jheadley 0 #1 August 1, 2006 I'm interested in a job related to skydiving. I've worked as a packer at dropzones, both part time and full time, and while I do want to get my instructional ratings, I definitely don't want to do it for a living, I know how miserable that can be. I think I've actually become more interested in the gear and rigging part of skydiving than the jumping. Another thought would be to be a parachute rigger for the army. Has anyone here done that? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Miami 0 #2 August 1, 2006 Quote...while I do want to get my instructional ratings, I definitely don't want to do it for a living, I know how miserable that can be. It's only as miserable as you let it be. While I'm not crazy about doing a bunch of tandems every weekend, I absolutely love doing AFF and video/still work...and they make up most of what I consider my "fun" jumps each year. QuoteWhat skills are required to work for, say, Performance Designs or a container manufacturer? Your best bet there would be to contact manufacturers you are interested in working with directly...they would be able to lay out qualifications for positions you might be interested in.Miami Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GravityGirl 0 #3 August 2, 2006 Most manufacturers are looking for good DEDICATED employees. Like any other profession, you'll likely have to work your way up. I had a job with a manufacturer. I started out laying out patterns and cutting out the rigs. It was fun. I learned heaps. After a while I got to use the cool tools. If you are serious, make some calls. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Peace and Blue Skies! Bonnie ==>Gravity Gear! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggermick 7 #4 August 2, 2006 QuoteI'm interested in a job related to skydiving. I've worked as a packer at dropzones, both part time and full time, and while I do want to get my instructional ratings, I definitely don't want to do it for a living, I know how miserable that can be. I think I've actually become more interested in the gear and rigging part of skydiving than the jumping. Another thought would be to be a parachute rigger for the army. Has anyone here done that? Don't expect to get rich doing it!! But it is mentally stimulating ,I liked it so much I designed my own rig and built a company to produce it. Of course I had previous experience building gear bags, weight belts etc and worked for a manufacturer for a year to learn how NOT to do it. Hell it was a great adventure and just recently I got to build some of my "old" products for a sub-contrator of the people who purchased my old company's designs and assets. Not having sat at a sewing machine for five years made me think it was going to be difficult, but it was "like riding a bike" it all came back in an instant and boy did it feel good!!!! The quote from the (sub contractor) manufacturer to me was "you'd never know it (the five year gap), there is no wasted motion in in your hands movements" If you have an anylitical mind and are good with your hands it can be a very rewarding experience. Sometimes I miss it terribly (but not the politics). If you feel this your vocation then do it!! If you don't you will always be left wondering what if? Mick. PM me if you like, I'd be glad to share my experiences with you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cloudi 0 #5 August 2, 2006 QuotePM me if you like, I'd be glad to share my experiences with you. That's an offer you shouldn't pass up! Kim Watch as I attempt, with no slight of hand, to apply logic and reason. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 643 #6 August 2, 2006 QuoteMost manufacturers are looking for good DEDICATED employees. Like any other profession, you'll likely have to work your way up. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I want to warn you that very few skydivers have long enough attention spans to make good production workers. That is why the vast majority of sewing is done by little Latino ladies. While I have above average sewing skills, my ADD limits me to repairs. I tried working for three American parachute manufacturers (Butler, Rigging Innovations and Para-Phernalia) sewing, assembling, doing final inspections, packing, repairs, modifications, updates, etc. but in the long run had to admit that I just don't have the attention span to sit at a sewing machine all day. Mind you, lately I have been getting bored with professional skydiving (rigging, tandems, IAD, PFF, coaching,e tc.) and have been toying with a prototype harness/container and trying to figure out how to get it into production without the annoying hassle of building a factory. Hee! Hee! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites riggermick 7 #7 August 4, 2006 QuoteQuotePM me if you like, I'd be glad to share my experiences with you. That's an offer you shouldn't pass up! NCNS so far, guess he wasn't too interested after all. Mick. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jheadley 0 #8 August 4, 2006 QuoteQuoteQuotePM me if you like, I'd be glad to share my experiences with you. That's an offer you shouldn't pass up! NCNS so far, guess he wasn't too interested after all. Mick. Gimme some time. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0
riggermick 7 #7 August 4, 2006 QuoteQuotePM me if you like, I'd be glad to share my experiences with you. That's an offer you shouldn't pass up! NCNS so far, guess he wasn't too interested after all. Mick. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jheadley 0 #8 August 4, 2006 QuoteQuoteQuotePM me if you like, I'd be glad to share my experiences with you. That's an offer you shouldn't pass up! NCNS so far, guess he wasn't too interested after all. Mick. Gimme some time. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites