FAA Parachute Rigger

Expect a written knowledge test of multiple-choice questions followed by an oral and practical test. During the practical, an FAA-designated evaluator observes you inspecting, packing, and repairing actual parachute assemblies and questions you on the reasoning behind each step. Both portions must be passed; the FAA publishes current testing details.

The FAA sets and publishes the current time allowances; check its site rather than relying on secondhand numbers. In practice, the practical portion is the long part - packing multiple canopy types and completing repairs can occupy most of a day, while the knowledge test is a fixed, timed sitting.

Candidates with loft experience generally find the practical portion manageable but the oral demanding, because you must justify decisions about airworthiness. Those without hands-on time struggle most. Difficulty tracks closely with how many different canopy and container types you have actually packed under supervision before test day.

Retake rules, waiting periods, and any additional training requirements are set by the FAA, which publishes the current policy. In general you retest only the portion failed, but confirm the specifics before you schedule. Keep your documentation and training records in order, since they may be reviewed when you reapply.

Start with materials, components, and hardware, because every inspection and repair decision depends on knowing what a part is and what it is rated for. Then move to construction and sewing, inspection and packing, and rigging. Regulations and recordkeeping fit naturally last, once the technical vocabulary makes the paperwork meaningful.

The most common cause is vague answers - saying a component 'looks fine' instead of citing the inspection criteria and the manual limit. Others fail by working from memory rather than the manufacturer's instructions, or by missing recordkeeping entries. Practice narrating each step and its acceptance criteria out loud while you pack.

Ask your evaluator in advance what to bring. Typically you should arrive with the hand tools, sewing equipment, and reference manuals appropriate to the tasks, plus the canopy and container types you intend to demonstrate. Borrowing equipment mid-test wastes time and signals poor preparation.

There is no published minimum, but competence comes from repetition across several canopy types, not one. Aim to pack each type you will be tested on enough times that you can do it consistently without prompts, and have a rigger review your work so errors are corrected before the evaluation.

Currency, renewal, and the path from rigger to senior and master ratings are governed by FAA rules, which publish the current requirements. Many riggers add ratings as their experience grows. Check the FAA's site for the latest eligibility criteria rather than assuming older requirements still apply.