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) The FAA Parachute Rigger Handbook 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.