How to Be Skydiving Equipment Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 15, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The duties of a skydiving equipment technician include inspecting, maintaining, and repairing parachutes and other skydiving equipment. Proper maintenance and repair of skydiving equipment is essential to ensure the safety of skydivers. When equipment is not functioning correctly, it can lead to dangerous situations and potential injury or death for the skydiver.

A well-trained skydiving equipment technician is familiar with the equipment, industry standards and regulations, and is able to identify any potential issues before they become a problem. They must also perform regular inspections to make sure the equipment is clean and in working condition. By properly inspecting and maintaining skydiving equipment, these technicians can reduce the risk of accidents and provide a safe environment for all skydivers.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers require skydiving equipment technicians to have a high school diploma or GED before they will consider them for a position.
Take and pass a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification exam. To become a skydiving equipment technician, you must pass the FAA's Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic's certification exam. The exam covers a variety of topics related to aircraft maintenance and repair.
Enroll in an accredited aviation maintenance program. Most employers also require skydiving equipment technicians to have a two- or four-year degree in aircraft maintenance or a related field.
Get on-the-job experience. Before you can become a skydiving equipment technician, you must have at least 18 months of hands-on experience working with aircraft and aircraft parts.
Obtain specialized training. Many employers require skydiving equipment technicians to have specialized training in parachuting and skydiving equipment repair and maintenance. This type of training can be obtained through a technical school, online course, or apprenticeship program.
Apply for an open position. Once you're qualified, you can apply for open positions as a skydiving equipment technician.

In order to stay ahead and capable as a skydiving equipment technician, it is important to stay up to date with the latest maintenance and repairs. This means regularly servicing and inspecting all equipment, as well as familiarizing yourself with new and different models of gear. Additionally, it is beneficial to attend workshops and seminars to stay knowledgeable on the latest industry standards, as well as networking with other professionals in the field. These actions will help to ensure that you remain competent and capable in your role as a skydiving equipment technician.

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Job Description

Inspect, maintain and repair skydiving equipment such as parachutes, harnesses, containers and rigs.
Ensure that all skydiving equipment meets safety standards and is in proper working order.
Perform routine maintenance on skydiving equipment such as cleaning and lubricating.
Troubleshoot and diagnose issues with skydiving equipment.
Replace worn or damaged parts and perform repairs on skydiving equipment.
Test skydiving equipment to ensure its performance and safety.
Provide instruction to customers on the proper use of skydiving equipment.
Keep detailed records of maintenance and repairs performed on skydiving equipment.
Research new technology and techniques for maintaining skydiving equipment.
Assist in the assembly and packing of parachutes and other skydiving equipment.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of skydiving equipment maintenance and repair.
Ability to inspect skydiving equipment for safety and functionality.
Ability to diagnose and repair skydiving equipment.
Ability to adhere to safety regulations and guidelines.
Familiarity with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and requirements.
Understanding of electronic components, including wiring and connections.
Attention to detail and good problem-solving skills.
Knowledge of fabric care and repair.
Ability to communicate with customers and other technicians in a professional manner.
Ability to operate hand tools, power tools, and precision instruments.

As a skydiving equipment technician, having a thorough understanding of the technical aspects of skydiving equipment is essential. To ensure that skydiving equipment is safe and functioning properly, technicians must be knowledgeable about the components and systems involved, including parachutes, harnesses, altimeters, and reserve parachutes. They must also be able to make repairs and adjustments to the equipment when necessary.

Technicians should also have strong problem-solving skills in order to identify and resolve any issues that may arise. they must possess a keen eye for detail and be able to identify any potential problems with the equipment that could cause major safety issues. Without these skills, a skydiving equipment technician would not be able to properly maintain or repair skydiving equipment, putting both the skydiver and the equipment at risk.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with skydiving equipment?
How would you handle a customer complaint about a malfunctioning piece of equipment?
What safety protocols do you follow when inspecting and repairing skydiving equipment?
Describe a time when you identified a potential safety hazard with skydiving equipment.
How do you prioritize tasks on a daily basis?
What preventive maintenance measures do you take to ensure skydiving equipment is in optimal condition?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and regulations in the skydiving industry?
What techniques do you use to troubleshoot skydiving equipment issues?
How do you handle difficult situations that arise when working with skydiving equipment?
As a Skydiving Equipment Technician, what do you consider to be your greatest strength?

Common Tools in Industry

Parachute Rigger's Tool Kit. A specialized kit that contains specialized tools used to repair and maintain parachutes. (e. g. Rivet Gun, Grommet Tool, Thread Cutter, etc. )
Sewing Machine. Used to repair tears and weak points in the fabric of a parachute. (e. g. Industrial Grade Sewing Machine)
Canopy Repair Kit. Contains materials and tools used to repair small tears and damages in a parachute's canopy. (e. g. Canopy Repair Tape, Super Glue, Seam Sealer, etc. )
Reserve Parachute. A spare parachute used in case of an emergency or malfunction of the main parachute. (e. g. Tandem Parachute, High-Performance Parachute, etc. )
Rigging Knife. A specialized knife used to cut and trim fabric, webbing and cords on a parachute. (e. g. Folding Rigging Knife)
Parachute Packing Tools. Specialized tools and materials used to pack a parachute, such as a Parachute Packing Toolbox and Packing Mat. (e. g. Parachute Packing Tool Kit, Packing Mat, etc. )

Professional Organizations to Know

United States Parachute Association (USPA)
International Skydiving Equipment Technician Association (ISETA)
European Skydiving Equipment Technicians Association (ESETA)
British Association of Skydiving Equipment Technicians (BASET)
Canadian Association of Skydiving Equipment Technicians (CASET)
Australian Association of Skydiving Equipment Technicians (AASET)
International Air Sports Federation (FAI)
World Freefall Convention (WFC)
National Skydiving League (NSL)
International Body Flight Association (IBFA)

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Common Important Terms

Parachute. A large canopy designed to deploy and slow the descent of a skydiver or other objects falling through the atmosphere.
Rigging. The art of assembling, attaching, and inspecting the components of a skydiving system, including the parachute, harness, risers, and other related equipment.
Reserve Parachute. A backup parachute that is used in the event of a main parachute malfunction.
Harness. A system of straps that connects the skydiver to the parachute and suspends them in the air during a jump.
Risers. The straps that connect the harness to the parachute's suspension lines.
Suspension Lines. A system of fabric cords that connect the canopy of the parachute to the harness.
Altimeter. A device used to measure altitude during a skydive.
AAD (Automatic Activation Device). A device attached to a skydiver's harness that automatically deploys their reserve parachute in the event of an emergency or free fall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are required to become a Skydiving Equipment Technician?

A Skydiving Equipment Technician must have specialized training and knowledge in FAA regulations, parachute rigging, and fabric maintenance. They must also have a valid FAA Repairman Certificate.

What type of work does a Skydiving Equipment Technician do?

A Skydiving Equipment Technician is responsible for inspecting and maintaining skydiving equipment, including parachutes, harnesses, containers, and other related items. They also inspect and repair damaged skydiving equipment and make sure that it meets all FAA regulations.

How often should skydiving equipment be inspected?

The FAA requires that skydiving equipment be inspected at least every 90 days, or after any major repair or alterations.

What are the safety standards for skydiving equipment?

All skydiving equipment must meet the safety standards set by the U.S. Parachute Association as well as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This includes inspecting the parachutes for wear and tear, checking the reserve parachute for possible malfunctions, and inspecting the harnesses and containers for any damage or signs of aging.