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Training The World’s Best Riggers

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Parachute Rigging Courses

Learn from the industry’s best Master Riggers.

Master Rigger

Intensive, 15-day course focused on skills required to earn a Master Rigger license.

Info & Dates

Senior Rigger

Hands-on, 15-day course for individuals to earn their Senior Parachute Rigger license.

Info & Dates

Advanced Skills

Customized 5-day course for riggers interested in bolstering specific practical skills.

Info & Dates

Additional Ratings

Rigorous 5-day course to earn additional ratings, including Back, Chest or Seat.

Info & Dates

No Instruction Testing

Opportunity for eligible license candidates to complete testing with a Rigger Examiner.

More Info

Two hands stitching a pattern on a blue patch with a sewing machine
Red and Blue parachute container with lines fully extended on a packing table

Equipping Riggers for Mission Success

The US Academy of Parachute Rigging is a professional parachute rigging school offering rigger training courses to individual civilians and military organizations worldwide.

Our Mission

To provide curricula, instructors and facilities of the highest caliber in order to train world-class, professional parachute riggers.
To contribute to the continued safety of civilian and military parachute users worldwide through extensive education and training.
To support the international parachute industry by producing a consistent source of competent and credentialed personnel.

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Meet Our Instructors

Sandy Reid

A pillar of the skydiving community since 1970, Sandy is Founder & Course Director at USAPR. He is a licensed FAA Master Rigger, FAA DMIR, FAA DPRE, and private pilot, and is a proud USMC combat veteran of the 3rd Recon BN.

Mark Baur

As Chief Instructor at USAPR, Mark designs and implements all courses. His certifications include FAA Master Rigger, FAA DPRE, and commercial pilot rated in airplanes, helicopters, and gliders. Mark is an Army veteran of the 101st Airborne Division.

Meet Our Team

Headshot of Sandy Reid FAA Master Rigger and owner of the US Academy of Parachute Rigging in Eloy, AZ

World-Class Facilities

USAPR is the first civilian training facility in the world to offer full-time staff and facilities for professional parachute rigger training. Our 3,100 sq. ft. rigging loft includes dedicated class room and study areas as well as inspection and packing areas for both round and square parachutes.

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Row of sewing machines at USAPR parachute rigging school in Eloy, AZRow of sewing machines at USAPR parachute rigging school in Eloy, AZ
Table displaying various tools used by parachute riggersTable displaying various tools used by parachute riggers
Interior photo of the rigging loft at US Academy of Parachute RiggingInterior photo of the rigging loft at US Academy of Parachute Rigging
Work station at USAPR parachute rigging school in Eloy, AZWork station at USAPR parachute rigging school in Eloy, AZ
Work station with spools of colorful fabric at USAPR parachute rigging school in Eloy, AZWork station with spools of colorful fabric at USAPR parachute rigging school in Eloy, AZ

Why Choose USAPR?

Since our founding in 2000, USAPR has been uniquely focused on quality of instruction over quantity of graduates. While this approach hasn’t made us the biggest operation, it has earned us the reputation of being the industry’s best parachute rigging school.

Instructors

Our instructors are elite; together we have over 90 years of rigging experience.

Class Size

Our class sizes are deliberately small; you have our undivided attention.

Curriculum

Our curriculum is rich and respected; our publications are internationally recognized.

Facilities

Our facility is best-in-class; our purpose-built loft is a literal dream come true.

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Take A Course

USAPR courses are in high demand; availability is limited. Enroll in an upcoming course or join our waiting list.

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