Master Rigger
This course is designed for
those individuals who currently hold a FAA Senior Rigger license or foreign equivalent
or meet the experience requirements for a FAA Master Rigger license. This course
focuses on the practical skills necessary for the Master Rigger license. A qualified
candidate will have the necessary packing experience as well as the basic sewing
skills required of a Master Rigger. This course is primarily a finishing school
designed to ensure that the candidate will meet the skills requirements and successfully
pass the exam. In addition, the candidate is exposed to a modern parachute manufacturing
environment, with particular emphasis on the servicing and overhaul of modern parachute
systems.
An FAA Senior Rigger certificate
is not a pre-requisite to obtain a Master Rigger Certificate provided the candidate
meets the experience requirements as stipulated in the Federal Administration Regulations.
Overview
A master rigger candidate
will undertake major repairs and maintenance on canopies and harness/Container systems.
In addition, they will be required to demonstrate experience in ram air reserve
packing. The candidate must have the required number of pack jobs.
Lectures
Subjects covered in USAPR
lectures include the following:
- Tool ID and control
- FAA Regulations
- Record Keeping
- Component & Compatibility
- Hardware & Grommets
- Parachute Materials
- Hand tacking and Knots
- AAD's Assembly and Maintenance
- 3-Ring Maintenance
- Parachute Testing
- Service Bulletins & AD's
- Sewing Machines & Maintenance
- Canopy Repair and Line Maintenance
- Round Parachutes
- Ram Air Parachutes
- Maintenance, Alterations & Manufacturing
- Rigging Ethics & Economics
- Fitting & Donning Equipment
Study Material
All students are required
to have the following books when they arrive for their training. (Found at
Para-Gear Equipment Company or
USAPR's Store!)
- The Parachute Manual Volume I (B1876)
- The Parachute Manual Volume II (B1891)
- Parachute Rigging Course by Poynter & Schlatter 2000 Edition (B1875)
- Parachute Rigger Study Guide by Poynter & Blackmon (B1877)
Included in the course fees is a copy of the FAA Parachute Rigger Handbook (PRH)
which will be provided to each student at the start of the course.
PREPARATION
Based on our experience, the FAA written exam stresses the candidate the most. If
the candidate does not pass this test they cannot proceed to the Oral and Practical
exam. IMPORTANT: Should the candidate FAIL the written exam, the cost to take the
exam again is $175.00.
We cannot stress STRONGLY enough the importance of preparing for this test. The
candidate should study the "Parachute Rigger Study Guide". This will prepare the
candidate with the knowledge to pass this exam.
The following website link is another option to assist in your preparation for the
written test. This website provides the parachute rigger test questions. However
be advised that some of the questions have incorrect answers.
http:\www.exams4pilots.org
We also recommend that you visit the FAA website and download a copy of the latest
test bank questions for the Parachute Rigger. Test your knowledge before you arrive
for your training.
CANDIDATE EVALUATION

Candidates are evaluated at each level of training. At the conclusion of the training,
each candidate meets with and is evaluated by the instructors.
PRE FAA WRITTEN and ORAL & PRACTICAL EXAMS
Each candidate will meet with the Chief Instructor for preparation for the FAA Written
and Practical Exams. This includes a mock written exam based on a sampling of test
questions by the FAA. A simulated oral and practical exam will also be completed
prior to the scheduled appointment with the FAA DPRE.
CERTIFICATION
FAA Senior and Master Rigger Certificates are issued by the FAA DPRE after successfully
completing an Oral and Practical Exam. The temporary Airman Certificate is valid
for 120 days. The permanent Airman Certificate is issued by the FAA in Oklahoma
City and mailed directly to the rigger.

USAPR Graduate riggers also receive a USAPR Graduation certificate, Graduate T-Shirt,
USAPR Rigger Wings and USAPR Coffee Cup.