FAA Parachute Rigger key terms

The application form a candidate submits to the FAA to take a written, oral, or practical test for a mechanic or parachute rigger certificate or rating. It records applicant details, the certificate sought, and instructor endorsements.

An FAA-issued airman certificate authorizing a person to pack, maintain, and repair parachutes within the limits of the rating held. It is issued with a rating such as senior or master and requires documented experience and testing.

The entry-level parachute rigger rating. To qualify, an applicant must document the required packing experience, pass the knowledge and practical tests, and be able to pack and maintain the types of parachutes for which the rating is sought.

The advanced parachute rigger rating requiring broader experience than the senior rating, including supervision and inspection duties. Holders may perform the full range of rigging functions permitted by regulation and may approve work done by others.

A permanent written history for each parachute that records packing dates, repacks, repairs, alterations, and the identity of the person performing the work. It establishes airworthiness status and supports traceability during inspections.

A card or placard attached to a parachute assembly that shows the date of the last pack, the next due date, and the signature or certificate number of the rigger. It gives users an at-a-glance service status.

The maximum interval allowed between packings of a parachute, typically 180 days for emergency parachutes unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise. Exceeding it renders the assembly unairworthy until repacked and recorded.

A woven nylon fabric with heavier yarns at intervals that stop a tear from propagating. It is the standard canopy and pack material for sport and emergency parachutes because of its strength-to-weight ratio and durability.

A measure of how much air passes through canopy fabric, usually expressed in cubic feet per minute through a standard area. Low porosity gives a firmer canopy; excessive porosity from wear or coating breakdown degrades performance.

The mass per unit area of parachute cloth, commonly stated in denier or ounces per square yard. Heavier fabric resists wear and opening shock better, while lighter fabric reduces pack volume and weight.

A narrow strip of fabric cut on the diagonal so it stretches and curves easily. Riggers use it to bind raw edges, reinforce seams, and finish hems on canopies and packs without puckering.

The cords that connect the canopy to the risers and harness, distributing load and controlling canopy shape. Line material, diameter, and length must match the manufacturer's specification because they affect strength and flight characteristics.

The measured lengths of individual suspension lines relative to a reference. Out-of-trim lines cause turns, asymmetric openings, or poor flare, so riggers check them against the manufacturer's trim chart during inspection.

A point where an upper suspension line joins two or more lower lines, forming a Y or branching junction. Cascades reduce total line length and drag while maintaining load distribution across the canopy.

The short webbing straps connecting the suspension lines to the harness. Risers carry the canopy load, may include toggles or release hardware, and must be inspected for wear, stitching integrity, and correct attachment.

A mechanical quick-release system using two small rings and one large ring to reduce the force needed to release a riser under load. Riggers must assemble the rings in the correct order and inspect for wear and correct routing.

The network of webbing that secures the wearer and attaches to the container and risers. It includes leg straps, chest strap, and main lift web, and must be sized and adjusted to prevent injury and accidental release.

The primary vertical structural webbing on a parachute harness that carries the load from the risers to the leg and chest straps. It is a critical inspection point for wear, stitching, and hardware attachment.

The pack and harness-mounted enclosure that holds the canopy, lines, and pilot chute and controls deployment sequence. Its flaps, elastic loops, and closing loops must be rigged to the correct tension for reliable opening.

A small loop, usually of cord, that passes through container flaps and receives the closing pin. Its length and condition determine pack closing tension and must match the manufacturer's specification.

The metal pin attached to the pilot chute bridle that passes through the closing loop to hold the container closed. It must be smooth, correctly sized, and free of burrs to prevent hang-ups or line damage.

A small auxiliary canopy or fabric drogue that deploys first and pulls the main canopy out of the container. Its size, bridle length, and attachment must match the system to ensure consistent deployment.

A fabric sleeve that holds the folded canopy and lines and is pulled away by the pilot chute during opening. Proper line stowage in the bag's elastic loops prevents line-over malfunctions.

A malfunction in which a suspension line passes over the top of the canopy, distorting its shape and reducing performance. Correct line stowage and packing technique are the primary prevention measures.

The release mechanism, often part of a three-ring assembly, that lets a wearer jettison the main canopy. It must operate smoothly under load and be inspected for correct routing and hardware condition.

A second, independently packed canopy carried for use if the main fails. It is packed only by qualified riggers, inspected more frequently, and must be compatible with the harness and release system.

A lanyard attached to the aircraft that deploys the parachute as the jumper exits. Riggers must inspect static line attachment, break cord, and routing to ensure reliable deployment without premature opening.

An electronic or mechanical device that opens the reserve container when it senses a preset altitude and descent rate. Riggers must install, test, and document it according to manufacturer instructions.

A dense zigzag stitch used to reinforce stress points such as harness junctions, loop attachments, and pack corners. Its length, width, and thread must follow the manufacturer's or FAA-accepted specification.

The number of stitches per inch along a seam. Too few reduce strength; too many can cut the fabric. Riggers match density to the material and the approved repair specification.

The distance between the seam line and the raw fabric edge. Correct allowance prevents fraying and ensures the seam retains design strength, especially on load-bearing canopy and harness seams.

A stitch formation that resists unraveling, commonly used at the ends of seams and on critical attachments. Riggers use it to secure thread ends where a loose stitch could compromise strength.

A systematic check of canopy fabric, seams, line attachment points, and vent or slider condition for wear, holes, and porosity loss. Findings determine whether repair or replacement is required before packing.

The order in which container flaps, loops, and pins release during deployment. Riggers verify it during packing so the pilot chute, bag, and canopy deploy in the intended order without interference.

Any failure of a parachute to deploy or inflate as intended, such as a line-over, step-through, or pilot chute hesitation. Riggers investigate malfunctions to identify packing or assembly causes and prevent recurrence.

The distribution of load on an aircraft or parachute system that affects stability and performance. For rigging, it includes jumper weight limits, container sizing, and canopy wing loading.

The ratio of suspended weight to canopy area, usually expressed in pounds per square foot. Higher wing loading increases speed and descent rate, so riggers match canopy size to jumper weight and experience.