SENIOR RIGGER
A 15-day course designed for the individual who
possesses a basic knowledge of parachutes and wishes to
obtain a FAA Senior Parachute Rigger license. The course
provides the knowledge and skills needed to pass the FAA
exams. In addition, the practical training portion lays
the foundation for advanced skills needed to work in a
professional parachute loft environment. The Academy has
a wide selection of modern and vintage parachute systems
in addition to the most complete inventory of sewing
machines and tools available today.
STUDY MATERIAL
All students are required to have the following books
when they arrive for their training:
The following books may be obtained from: Para-Gear
Equipment Company: 800-323-0437
The Parachute Manual Volume I (B1876)
The Parachute Manual Volume II (B1891)
Parachute Rigging Course by Poynter & Schlatter 2000
Edition (B1875).
Parachute Rigger Study Guide by Poynter & Blackmon
(B1877)
Included in the course fees is a copy of the FAA
Parachute Rigger Handbook (PRH) which will be provided
to each student at the start of the course.
NOTICE TO SENIOR RIGGER CANDIDATES
The FAA Senior Rigger Certificate is a license
authorization to pack, maintain and make minor repairs
to FAA Approved Emergency parachute assemblies. It is
issued upon demonstration of significant knowledge and
skills regarding approved emergency parachute systems in
common use. Experience has shown us that the short
duration of our training service is adequate to orient
and focus qualified candidates on the specific skills
and subjects required during the FAA testing procedures
and during the practice of parachute rigging as common
to the skydiving industry. General working knowledge of
parachutes is considered a prerequisite to the scope of
our training curriculum. A candidate without hands-on
background in parachuting is likely to find this
instruction difficult and frustrating. They will learn
many things about the rigging trade and will practice
many new skills. However, they may complete the course
but fall short of the minimum requirements for the FAA
Senior Rigger Certificate.
USAPR Graduates have stated and will all agree, "The
more you know when you come here, the more you will gain
from this course." USAPR, therefore, recommends that
candidates strive to acquire packing experience with
approved emergency parachutes under the supervision of
an FAA certificated rigger before arriving at our
facility.
PRE-REQUISITES
IDENTIFICATION Students must provide 2 forms of photo ID.
Acceptable Identification:
Driver's License;
Resident Alien Card;
Military ID;
Passport.
BASIC KNOWLEDGE
A minimum of 100 jumps or a current military rigger.
Must have recent ram air packing experience, main or reserve parachutes.
A minimum of 15 reserve back type parachute packs under the
supervision of an FAA Senior or Master Rigger with a back rating.
PROOF OF EXPERIENCE
Military students without a rigger logbook will have to provide
proof of experience. An original letter on a unit letterhead signed
by the Commander or Supervisor will be required.
Sample
Letter Military Qualification - Senior
FOREIGN CANDIDATES
Foreign Students with logged reserve packs must be supervised and
signed by an FAA Senior or Master Rigger with the appropriate rating
to be counted towards the 20 minimum packs required by the FAA. An
original letter with the supervising FAA Riggers address,
certificate number and seal symbol must be included in the letter.