U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Airman Knowledge Test Report
NAME: APPLICANT ID:
EXAM: Parachute Rigger Senior (RIG) EXAM ID:
EXAM DATE: 04/20/2004 EXAM SITE:
SCORE: 96 GRADE: PASS TAKE: 1
Below are subject matter knowledge codes in which questions were answered
incorrectly. For code descriptions see the latest version of AC 60-25
Reference Materials and Subject Matter Knowledge Codes for Airman
Knowledge Testing, available via the internet: http://afs600.faa.gov
A single code may represent more than one incorrect response.
L90 P38
Expiration Date: 04/30/2006
DO NOT LOSE THIS REPORT
Authorized instructor’s statement. (If applicable)
I have given Mr./Ms. additional
instruction in each subject area shown to be deficient and
consider the applicant competent to pass the test.
Last Initial Cert. No. Type
(Print clearly)
Signature
FRAUDULENT ALTERATION OF THIS FORM BY ANY PERSON IS A BASIS FOR SUSPENSION
OR REVOCATION OF ANY CERTIFICATES OR RATINGS HELD BY THAT PERSON.
ISSUED BY: ADMINISTRATOR
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
Figure 1-4. Sample Airman Knowledge Test Report.
It is also possible for candidates who pass the test but receive
a marginal score to retake the test with the anticipation of
getting a higher score. In this case, the candidate must wait
a minimum of 30 days from the date the last test was taken
to retake a passed test. Prior to retesting, the individual must
give his or her current airman test report to the proctor. The
most recent test taken reflects the official score.
Responsibilities of a Certificated Parachute
Rigger
Parachute riggers have a broad range of responsibilities
that include ensuring that proper facilities and equipment
are available to him or her, adhering to certain performance
standards, record keeping, and use of their seal. The following
describes the responsibilities of a certificated parachute rigger.
Facilities and Tools
Issuance of a Parachute Rigger Certificate is just the first
step toward becoming a professional parachute rigger. As
the un-certificated apprentice gains experience packing, he
or she should also begin to acquire an inventory of tools and
manuals necessary to exercise the privileges of a certificate.
In compliance with 14 CFR part 65, section 65.127, there are
several items required. One of these requirements is a smooth
tabletop that is at least 3 feet wide by 40 feet long. Note that
there is no specification for height. A table is only desirable
if the parachute rigger is going to pack round parachutes.
With the predominance of square reserve parachutes in the
skydiving community, some parachute riggers specialize in
packing only square reserves. A table can be used for packing
this type of parachute, but the manufacturer may specify
any smooth, clean surface of a size that accommodates the
canopy. In this case, a clean, carpeted floor does the job and
a table may not be necessary. According to 14 CFR part 65,
subsection 65.127(b), the parachute rigger needs suitable
housing that is adequately heated, lighted, and ventilated for
drying and airing parachutes. This is subject to interpretation
by the parachute rigger and the Administrator since the
standards fluctuate based on location and time of year.
A parachute rigger must have enough tools and equipment
to pack and maintain the types of parachutes for which he or
she is rated to service. This may include only the basic tools
of a packing fid, temporary pin, and pull-up cord if this is all
that the manufacturer says is necessary to pack its product.
However, there is a broad selection of tools necessary for a
well-equipped parachute rigger to possess. These are covered
in detail in Chapter 6, Hand Tools, Sewing Machines, and
the Parachute Loft.
Performance Standards
A number of performance standards are defined in 14 CFR
part 65, section 65.129 to guide the parachute rigger’s
performance of the duties that fall under the certificate. The
parachute rigger may not:
• Pack, maintain, or alter any parachute unless he or she
is rated for that type.
• Pack a parachute that is not safe for emergency use.
• Pack a parachute that is not thoroughly dried and aired.
• Alter a parachute in a manner not specifically
authorized by the Administrator or the manufacturer
of the parachute.
The last item in this list is one that has been abused by
many Master Parachute Riggers over the years. The Master
Parachute Rigger must have Administrator or manufacturer
approval, in writing, to be in compliance with this regulation.
Aside from the necessary tools, 14 CFR part 65, subsection
65.129(f) states that parachute riggers may exercise the
privileges of the certificate only if they understand the current
manufacturer’s instructions for the operation involved. This
means that the rigger must possess a copy of the instructions
or have access to them during the operation. If they do not
have a copy, but the owner of the parachute provides them,
then the parachute rigger may pack or maintain the parachute.
Figure 1-6. Parachute Rigger’s Seal.
THIS CERTIFIES THAT IV.
V.
THIS IS AN ORIGINAL ISSUANCE A REISSUANCE OF THIS
GRADE OF CERTIFICATE
I. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION - FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
ii. TEMPORARY AIRMAN CERTIFICATE
III. CERTIFICATE NO.
vii. AIRMAN'S SIGNATURE
DATE OF BIRTH HEIGHT WEIGHT HAIR EYES SEX NATIONALITY VI.
IX. has been found to be properly qualified and is hereby authorized in accordance with the conditions of issuance on the
reverse of this certificate to exercise the privileges of
RATINGS AND LIMITATIONS
XII.
XIII.
DATE OF SUPERSEDED AIRMAN CERTIFICATE
BY DIRECTION OF THE ADMINISTRATOR EXAMINER'S DESIGNATION NO. OR
INSPECTOR'S REG. NO.
X. DATE OF ISSUANCE X. SIGNATURE OF EXAMINER OR INSPECTOR
DATE DESIGNATION EXPIRES
FAA Form 8060-4 (8-79) USE PREVIOUS EDITION
IN
SAMPLE
Pending
Frank Alvin Adams
2530 S.W. 57th street
Oklahoma City, OK 73119-9999
09/13/1962
Senior Parachute Rigger
06/02/2005
Floyd E. Long
Floyd E. Long 1404108
10/31/2005
Seat, Chest, and Back types
Seal Symbol—KRR
72 180 Black Blue M USA
Figure 1-5. FAA Form 8060-4, Temporary Airman Certificate.
computer may not have a printer attached but could still meet
this requirement.
Parachute riggers are not necessarily required to download
the instructions to a hard drive or disk as long as they are able
to access the manual in real time. However, if a problem is
identified with the parachute rigger’s pack job at a later date,
the parachute rigger would need to prove to the Administrator
that he or she had access to the instructions. Without a
hardcopy or downloaded computer files, it would appear
that the parachute rigger had not met the rule requirement.
Currency Requirements
Once an individual obtains a Parachute Rigger Certificate, it
is valid for life unless surrendered, suspended, or revoked.
If the individual intends to work as a parachute rigger and
not just have the certificate, it is necessary that he or she
maintain currency as a practicing parachute rigger. These
currency requirements include at least one of the following.
• Performing parachute rigger duties for at least 90 days
within the preceding 12 months.
A variation on this theme is accessing the packing instruction
via the Internet. Many manufacturers provide manuals via
their websites. If the parachute rigger does not download
the actual instruction, they must show that they had access
during the packing of the parachute. For example, a laptop
RESERVE
CANOPY
HARNESS &
CONTAINER
AAD
EQUIP . DATAMANUFACTURER MODEL SERIAL NO. MFR. DATE WHERE PACKED
EQUIP . DATAMANUFACTURER MODEL SERIAL NO. MFR. DATE WHERE PACKED
RESERVE
CANOPY
HARNESS &
CONTAINER
AAD
EQUIP . DATAMANUFACTURER MODEL SERIAL NO. MFR. DATE WHERE PACKED
RESERVE
CANOPY
HARNESS &
CONTAINER
AAD
EQUIP . DATAMANUFACTURER MODEL SERIAL NO. MFR. DATE WHERE PACKED
RESERVE
CANOPY
HARNESS &
CONTAINER
AAD
EQUIP . DATA
TOTALS TO DATE: BACK ______ SEAT ______ CHEST ______ ALL TYPES ________
MANUFACTURER MODEL SERIAL NO. MFR. DATE WHERE PACKED
RESERVE
CANOPY
HARNESS &
CONTAINER
AAD TYPE B S C
TYPE B S C
TYPE B S C
TYPE B S C
TYPE B S C
A & P
A & P
A & P
A & P
A & P
PD
Sun Path
Paucision
Sun Path
PD
Sun Path
PISA
Sun Path
PD
Sun Path
PR-143
Wings
Rayon 135
Javelin
PR-160
Javelin
Tempo 170
Javelin
PR-126
Javelin
4/03
14/93
10/2k
4/03
12/97
1/98
7/95
9/95
7/2k
9/01
6/2k
9/02
FLOY AZ
FLOY AZ
FLOY AZ
FLOY AZ
FLOY AZ
Figure 1-7. Parachute Rigger Logbook Page.
• Demonstrating to the Administrator the ability to
perform those duties.
Record Keeping
Maintaining proper records of parachute rigger activities is an
important responsibility. This is necessary for the protection
of the parachute rigger, the user of the parachute, and the
satisfaction of the Administrator. Under 14 CFR part 65,
section 65.131, certificated parachute riggers must document
the packing, maintenance, and alteration of parachutes they
have performed or supervised. These records normally are
documented in a parachute rigger’s logbook. The following
information must be documented:
• Parachute type and make
• Serial number
• Name and address of the owner
• Description of the work performed
• Date and location of work performed
• Results of any drop tests
These records must be kept for a minimum of 2 years.
Figure 1-7 shows a sample of a logbook page. In addition,
each parachute rigger must note on the parachute packing
record or data card the following information: [Figure 1-8]
• Date and location of packing
• A notation of any defects found on inspection
• Parachute Rigger Certificate number
• Parachute rigger name and signature
While not required on the data card, it has become
commonplace for the parachute rigger to note the work
performed as well. This is usually noted as assemble and pack
(A&P) or inspect and repack (I&R). Professional parachute
riggers often use an ink stamp on the data card that indicates
name, certificate number, seal symbol, and provides an area
for signature. This allows the customer or other parachute
riggers to read the name (some signatures are illegible) and
to correlate the last entry with the seal on the parachute.
DATE
WORK PERFORMANCE
LOCATION SIGNATURE & CERTIFICATE NO.
DATE
WORK PERFORMANCE
LOCATION SIGNATURE & CERTIFICATE NO.
DATE
WORK PERFORMANCE
LOCATION SIGNATURE & CERTIFICATE NO.
DATE
WORK PERFORMANCE
LOCATION SIGNATURE & CERTIFICATE NO.
DATE
WORK PERFORMANCE
LOCATION SIGNATURE & CERTIFICATE NO.
DATE
WORK PERFORMANCE
LOCATION SIGNATURE & CERTIFICATE NO.
DATE
WORK PERFORMANCE
LOCATION SIGNATURE & CERTIFICATE NO.
DATE
WORK PERFORMANCE
LOCATION SIGNATURE & CERTIFICATE NO.
DATE
WORK PERFORMANCE
LOCATION SIGNATURE & CERTIFICATE NO.
PARACHUTE LOGBOOK & DATA CARD
This log should be kept with the parachute assembly at all time. When it becomes
full, it should remain with the assembly or stored in a secure place. The owner
should keep a photocopy of this page in the event the parachute is lost or stolen.
OWNER INFORMATION:
NAME:
STREET or P.O. BOX:
CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE:
TELEPHONE:
EQUIPMENT INFORMATION:
HARNESS & CONTAINER MANUFACTURER & MODEL
HARNESS & CONTAINER SERIAL NUMBER & DATA OF MANUFACTURE
AUTOMATIC / EMERGENCY CANOPY MANUFACTURER OR MODEL
AUTOMATIC / EMERGENCY CANOPY SERIAL NUMBER & DATA OF MANUFACTURE
AUTOMATIC / OPENER(AAD) MANUFACTURER & MODEL IF ANY
AUTOMATIC / OPENER(AAD) SERIAL NUMBER & DATA OF MANUFACTURE
WARNING!
USE OF THIS PARACHUTE MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. PARACHUTES SOMETIMES MALFUNCTION,
EVEN WHEN PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, PACKED AND USED. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND MANUALS PRIOR TO
DONNING. SOME COUNTRIES HAVE REGULATIONS REGARDING THE MAINTENANCE AND USE OF PARACHUTES.
Joe Smith
123 Maple Dr.
Middletown, MA 00010
413-555-1212
Sep 1, 2003 Kenny Chou #1234567ELOY AZ
Inspect & repack
Rigging Innovations Talon T5
21512 May 2002
Precision Aerodynamics Super Raven 150
29218222 Aug 1998
Airtec, Cypres
50DO17325dc822-2x July 1998
Kenny Chou
Figure 1-8. Parachute Packing Record or Data Card.
Sealing the Parachute
As noted previously, each certificated parachute rigger is
issued a unique symbol with which to seal each parachute
once he or she packs it in a manner prescribed by the
manufacturer. A hand press, 4.75 pound tensile seal thread,
and a lead blank are used for this purpose. 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 FAA or any employee of the FAA
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 ASI from the local FSDO or IFO. This
employee of the FAA is responsible for enforcement of the
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) in aviation matters. The
ASI (airworthiness type) has jurisdictional responsibility in
such matters as compliance with the rules, 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 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 TSOs for parachutes, the 23 series
(C23b, C23c, C23d). This is important to the parachute rigger
in determining certification compatibility when he or she is
assembling approved components.
14 CFR part 39—Airworthiness Directives (ADs)
This part specifically deals with Airworthiness Directives
(ADs). An AD is an amendment to the CFR. 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
14 CFR part 91, section 91.307 of 14 CFR 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
14 CFR part 105 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 180 days of its use. If it is made
from materials subject to mold or mildew (natural
fibers), 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 TSO (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, an Air Force-Navy drawing number, an Army
Air Field order number, or any military designation
or specification number.
Rigging Ethics
As parachute riggers gain additional experience, they are
occasionally faced with situations that involve less than ideal
circumstances. For example, they may be presented with a new
jumper who has purchased old or damaged equipment that may
or may not be airworthy; or it may be a pilot who purchased an
acrobatic plane that came with a parachute that is far too small
for his or her weight. These situations involve more than just
the technical knowledge for a Parachute Rigger Certificate.
In the case of the pilot above, depending on which TSO
the parachute is certified, there may be a weight and
speed limitation for the system. For example, TSO C23c
category B has a limitation of 254-pound exit weight and a
speed limitation of 150 knots. Imagine a pilot who weighs
225 pounds and his airplane regularly exceeds the 150-
knot envelope during maneuvering. If this pilot brings a
parachute to a parachute rigger for repacking, the first thing
the parachute rigger should notice is the size of the pilot.
When the parachute rigger inspects the parachute, he notices
that it has a 22-foot diameter round canopy. The parachute
rigger finds that with the pilot at 225 pounds, his clothes at 5
pounds, and the parachute at 20 pounds, he is at 250 pounds
or just under the limit. However, in looking at the owner’s
manual, the parachute rigger cannot find any information
in the weight-carrying limit of the canopy. In addition, this
particular parachute was made by a company that is no longer
in business. The parachute appears to be in good condition
visually but is 30 years old. In this situation, the parachute
rigger is faced with a number of questionable areas that are
detailed below.
Certification Specifications
The practical matter of the above pilot’s use of the parachute
is that he is at the maximum limits of the certification
specifications of that parachute. If he does not eat a big
breakfast or gain much weight before using the parachute,
he might stay under the weight limit. The speed limitation
is probably exceeded on a regular basis during acrobatic
maneuvers. If he needs to use the parachute at some point,
there should be enough of a safety margin built into the design
and testing of the parachute to be sufficient.
Pilot Versus Parachute Size
With 250 pounds under a 22-foot diameter canopy, the pilot
probably drops from the sky at an excessive rate of descent.
A common assumption in this situation is that it is unlikely he
needs to use the parachute, but if he does, will it save his life?
Parachute Service Life
There is no service life on the parachute; it may be considered
airworthy as long as it meets its TSO. While the parachute
appears to be in good condition, there are not many non-
destructive tests available to the parachute rigger in the field
to make this determination. It may be possible to drop test
the parachute, but the cost would probably outweigh the
value of the system. It is up to the parachute rigger to make
the determination as to the airworthiness of the parachute
system. When the parachute rigger seals the parachute and
signs the data card, the rigger is saying it is ready, thereby
putting the customer’s life on the line.
What should the parachute rigger do? This is not just a
theoretical situation—it is one that has been experienced
many times by many parachute riggers. All of the above
information plus economic factors complicate the parachute
rigger’s decision. If the rigger does not pack the parachute,
the pilot may take it down the road to another parachute
rigger for a second opinion who may not have the same
standards. An added factor is liability exposure. If the
parachute rigger signs off on a questionable parachute
and an accident occurs later, the rigger may be exposed to
disciplinary action from the Administrator in addition to
civil action in the courts. There are no hard and fast rules
in these situations, but instead the parachute rigger must
exercise the best judgment he or she can summon based on
experience and the information at hand.
Most professional parachute riggers would refuse to pack the
parachute described in the scenario above due to the age of
the parachute, the size of the individual, and the potential use
parameters. The conscientious rigger should give the pilot all
of the facts concerning permissible exit weights and speeds
and probable system performance, or lack thereof. Perhaps
the pilot can be convinced to purchase a more appropriate
emergency parachute, one that is certified for higher weight
and speeds.
Chapter Summary
This first chapter summarized the need-to-know areas of
14 CFR and familiarized the rigger candidate with the 8610-2
Rating Application and other pertinent documents. Become
familiar with 14 CFR online at http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-
bin/text-idx?SID=ea18c91ab7072a02b2cefba39393ebfc&t
pl=/ecfrbrowse/Title14/14tab_02.tpl. There is an overview
of the rigger’s responsibilities, limitations, and currency
requirements. Becoming a well-rounded parachute rigger
is a serious undertaking and requires independent study and
determination to learn the history of parachutes, as well as
current methods and materials.
The most important thought to keep in mind with regard
to parachute rigging is that the purpose of the 180-day
inspection and repack cycle is to inspect the parachute and
all of its sub-assemblies, as well as the harness/container
system and all of its sub-assemblies. Almost any parachute
could theoretically remain packed for years and still open
and function normally if stored in a perfect environment,
as long as all the materials were chemically stable. History
has shown however, that in rare instances fabrics can break
down spontaneously and their chemical makeup can change,
possibly compromising the integrity of the entire system.
Therefore it is imperative that a thorough inspection is done
on a frequent and regular basis by a competent rigger prior
to repack. The conscientious rigger is the ultimate safety net
between the jumper and the ground.