cases, there may be a cost involved when apprenticing with a senior or master parachute rigger.