What Is a Parachute Rigger and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

Parachute riggers pack, unpack, inspect, and repair parachutes and other parachute equipment, such as lines, fabric, and backpacks. You usually find parachute riggers in the armed forces, but they also work in civilian aviation, particularly for small prop planes or skydiving companies. As a parachute rigger, you must understand how to manage and repair the parachute fabrics and hardware, as well as the regulations related to packing up a parachute. Some job duties may vary between military and civilian positions, but all parachute riggers must perform extensive quality assurance and testing to ensure that everyone who uses the parachutes they pack is safe when they make their jumps.

The requirements to become a parachute rigger depend on whether you are in the military or a civilian. All parachute riggers must complete additional training after basic training, though each branch of the armed services has its own specific requirements for parachute riggers. For example, parachute riggers in the U.S. Army complete training as part of airborne combat school. Naval parachute rigger courses are conducted in Pensacola and last 12-weeks. Many candidates who seek civilian parachute rigger jobs have military experience in the same position, but some are civilian skydivers who have trained with a professional parachute rigger or have completed a rigger training course. Civilian parachute riggers need to obtain a license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). To be eligible for the license, you must be over 18-years-old, fluent in English, and have packed and logged 20 Back Type Reserve Parachutes under the supervision of an FAA Senior or Master Rigger with a Back Type Rating. You must then pass the FAA Parachute Rigger Written Test (RIG) and an Oral & Practical Test given by a Designated Parachute Rigger Examiner.