Senior Rigger Course
Earn Your License
Hone your rigging skills.
USAPR’s FAA Senior Rigger course is for civilians and military personnel who have basic parachute knowledge and are interested in obtaining an FAA Senior Parachute Rigger license.
Course Description
By the conclusion of this 15-day course, candidates will possess both the knowledge and skills required to pass the FAA exams and earn their FAA rigger certification as well as the advanced practical training needed to succeed in a professional parachute loft.
Licensed FAA Senior Riggers are authorized to pack, maintain and make minor repairs to FAA-approved emergency parachute assemblies.
Duration
- 15 Days, Monday-Friday for 3 Consecutive Weeks
Tuition
- $3,000
Fees
- FAA Written Test – $250
- FAA Oral & Practical Test (Back Rating) – $250 (waived for military applicants)
Optional FEES
- Saturday School, $250/Day
Candidates needing additional time to practice the required skills or complete the number of packs for a certificate may opt in to one or both days of Saturday School. Arrangements can be made as late as the day prior.
Additional Information
PREREQUISITES
Age Requirement
- Candidates must be at least 18 years old and provide valid, government-issued photo identification. See FAQs for acceptable forms of ID.
Basic Knowledge
- Minimum 200 jumps or a current military rigger.
EXPERIENCE
Civilian candidates must produce a log book for instructor review. Required packs must be done under the supervision of a rigger who signs off the work.
Military candidates without a rigger logbook must present an original letter on unit letterhead signed in ink or digitally by the Commander as proof of experience.
COURSE MATERIALS
Candidates are provided with a copy of the FAA Parachute Rigger Handbook and the Integrated Guide To Parachute Rigger Tests for The Modern Rigger Candidate, also known as “The Green Book”.
Course tuition includes access to USAPR’s extensive resource library, a complete inventory of sewing machines and tools, a wide selection of modern and vintage parachute systems, and other relevant materials and supplies.
SYLLABUS
At USAPR, we deliver individualized, hands-on training in order to prepare candidates to pass the FAA exam and to succeed as rigging professionals. We provide opportunities to address a variety of real-life scenarios on authentic gear – not sample-sized, representative pieces – including sewing patches on canopies, replacing stiffeners on containers, relining canopies, and building flyable ram-air kites.
Courses include four distinct phases across three weeks:
- Week 1 | Phase 1: Basic Skills Introduction/Review
- Week 2 | Phase 2: Skill Development & Phase 3 Test Qualification
- Week 3 | Phase 4: Oral/Practical Tests
Successful Senior Rigger candidates will demonstrate skills in six curricular areas:
- Assembly, Inspection & Packing
- Record Keeping & Documentation
- Sewing Machine Operation
- Canopy Repair
- Container Repair
- Line Repair & Replacement
CANIDATE EVALUATION
Senior Rigger candidates are evaluated by the course instructors following the completion of each level of training.
Time permitting, individual candidates complete a mock exam featuring sample test questions and a simulated oral and practical exam as preparation for the written and practical FAA exams with a Designated Parachute Rigger Examiner (DPRE).
SENIOR RIGGER CERTIFICATION
An FAA DPRE will issue an FAA Senior Rigger Certificate to candidates who successfully complete an oral and practical exam.
USAPR graduates receive a graduation certificate and T-Shirt, Rigger Wings, and a USAPR coffee cup.
Register For A Course
Click on the dates below for additional details or to register.
