29. After stretching a parachute to its full length on the packing table, what is the next step that should be taken?
30. During the packing operation, why is some canopy material allowed to extend beyond the pack edges?
31. In completing the packing process, what tool is used to insert the protector flaps?
32. What may result if the ripcord handle is improperly positioned?
33. After stowing the suspension lines, where is the skirt of the canopy placed?
34. What is the function of the canopy vent, and what do you look for when inspecting it?
35. How can the serviceability of a parachute be determined if the strength of the canopy material is in question?
36. How can the presence of acid in a parachute stain be detected?
37. What is meant by the term "tensile strength" of a material, and how can it be determined?
38. How can the presence of mold or mildew be detected in parachute canopy materials?
39. What is the last step in packing a parachute?
40. What are some of the reasons for condemning a parachute harness?
41. How is the length of a ripcord measured?
42. What are the minimum facilities and equipment a parachute rigger must have available to exercise his/ her privileges?
43. What records of parachute packing, maintenance, and alteration are required to be kept by a parachute rigger.
44. What information is required to be entered on the parachute packing record attached to the parachute?
45. How long must parachute packing, maintenance, and alteration records be kept?
46. What kind of knot is usually used to tie-off harness tacking?
47. How much free line is left between the skirt hem and the line stowage loops or elastics?
48. What is the function of a pilot parachute?
49. What requirements must a certificated parachute rigger meet in order to pack the main parachute of a dual parachute pack to be used for intentional jumping?
50. How can the correct method of sealing a parachute pack be determined?
B. MAINTAINING PARACHUTES
1. Where is the manufacturer's identification data usually located on a parachute canopy, on a harness, and on a pack?
2. What is the function of the ripcord housing?
3. How is a parachute usually prepared for an extended storage period?
4. What is the meaning of the term ibias construction" as used to describe a parachute canopy?
5. How are the skirt and vent hems of most parachutes reinforced?
6. What is the usual number of stitches per inch used in making the seams of a parachute canopy?
7. How is the ripcord handle held, or secured to the harness of a back- or seat-type parachute so that it is readily accessible to the wearer, yet relatively safe from accidental release?
8. How are most types of snap fasteners and grommets attached to parachute material?
9. How can the correct procedures for repairing a parachute be determined?
10. How are small holes and snags in a parachute canopy usually repaired?
11. What kind of textile material is used to make a parachute canopy repair?
12. What identifying features are associated with "yard slippage" in parachute canopy materials.
13. What are the common stitching patterns to attach load-bearing rings and snaps to parachute harnesses?
14. How is uniformity of length of nylon suspension lines assured during manufacture of a parachute, or the replacement of lines?
15. How would a parachute rigger determine the correct number of stitches per inch used for a parachute repair?
16. How would a parachute rigger determine the correct type of seam used for repairing a parachute?
17. What are the characteristics of a properly formed seam?
18. What type of stitch is normally used during the construction and repair of parachutes?
19. What kind of stitch is normally used to secure the suspension lines to the canopy skirt and vent hems?
20. What are the operating principles of the rotary type and oscillating type sewing machines?
21. What factors should be considered when selecting the correct size sewing machine needle to be used for making a repair?
22. What are the characteristics of a sewed lockstitch made by a correctly adjusted sewing machine?
23. What precautions should be observed if loadcarrying parachute hardware is refinished or replated?
24. What methods and cleaning products are generally used in cleaning parachute canopy materials?
25. Why is it necessary to stitch the suspension line where it attaches to the riser link?
26. How can a bent or burred ripcord pin be repaired?
27. What is the danger in chrome plating parachute hardware?
28. What agents can be used to clean parachute harnesses?
29. Explain the difference in the construction of a bias-constructed parachute and a straightconstructed one?
30. What process is used on the ends of harness webbing to prevent fraying?
31. What type of knot may be used to secure harness tacking if no particular knot is specified?
32. What can result if the ripcord handle pocket is improperly positioned?
33. Why is an acid stain more serious than any other type of stain on a parachute?
34. What should be done with a parachute canopy that has a large acid-stained area?
35. How should a parachute be dried after it has been rinsed or soaked in water?
36. What action is necessary when a parachute has been stained with perspiration?
37. What chemicals can be used to prevent a parachute from mildewing?
38. Why should the elasticity of a seam be greater than that of the material it joins?
39. Who is privileged to perform major repairs to a parachute assembly?
40. What guide for details could be followed in performing a minor repair to a parachute?
41. What action should be taken first when laying out a parachute canopy repair patch?
42. How should a tear in a canopy be prepared for patching?
43. What is the minimum distance that the raw edges of a canopy patch must be turned under?
44. What procedures must be followed when repairing a parachute?
45. Who may alter the main parachute of a dual parachute pack?
46. What is likely to occur while operating a sewing machine if the bobbin is threaded incorrectly?
47. What sewing machine malfunction can cause staggered stitches?
48. What procedure should be followed when repairing broken stitches in a canopy seam?
49. What determines the service life of a nylon canopy?
50. What is the purpose for using zigzag stitching to complete the attachment of suspension lines to the riser links?
51. How can sunlight damage to white nylon fabric be identified?
52. When replacing a damaged ripcord with a serviceable one, what requirements must be met?
53. When replacing a pack grommet that has torn out of its fastening, what should be done to keep the locking pin from binding in the cone?
54. What is the reason for matching the weave of the patch material with that of the canopy being repaired?
55. What precautions should be observed when replacing a broken or missing eye on a parachute container?
56. Describe the appearance of the material defect known as a "warp float."
57. What effect would a bent grommet have on the operation of the pack-opening mechanism?
58. What action should be taken if "yarn slippage" is detected in a parachute canopy during the inspection?
59. What thread size should be used to sew canopy radial seams when making a repair?
60. How is the needle-thread tension and the bobbin-thread tension on a sewing machine usually controlled?
Practical Test Projects The practical test consists of assigned work projects to test your mechanical skill and ability to organize work, select and follow correct procedures, apply appropriate techniques, and determine an acceptable level of workmanship. The person administering the test will select projects that utilize, as much as possible, the equipment and procedures that are familiar to you.
if a project must be performed in accordance with a manufacturer's instructions or other data, the examiner will expect you to consult the instructions or data. Failure to do so may result in your tailing the practical test.
A list of the projects you can expect to be assigned during the practical test is shown below. You will be required to perform all of the tasks involved in packing parachutes, and may be assigned all or only part of the projects listed under Maintaining Parachutes. Since master parachute riggers are permitted to make major repairs and alterations, and to supervise other persons performing these operations, master parachute rigger tests will be more extensive than the tests given a senior parachute rigger applicant.
1. PACKING PARACHUTES
a. PACK A PARACHUTE.
(1) IDENTIFY AND SELECT TOOLS,
EQUIPMENT, AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION. You must select the correct tools, equipment, and manuals.
(2) OPEN THE PACK. You must take precautions to avoid damage to the parachute, check the ripcord pull force.
(3) LAY OUT THE PARACHUTE. You must lay out the parachute as prescribed in the packing instructions, check the canopy for being right side out, check suspension lines tor continuity, and remove tangles (if any).
(4) INSPECT THE PARACHUTE. You must carefully check for conformity to the manufacturer's description, completeness of assembly, operational adequacy, markings, damage, deterioration, and other defects.
(5) FOLD AND STOW THE PARACHUTE. You must pleat and fold the canopy gores, sign inside packing record, accordian fold the canopy into the pack, and fold and pack the pilot parachute.
(6) CLOSE, FINISH, AND SEAL THE PACK. You must close the pack flaps in the correct sequence, insert the pack closing device, finish and smooth the pack, seal the pack, fasten the pack opening bands and protector flaps, and fill the parachute records.
2. MAINTAINING PARACHUTES Senior Parachute Rigger and Master Parachute Rigger Applicants
a. RESTITCH CANOPY SEAMS. You must select the correct sewing machine; use straight lockstitch or zigzag stitch, depending upon the area being restitched; use proper size, texture, and color thread; restitch following original construction, overstitch as required; and check suspension line freedom if restitching a radial seam.
DARN A SMALL SNAG OR TEAR. You must select proper size, texture, and color thread; use tiny stitches at right-angles to the damage and extend the darning beyond the area. Canopy material should not be puckered.
PATCH A CANOPY SECTION. You must select correct machine, fabric, and thread; match filler, warp, and ripstop boxes, as applicable; use correct stitching, overlap, edge distance, and overstitching; trim out damaged area; check suspension line freedom, if stitching on a radial seam.
d. REPAIR A TORN RADIAL SEAM. You must select correct machine, thread fabric, or tape; use correct stitching, overlap, edge distance, and overstitching; trim out damaged area; check suspension line freedom.
e. REPLACE POCKET BANDS OR V-TABS. You must select correct machine, thread, webbing;
correctly position webbing; use correct stitching, stitch spacing, and overstitching.
RESTITCH OR REPLACE PACK OPENING SPRING BANDS. You must use correct thread; hand tack the band in place with the required number and placement of stitches; tie-off thread properly.
INSTALL SNAP FASTENERS ON A PARACHUTE PACK. You must select snaps of the correct type; punch or repair hold as applicable; check completed installation for security and operation.
h. INSTALL GROMMETS. You must select grommet and washer of the correct type and size; punch or repair hold as applicable; check grommet for security.
INSTALL LOCKING CONES ON A PARACHUTE PACK. You must select proper size and type of thread and cone of the same size and type as used on the pack; properly align, position, and stitch cone in place; tie off thread.
INSTALL A SLIDE FASTENER. You must select proper size and type of thread and slide fasteners; use correct stitching; check completed installation for operation.
K. INSTALL HOOK EYES ON A PARACHUTE PACK.
You must select correct eye and thread; position eye and sew into place; tie off thread.
I. OPERATE A STANDARD SEWING MACHINE. You must thread the machine and adjust it to produce an acceptable lockstitch.
Master Parachute Rigger Applicants Only
m. REPAIR AN UPPER OR LOWER LATERAL BAND.
You must select correct size and type tape and thread; use correct stitching, underfold, edge distance, spacing, and overstitching; splice reinforcing tape, as required.
n. REPLACE A CANOPY GORE SECTION OR PANEL. You must select correct fabric and thread; match filler, warp, and ripstop boxes, as applicable; use correct stitching, overlap, edge distance, and overstitching; trim out damaged area; check suspension line freedom.
O. REPLACE A SUSPENSION LINE. You must select correct thread and suspension line of the type used on the canopy; adjust length of replacement line to maintain canopy balance;
attach line to canopy and riser link using correct stitching; check line continuity.
SCORING ORAL AND
PRACTICAL TESTS Oral and practical tests are graded as soon as they are completed. The tests are graded using a pass/fail concept, rather than a numerical score. If any part of the test is failed, the person administering the tests will record the results on the reverse side of FAA Form 8610-2 and return the duplicate to you. He/she will also return your AC Form 8080-2 or FAA Form 8060-4, whichever is applicable.
If you fail a test, you may apply for a retest as prescribed in FAR Section 65.19. You have the option of returning to the same FAA district office or DPRE, or applying to any other FAA district office or DPRE for the retest.
When all parts of the tests have been passed, the FAA district office or DPRE will issue a temporary parachute rarers perfic to emporary cine cates. ts freirate and ratings effective for a period of not more than 120 days may be issued to a qualified applicant, pending review of his/her application and supplementary documents and the issue of the certificate and ratings for which he/she applied."
PERMANENT CERTIFICATE ISSUANCE Permanent certificates are prepared and issued by the Airmen Certification Branch of the FAA and are mailed to the address shown on the application form. It usually takes about 8 weeks to process the application and issue the permanent certificate. In the meantime, you may exercise the privilege of a certificated parachute rigger using your temporary certificate.
PARACHUTE RIGGER SEAL SYMBOLS When a certificate is first issued to a parachute rigger, the FAA assigns an identifying symbol for the parachute rigger's exclusive use in sealing parachute packs. Each parachute rigger must obtain his/her own seal press and a seal with his/her assigned symbol. Seals and seal presses are not available from the FAA. They can be purchased from the manufacturers or suppliers of parachutes and parachute equipment.
After a parachute is packed, a low-tensile-strength safety thread is usually wrapped and knotted about the release device in a manner specified by the parachute manufacturer, a lead seal is affixed to the thread and secured by impressing the parachute rigger's seal symbol into it. Any withdrawal of the release pins (or other release mechanism) will break the thread. As long as the safety thread and seal remain intact, it is an indication to the user that the pack has not been opened since being inspected and packed by a certificated parachute rigger.
RECOMMENDED STUDY MATERIALS The publications listed in this section will be helptul as you prepare for the parachute rigger written test.
However, they do not provide the total technical information required for certification. It is the responsibility of each applicant to obtain the study materials appropriate to his/her own needs.
A variety of text and reference material is available from commercial publishers. Most public and institutional libraries maintain technical reference sections and can often recommend specific text books and authors.
Manufacturers' instructional manuals are also a good source of technical material.
FAR's The following FAR's should be useful to a person studying for the tests. A knowledge of the rules is often very helpful and sometimes necessary during the performance of parachute rigger duties.
Part 1 Definitions and Abbreviations.
Part 21 Certification Procedures for Products and Parts.
Part 65 Certification: Airmen Other Than Flight Crewmembers.
Part 91 General Operating and Flight Rules.
Part 105 Parachute Jumping.
Part 149 Parachute Lofts.
FAA Advisory Circulars The FAA issues advisory circulars (AC's) to inform the aviation public in a systematic way of nonregulatory material of interest. AC's are issued in a numberedsubject system corresponding to the numbering system used for FAR's.
The AC's of greatest interest to parachute rigger applicants are:
AC 00-2 Advisory Circular Checklist (and Status of Other FAA Publications).
Provides a list of current FAA AC's (and certain other publications) and how to order them.
AC 00-44 Status of Federal Aviation Regulations.
. AC 20-36 Index of Articles (Materials, Parts, Processes, and Appliances) Certified Under the Technical Standard Order System.
AC 105-2 Sport Parachute Jumping.
AC 183-32 FAA Designated Maintenance Technician Examiner Directory.
Free AC's may be obtained by writing to:
U.S. Department of Transportation Utilization and Storage Section, M-443.2 Washington, DC 20590 32