Rigging is a part of the routine examination of parachute maintenance which is done by certified FAA riggers or under their supervision. Here is all the information regarding an FAA certified rigger and how to get an FAA certificate.
What is an FAA Certified Rigger?
An FAA certified rigger is a person who has received certification from the federal aviation administration to repair, repack, and service parachutes related to other instruments. The Federal Aviation Administration is a governmental institution that regulates civil aviation. An FAA rigger has received special training to maintain an emergency parachute.
General Requirements for an FAA Certification
FAR section 65.113
- The minimum age to apply for the certificate is 18 years.
- A person must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.
FAR section 65.115
To apply for a senior parachute rigger certificate, you must have packed at least 20 parachutes of each type following the manufacturers’ instructions under the supervision of a certified parachute rigger. They are required to take a written test, and after passing, they must take oral and practical tests.
To apply for a master parachute rigger certificate, you must have experience packing 100 parachutes following the manufacturer’s instructions for three years as a rigger. You must take a written, oral and practical test unless you hold a senior parachute rigger certificate.
Privileges of an FAA Rigger Certificate
An FAA-certified rigger may pack or maintain any parachute. Emergency parachutes are only packed by FAA-certified riggers, whereas the main parachute can be packed by a non-certified person of the persons who want to use a parachute. An FAA-certified parachute rigger may supervise other persons in maintaining, packing, repacking or repairing any parachute.
How to Apply for an FAA Rigger Certificate?
Suppose you want to apply for an FAA rigger certificate. In that case, you have to visit the nearest General Aviation District Office (GADO), Flight Standard District Office (FSDO), or International Field Office (IFO).
An FAA inspector will evaluate whether you are eligible for a test or not. You need to bring your records and evidence of packing experience with you. The packing proof must contain the name of a person, the type and number of parachutes packed, the packing date, and statements that show you have packed parachutes under the supervision of a certified person.
After this, you have to take written, oral and practical tests. The written test is taken at FSDO, GADO, and IFO.
To pass the written test, you need to correct 50 multiple-choice questions, while military riggers are just required to correct 25 multiple-choice questions. If you cannot get through a written test, you must wait 30 days to retake the test.
In Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona, institutions like CICB Crane & Rigging inspector, Turner crane & rigging school, and TLL & TSS certifications will assist you in training and getting a certificate from the federal aviation administration.
Types of FAA Certificates
There are two types of FAA rigger certificates: temporary rigger certificates expire after four months, and permanent rigger certificates are mailed to the applicant within two months.
Final Verdict
FAA certified riggers specialize in packing emergency parachutes and may supervise non-certified riggers. To become an FAA certified rigger, you must have vast experience in parachute packing and take written, oral and practical tests.