Thinking of getting a riggers ticket

[jaffo 0]

I'm thinking of getting my riggers ticket. Not because I want to actually practice or make money, but just because I want to learn more about gear.

What are ya'lls thoughts?
Ryder

Take chances, just do it with all the information to make good decisions!!

Muff Brother# 2706 Dudeist Skydiver# 121.5

[likestojump 3]

You can learn plenty about gear without "getting a riggers ticket".

Start learning. If during the process you feel good, you may as well take the practical.

[Slurp56 0]

Purchase a poynters manual or try to find a digital copy of "faa-h-8083-17" which is the rigging manual that Sandy Reid put together. I'm willing to bet that you could learn something new from either book.

________________________________________
I have proof-read this post 500 times, but I guarantee you'll still manage to find a flaw.

[fcajump 164]

First, the recommendations by others are all correct.

Second, even if you don't get your ticket, the more you know the better. Talk with your rigger, most of us are more than willing to teach you anything you want to learn.

IF you decide to get your ticket, that too is great.
Only a few cautions:
- Having a ticket does not say you know it all, only that you've been given the basics on how to learn the rest (over the rest of your life).
- EVEN if you get your ticket "just to work on my own gear"... well, that's what most of us said... but word will get out.
- Your seal and signature is only ever good as your own integrity. Make it mean everything every time.

Blue ones,
JW

Always remember that some clouds are harder than others...

[erdnarob 1]

If you are a technically oriented type of person and curious about skydiving equipment, I highly recommend you to take a rigger's course. It is one of the best investment you can do as a skydiver. Taking the rigger's course however is just a beginning. To become a really experienced rigger, you have to avoid just sitting on your rating. You can participate to forum discussions like this one, go to the Parachute Industry Association (PIA) symposium held every two years. (Next one will be at Reno, Nevada in February-March 2011) where you can attend seminars on all kind of interesting subjects related to rigging and skydiving in general and even get certificates of continuing education both from the FAA and the PIA if you have accumulated at least 10 hours of seminars. Skydive Expo in DeLand Florida (last March) was another event where major manufacturers showed up and had display of the latest products. Also that give you the chance to speak directly to them and ask questions. The manufacturers are very happy to answer your questions about fabric, hardware, new systems, new designs, new helmets, new type of lines, new free fall cameras ...etc
Beside that, having a rigger's course make you an independent and more confident person concerning repairs or just preventative inspection of your equipment or friends ones. Obviously, you will be able to repack your reserve whenever it's needed or just open your reserve to replace an AAD, change its batteries or shortening the closing loop...and after closing it put your own seal on it. You also can go on manufacturers web sites and learn a lot that way. There is no limits for curiosity and knowledge.

Learn from others mistakes, you will never live long enough to make them all.

[jdathome 0]

What I did was spend time with a rigger that allowed me to watch one, then pack one. I was also able to do the same with another rigger before my class. I learned tons of little tricks, even on the first two pack jobs. This gave me a slight advantage at school, but not much. My advise would be to get as many of your 20 required pack jobs done before you go to school. This allows you time at the loft you are attending to learn all the different machines and tools of the trade. I packed 18 reserves in 5 days, plus the classroom stuff. It was BRUTAL! Most courses are two weeks. I went to Para-Concepts at Skydive Chicago. Kirk's class is only 8 days, but it's 8 long ass days!

Good luck. Being a "rigger" will make the sun shine brighter and life will be a magical dream! Birds will sing your praise as you walk down the street.....oh wait, that's what great sex does. Being a rigger is mostly a pain in the ass. But I dig it!

Blues...

Marriage is like a deck of cards. You start with two harts and a diamond only to discover you wish you had a club and a spade!

[councilman24 37]

You don't have to 'try' to find a copy.

It's available all day long here...
http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/aircraft/media/FAA-H-8083-17.pdf

I'm old for my age.
Terry Urban
D-8631
FAA DPRE

[riggerrob 643]

The greatest things about rigging are that you do not have to worry about obesity, alcoholism or sexually transmitted diseases, because - by the time you finish packing all the reserves - your buddies will have eaten all the pizza, drank all the beer and %$#@!ed all the women!
Hah!
Hah!

[jaffo 0]

Take chances, just do it with all the information to make good decisions!!

Muff Brother# 2706 Dudeist Skydiver# 121.5

[theonlyski 8]

I am actually looking at getting my ticket when I get back. Looks like a challenge but I think it will be worth it.

I have an entire rig (new container, reserve and Ill get an aad for it when it gets to be time)

I won't have another rigger touch it. Its not getting assembled till I do it. The first seal on it will be mine.

"I may be a dirty pirate hooker...but I'm not about to go stand on the corner." iluvtofly
DPH -7, TDS 578, Muff 5153, SCR 14890
I'm an asshole, and I approve this message