Parachute Rigger Handbook

The parachute rigger operational handbook introduces the basic skills necessary for acquiring a parachute rigger certificate. It is developed by the Flight Standards Service, Airman Testing Standards Branch, in cooperation with various aviation educators and industry.

The parachute rigger handbook is primarily intended to assist individuals who are preparing for the parachute rigger airman knowledge test and the oral and practical test. The material presented in the parachute rigger handbook is appropriate for senior and master parachute riggers. The parachute rigger handbook contains information on regulations and human factors, design and construction, materials, operations, inspection and packing, hand tools, sewing machines, the parachute loft, repairs, alterations, and manufacture.

The parachute rigger handbook conforms to training and certification concepts established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). There are different ways of teaching, as well as performing specific rigging procedures, and many variations in the explanations of repairs, alterations, and manufacture of parachutes. The discussion and explanations reflect commonly used practices and principles. The parachute rigger handbook provides a basic knowledge that can serve as a foundation on which to build further knowledge. Occasionally the word "must" or similar language is used where the desired action is deemed critical. The use of such language is not intended to add to, interpret, or relieve a duty imposed by Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR).

It is essential for persons using the parachute rigger handbook to also become familiar with and apply the pertinent parts of 14 CFR and appropriate technical standards. Performance standards for demonstrating competence required for parachute riggers are prescribed in the appropriate practical test standard.

The parachute rigger handbook is available for download from the Flight Standards Service web site at http://av-info.faa.gov. The current Flight Standards Service airman training and testing material and subject matter knowledge codes for all airman certificates and ratings can also be obtained from the Flight Standards Service web site, as well as information about availability of printed copies.

The FAA greatly acknowledges the valuable assistance provided by many individuals and organizations throughout the aviation community whose expertise contributed to the preparation of the parachute rigger handbook. The parachute rigger handbook contains material and pictures of various products often used by industry. It is presented here as a means of communicating information to be used for training purposes only. The FAA neither endorses nor recommends any specific trademark item in the parachute rigger handbook.

The parachute rigger handbook is published by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Airman Testing Standards Branch, AFS-630, P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125. Comments regarding the parachute rigger handbook should be sent in e-mail form to AFS630comments' @ 'faa.gov.

AC 00-2, Advisory Circular Checklist, transmits the current status of FAA advisory circulars and other flight information publications. This checklist is available via the Internet at http://www.faa.gov/aba/html_policies/ac00_2.html.