Rigger Qualifications

[ChromeBoy 0]

I know this maybe a newbie question but I do not know what you have to do to receive Rigger Qualifications. I have over a hundred jumps but I have always paid for packers except for my pack to get my A License and I want to understand the packing and rigging parameters completely. Can someone please explain the differences between the different rigging qualifications and provide different websites and books that will held me educate myself.

Senior Rigger
Master Rigger
Rigger Examiner
Thanks,
Chrome

[quade 4]

First off I need to qualify this by saying that I'm not a rigger.
However, the rigger certifications are much more involved than anything you've ever had to deal with for any USPA license being as how they are under the control of the FAA.
For a list of requirements, check out FAR 65.113 to 65.133.
Then, after being confused by that, go talk to one of your local riggers and see if they'll allow you to watch them do a repack or two while you talk to them about qualifications, training and stuff like that.
quade
http://futurecam.com

[SkymonkeyONE 4]

Required reading are Volumes 1 and 2 of the Parachute Manual by Dan Poynter.
Rigging is not difficult and it is something that I believe everyone ought to have experience in. Being handy with a sewing machine makes one a fairly popular person on a DZ in times of need. Also, not having to pay for reserve repacks makes things cheaper for me. Packing certain people's gear (like my wife's) keeps me in good graces.
Most DZ riggers I have ever met will allow, and even promote, apprenticeships. I never paid a dime for any rigger training and studying under a DPRE certainly didn't hurt! Chuck
My webpage HERE

[fred 0]

Quote

but I have always paid for packers except for my pack to get my A License

I'd suggest that a good first step is to start packing your own main. I'm not a rigger, but I expect that good main packing skills are pretty much a prerequisite for reserve packing.

[ChromeBoy 0]

Quote

I'd suggest that a good first step is to start packing your own main. I'm not a rigger, but I expect that good main packing skills are pretty much a prerequisite for reserve packing.

I understand and have watched numerous people pack mains, but I appreciate your feedback. My question is not about the main but about the different reserves and the different containers. Also the different qualifications and what is needed to hold these ratings.

[Scrappy 0]

Chromey, try this link.
Her scrappiness

[PhreeZone 20]

There is a major differnce between watching and doing. I packed 150 plus mains before watching a reserve pack. I was semi lost on some of the stuff my first time. Also most reservers are flat packed and not pro-packed so unless you can flat pack, watching will not help much at all. Best thing to do is learn to pack, learn the parts of the main and then go from there.
If once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will....

[ChromeBoy 0]

I will learn the main while packing it. I have no doubt that I can learn more about it and complete it at the dz. This post is not only for me but for other people who are interested in learning about the rigging processes and for them and me to understand it so we know our next steps.

[riggerrob 643]

FAA Senior Rigger is allowed to pack mains, reserves and do minor (read small and simple) repairs by hand or with a simple sewing machine. Senior riggers may be rated to pack: back, chest or seat containers. The air regulations also include a "lap" category, but since no lap type containers have been built in my lifetime, no-one takes that category seriously any more.
FAA Master Rigger may pack as well as do major repairs/alterations with a variety of sewing machines.
Rigger Examiners are appointed by the FAA to administer the oral and practical tests for new riggers. While there are a few RE civil servants, most of them are actually Designated Parachute Rigger Examiners who are active Master Parachute Riggers. For example, Ann Helliwell is an FAA DPRE in Southern California. Ann has thousands of jumps and most of the USPA Instructor ratings. She has made more than 1,000 BASE jumps and is part-owner of Basic Research, a company that specializes in manufacturing equipment fo rpeople who like to jump off of fixed objects. Oh, and Ann is a pleasant person, well-respected by the rest of the riggers in SoCal.
But your first step in becoming a rigger is learning how to pack your own main parachute.

[polarbear 1]

FAR part 65 (it's in the SIM) explains the legal end. Basically, there are two certificates, Senior and Master. There are four type ratings; back, seat, chest, and lap (corresponding to what type of container). When you become a rigger, you have a certificate and type ratings (example Master rigger with back and seat ratings).

For Senior Rigger, you have to pack 20 certificated (reserve or emergency) parachutes of one type, under supervision. Then, you have to pass a written exam that covers regulations, construction and design, packing and maintenence, etc. Then, you have to pass a practical/oral where you are required to pack a parachute of the type rating you are going for to the satisfaction of an FAA representative.
For Master Rigger, you have to pack 100 each of two types of parachutes, have 3 years rigging experience, and pass a practical where two parachutes, one each of the types you are seeking ratings for, must be packed to the satisfaction of an FAA representative.
Senior riggers, in short, can pack and maintain (make minor repairs). They can also pack ANY main parachute and supervise others in packing (but not maintaining).
Master Rigers can pack, maintain, perform major repairs, and perform alterations. They can also supervise any of the work they are allowed to perform themselves.
Both certificates only allow work on the type ratings that are included in the certificate. For example, a Master Rigger with a back and seat rating MAY NOT work on a chest-type parachute.