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

Sep 26, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Skydiving Rigging Technicians play an important role in making sure that the parachutes used by skydivers are properly maintained and safe. They inspect, assemble, and repair parachutes and all of the associated hardware and equipment. If a Rigging Technician fails to do their job correctly, the consequences can be dire; incorrect equipment or poorly maintained parachutes can lead to serious injury or even death.

In order to ensure the safety of skydivers, Rigging Technicians must be knowledgeable in both the local regulations and the most up-to-date industry standards. They must also have a keen eye for details and strong problem-solving skills to be able to identify issues and make the necessary repairs. It is a responsibility that requires excellent technical knowledge and dedication to safety.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. A high school diploma or GED is required for most rigging technician positions.
Consider pursuing a degree in a related field. A degree in aviation technology, aeronautics, or a related field can be beneficial for rigging technicians.
Enroll in a skydiving rigging course. Rigging courses are available through accredited schools and organizations such as the United States Parachute Association (USPA).
Obtain certification in skydiving rigging. You must complete a certification exam to become a certified skydiving rigging technician.
Gain experience. Start out as a riggers assistant or apprentice to gain experience with skydiving rigging and equipment.
Pursue additional certifications. Depending on the type of skydiving rigging you wish to do, you may need additional certifications in areas such as canopy repair, reserve parachutes, and more.

A Skydiving Rigging Technician is responsible for ensuring that the parachutes and other related equipment used in skydiving are in safe and working order. This job requires a deep knowledge of the equipment, as well as the ability to troubleshoot problems and make repairs if necessary. Rigging Technicians must be organized, detail-oriented, and able to pay close attention to all components of a parachute system.

Proper training and experience are essential for this job, as mistakes can have serious consequences. The ideal and capable Skydiving Rigging Technician is knowledgeable, experienced, and able to work with precision. Safety is the number one priority, and a Rigging Technician must always keep that in mind when working on parachutes and other skydiving equipment.

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Job Description

Inspect skydiving equipment for safety and operation including parachutes, harnesses, helmets, altimeters, aerial navigation devices, and other related items.
Conduct pre-flight and post-flight inspections of equipment to ensure safety and proper functioning.
Make repairs and adjustments to all skydiving equipment, including fabric repairs and replacement, stitching, and sewing.
Construct custom rigs and modifications to meet the needs of individual skydivers.
Troubleshoot equipment issues and diagnose problems with skydiving rig systems.
Perform maintenance and care of skydiving equipment.
Document all maintenance and repairs of skydiving equipment.
Provide technical assistance to skydivers and customers as needed.
Advise customers on proper usage and care of skydiving equipment.
Participate in safety training sessions and seminars related to skydiving equipment.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of the safety standards and regulations related to the rigging and maintenance of skydiving equipment.
Ability to assemble, inspect, maintain, and repair skydiving rigs.
Ability to use various tools and equipment to complete rigging tasks.
Knowledge of fabric construction, stitching, and other methods of rig repairs.
Ability to communicate effectively with customers regarding equipment safety and maintenance.
Knowledge of the most current skydiving equipment on the market and the ability to make recommendations to customers.
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose issues with skydiving rigs.
Understanding of the physics of parachutes and how they function during flight.
Knowledge of packing techniques and procedures for optimal performance and safety.
Knowledge of the Federal Aviation Administration regulations and requirements for skydiving equipment.

Being a rigging technician for skydiving equipment is a demanding job, requiring a high degree of technical knowledge and expertise. The most important skill for a skydiving rigging technician to have is a comprehensive understanding of fabric, parachute design and construction, and the ability to accurately inspect, evaluate, and repair rigging systems. This requires in-depth knowledge of the materials used in the construction of parachutes, such as nylon, ripstop nylon, and other fabrics, as well as an understanding of the principles of aerodynamics and how they apply to parachute design.

a rigging technician must have strong problem-solving skills and an eye for detail in order to identify any potential issues in the rigging system. This includes being able to recognize signs of wear and tear, frayed fabric, weak lines, or knots that may be failing. Finally, a rigging technician must have excellent communication skills to effectively communicate with skydivers and other personnel involved in the process.

By having these essential skills, a skydiving rigging technician can ensure the safety and reliability of the skydiving equipment.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with skydiving rigging?
What is your understanding of the Federal Aviation Administration's regulations for parachutes and rigging?
How would you inspect and evaluate a skydiving rig?
How would you repair and maintain skydiving rigs?
What is your experience packing parachutes?
How do you ensure the safety of the parachutes and their components?
What processes do you use to ensure that all components are properly installed and functioning?
How do you feel about working in a high-risk environment?
What challenges have you faced while working on skydiving rigs?
What have you done to increase your knowledge of skydiving rigging?

Common Tools in Industry

Sewing Machine. Used to sew and repair fabrics and materials such as parachutes and harnesses. (eg: Janome Sewing Machine)
Webbing Cutter. Used to cut webbing straps for parachute rigs. (eg: Travellberg Webbing Cutter)
Grommet Press. Used to attach metal grommets to fabric material used in parachutes and harnesses. (eg: Grommet Pro Grommet Press)
Rivet Gun. Used to rivet metal parts together such as parachute rigging. (eg: Stanley Rivet Gun)
Rigging Knife. Used to cut lines and straps for parachute rigging. (eg: Skydiving Rigging Knife)
Measuring Tape. Used to measure fabric and webbing for parachute rigs. (eg: Lufkin Measuring Tape)
Parachute Packing Stand. Used to pack parachutes for skydiving. (eg: Para-Pack Packing Stand)

Professional Organizations to Know

United States Parachute Association (USPA)
International Rigging Commission (IRC)
Association of Professional Rigger Certifiers (APRC)
Professional Association of Rigging Instructors (PARI)
International Bodyflight Association (IBA)
British Parachute Association (BPA)
International Association of Riggers (IAR)
National Skydiving League (NSL)
World Freefall Convention (WFC)
European Rigging and Packaging Federation (ERPF)

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Common Important Terms

Harness. A piece of safety equipment used to secure a skydiver to a parachute or other equipment.
Container. The main part of a skydiving rig, which contains the main and reserve parachutes.
Reserve Parachute. A back-up parachute that is deployed in the event that the main parachute fails.
AAD (Automatic Activation Device). A safety device that will automatically deploy the reserve parachute at a predetermined altitude if the skydiver does not manually deploy it first.
RSL (Reserve Static Line). A static line attached to the reserve parachute, which allows the reserve to deploy immediately after main deployment.
RSL Bridle. A piece of webbing connected to the main and reserve risers, which ensures the deployment of the reserve parachute when the main is deployed.
Main Riser. The webbing straps on each side of a container which attaches it to the harness and allows the skydiver to control the opening of the main parachute.
Reserve Riser. The webbing straps on each side of a container which attaches it to the harness and allows the skydiver to control the opening of the reserve parachute.
Pin Checks. A thorough check of a skydiving rig prior to making a jump, ensuring the skydiving equipment is in proper working order.
Packing. The process of folding and arranging a parachute into its container for safe travel and deployment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Skydiving Rigging Technician?

A Skydiving Rigging Technician is a professional who inspects, repairs and maintains skydiving equipment such as parachutes, harnesses and containers.

What qualifications do I need to become a Skydiving Rigging Technician?

To become a certified Skydiving Rigging Technician, you must complete a course of study approved by the United States Parachute Association (USPA). This course covers topics such as parachute design and construction, inspection techniques, packing and maintenance procedures.

What is the purpose of a Skydiving Rigging Technician?

The primary purpose of a Skydiving Rigging Technician is to ensure the safety of skydivers by inspecting, maintaining and repairing their equipment. They also provide education on proper use and maintenance of skydiving gear.

How often should a Skydiving Rigging Technician inspect equipment?

Skydiving Rigging Technicians should inspect equipment before each use. Additionally, all equipment should be inspected at least once every 180 days in order to maintain certification as a Skydiving Rigging Technician.

What are the risks associated with skydiving?

Skydiving is an inherently risky activity, and all participants should understand the potential risks before participating. Common risks associated with skydiving include equipment malfunctions, human error, weather-related hazards, and improper landing techniques.