Become a Rigger
Everything you need to know about FAA parachute rigger certification — requirements, privileges, scope of practice, and resources.
Scope of Practice
What Riggers Can Pack
FAA-certificated riggers may pack emergency, reserve, and sport parachutes. The specific types (back, chest, seat, lap) depend on the ratings held on the certificate.
180-Day Repack Cycle
Sport reserve parachutes must be repacked within the preceding 180 days by a certificated and appropriately rated parachute rigger — the standard cycle recognized by USPA and the industry. Note that 14 CFR 91.307 sets a 120-day limit for pilot emergency parachutes worn in aircraft, so always verify the applicable interval for the specific equipment being packed.
Record Keeping
Riggers must maintain a log of all packing performed, including the equipment identification, date, and their certificate number. A data card must be attached to each reserve packed.
Equipment Limitations
Riggers may only pack parachutes that are in airworthy condition and that conform to their FAA-approved type certificate or TSO authorization. Damaged or non-conforming gear may not be packed.
Senior Rigger
The entry-level FAA rigger certificate. Allows packing of emergency/reserve parachutes and minor repairs.
Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be able to read, write, speak, and understand English
- Hold a current FAA Parachute Rigger Certificate (or be supervised during training)
- Complete 3 months of packing experience under a certificated rigger
- Pass FAA written knowledge test (PAR)
- Pass FAA oral & practical exam
- Demonstrate packing of at least one type of approved parachute
Privileges
- Pack any type of parachute for which rated
- Perform minor repairs to parachutes and their component parts
- Supervise parachute packing by others
- Pack emergency parachutes required by 14 CFR 91.307
Master Rigger
The advanced FAA rigger certificate. Allows major repairs, alterations, and airworthiness determinations.
Experience & Packing Requirements
- Have at least 3 years of experience as a certified parachute rigger
- Satisfactorily pack at least 100 parachutes for each of two types in common use (such as back, seat, chest, or lap)
- Complete these pack jobs in accordance with manufacturer instructions under proper supervision or as a senior rigger
Testing & Certification
- Exempt from retaking the FAA written knowledge test (already hold a Senior Parachute Rigger certificate)
- Schedule and pass an oral and practical test administered by a Designated Parachute Rigger Examiner (DPRE)
- Demonstrate advanced skills in major repairs, maintenance, and packing techniques for the specific type ratings you seek
Key Resources
Study Material for the Written Test
Dauntless Aviation — Parachute Rigger Test Prep
Commercial test-prep application for the FAA Parachute Rigger (PAR) written knowledge exam.