About USAPR

In 1985, Sandy transitioned from an industry contributor to a successful entrepreneur when he and his wife, Brenda, launched Rigging Innovations (RI) with their first rig: the Talon. Sandy had already made a name for himself in manufacturing, having worked with such heavy hitters as Relative Workshop (UPT), Sky Supplies (Mirage), PISA (Aerodyne) and Westgaard Parachute, and RI quickly earned a reputation for its stellar – and especially comfortable – products.

Then located in California, RI’s most significant customer base originated from Skydive Perris and Skydive Elsinore. By 1987 Sandy had consistent requests for rigging instruction and began to offer one-on-one, month-long, rigging apprenticeships. The work was intensely rewarding, but overwhelmingly time consuming.

Having relocated to Arizona in 1999 – where space was more abundant and students from Skydive Arizona were eager – Sandy established the US Academy of Parachute Rigging in 2000.

From the beginning, Sandy has prioritized high-quality curriculum over high volume of candidates. Class sizes have always been intentionally small in order to guarantee that USAPR graduates represent the most equipped and qualified riggers in the world.

Over the course of the last 20+ years, Sandy and Mark have trained more than 350 civilian and military riggers from every continent, except Antarctica.

For the first time in his rigging career, Sandy’s school now occupies a purpose-built facility that is his literal dream come true. He began with the sketch of the ideal rigging loft shown in the 2005 edition of the Parachute Rigger Handbook (authored by Sandy) and blew it out of the water.

Now, USAPR is housed in a 3,100 square foot building dedicated to hands-on instruction, practical application, packing, independent study, inspection, and testing. The studio features a comprehensive resource library, 10 sewing machines, a vast collection of specialized tools, and an impressive inventory of modern and vintage parachutes and gear.