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(434) 242-9045

We rig and teach it too.

Complete parachute rigging services and comprehensive individualized skydiving equipment instruction!

class schedule and registration

(434) 242-9045

We rig and teach it too.

Complete parachute rigging services and comprehensive individualized skydiving equipment instruction!

class schedule and registration

Who we are and why we do this.

Dedicated Techs and Educators

Our love for skydiving gear and its owners shows in everything we do. It's we three riggers (one an accountant) who look forward to coming to work every day--and we're here almost all of the the time rain or shine at Skydive Orange! We spend a lot of time in the loft, so we make it a place where both we and our clients and students want to be.

Kevin Gibson, co-owner: AFF skydiving instructor and tandem skydiving instructor examiner, columnist for USPA Parachutist Magazine, member Parachute Industry Association Rigging Committee, author , 10,000+ jumps and counting. FAA master parachute rigger and Designated Parachute Rigger Examiner (DPRE). Major equipment sales and consultant.

Nira Gibson, co-owner: Accountant, FAA senior rigger. Parachute accessory equipment sales, manufacturing, and repair.

Robert "Marty" Martin: 35+ years in the sport, 3,500 jumps. FAA master parachute rigger, AFF and tandem skydiving instructor. Packing instruction, repaoirs, pilot emergency specialist. On his fifth year with Rahlmo's!

First-Rate Course Offerings

All the latest equipment and techniques to teach you real-world parachute packing and rigging from newbie packer to master rigger. Our on-site FAA Designated Parachute Rigger Examiner means you can graduate with your rating in hand. And you join the Rahlmo's Rigging support network once you've completed your instruction.

Upping the Rigging Game

We have decades of experience and remain continuously in touch with industry associations, parachute manufacturers and other schools across the country. We're the place where other riggers come with questions. Rahlmo's Rigging raises the standard for equipment and rigging instruction in the region, the nation, and the world.

Rigging Services and Course Catalog

Parachute Rigging and Buy-Sell Services Effective Jan 1, 2024

add 5% to all labor charges for materials and consumables, plus Virginia sales tax as applies

FAA-Required Periodic Inspection and Parachute Repack: Beyond what jumpers expect from the average 180-day I&R. Lots of extras--elastic harness-end keepers, main and reserve closing loop, 3-ring service, all updates researched, detailed records for main and reserve, minor cleaning. Our PM program is second to none, and we have all the equipment to take care of those little problems NOW before they become big ones!

I&R, new client or after use: $103, but--

You pull the handles. in the loft: $98

Repeat client appreciation discount: Return with an unused Rahlmo pack job for $10 off!

with main--includes attentive repack: $18

Add $30 for full main inspection, recommended every 150 jumps, comes with complete report.

NOTE Rahlmo loft policy: Emergency parachute canopies older than 20 years subject to annual strength test: $25.

We decline to pack any parachute that does not meet our standards.

Escrow and Pre-Buy or Sell Evaluation and Price Estimate: We accept equipment as an intermediary for people buying and selling equipment (escrow). With international recognition, our clients are sure of what they're buying and get the most value for what they're selling. Our clients often benefit HUNDREDS of dollars on a sale. A complete report accompanies each transaction, including our best estimate of fair market value.

Escrow service for complete system: $68; main canopy only: $42

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Equipment Instruction for Students and Fun Jumpers

USPA A-License Packing Course: On your schedule, weekdays or weekends by appointment. Full support after and USPA Instructor sign-off to qualify for the U.S. Parachute Association A License!

initial (A-license) packing lesson: $140

Packing Tune-Up: For experienced jumpers who need assistance after a long layoff, after buying new equipment, or just interested in developing more efficient and better packing habits. Tailored to each individual's needs.

Individualized packing instruction: $30/hr.

Advanced Equipment/B Course: A unique course for gear owners. Six hours of instruction on the packing and maintenance specifics of your specific rig. Tips and tricks, FAA rules on packing, maintenance and repairs. Hardware, materials, and AAD basics. Navigating your owner manual. How to get the most from your packer and rigger. Graduates earn an Advanced Equipment Specialist-B certificate.

Pre-requisite: Rig ownership and USPA A-License Packing Course or ability to pack your own main.

See the Course Schedule for the next available offering.

$150.

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Professional Development Courses

Advanced Equipment/Packer Course: Two six-hour days for preparing upcoming professional to pack for other jumpers under FAA rigger supervision. Curriculum based on the Parachute Industry Association TS105 standards for main parachute inspection and the model course for the Main Parachute Packer Authorization currently under development by PIA. Includes training on a variety of popular rig and tandem systems. Learn the rules of rigging and how to prepare for a rewarding and profitable position on the drop zone!

Pre-requisite: Ability to pack a main parachute system in common use in under 20 minutes.

$300

Advanced Equipment/Pre-Rigger Course (pre-requisite to Rahlmo FAA Senior Rigger course): Prepare and qualify to sign up for the Rahlmo's Rigging FAA Rigger Certification Course. Two six-hour days on how to inspect and pack a reserve parachute (your first of the required 20). Industrial sewing machine operation. You actually learn to sew! Demonstration and discussion of materials, hardware, and rigging loft processes. Introduction to books, downloads, manuals, and other resources. Overview of the FAA rules and certification process. How to navigate the examinations. Counts as the first two days of the full rigger certification course if continuing within 60 days.

$350

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FAA Rigger Training Courses

TESTING AND EXAM FEES ARE NOT INCLUDED IN COURSE FEES.

ALL RIGGER TRAINING AND TESTING IS PAID IN ADVANCE AND NON-REFUNDABLE.

Rahlmo's Rigging excels in rigger training, offering courses on an as-needed basis with a flexible schedule for each candidate. You will train in a busy full-service rigging loft and equipment sales facility and gain real-world knowledge and experience.

NOTE: Professional main parachute packers requiring an FAA certificate only for contracts should consider the chest type rating*.

FAA Senior Rigger Certification Course (Back Type, Initial Rating): Preparation to test for the FAA Senior Rigger Certificate to pack sport reserves and pilot (back) emergency parachutes. Flexible schedule, typically 12-14 days total, including exam (fee not included). Can be scheduled as a group or individually.

Includes a basic rigger tool kit worth approximately $400.

Pre-requisite: Advanced Equipment/Pre-Rigger Course (see above--$350)

Initial course and tools: $2,750

Added rating taken with Back Type, Initial Rating course (must be individually pre-qualified)

chest: $750 seat: $950

The Initial Senior Rigger, Back Rating course and certification exam is offered with tuition reimbursed through the U.S. Army IgnitED and Air Force COOL continuing education and certification programs.

*FAA Senior Rigger Certification Course (Chest Type, Initial Rating): A cost-effective way to qualify a professional main parachute packer to meet DOD and other government/military packing contractor requirements.

Typically five days. Does not include tools, study materials, or testing.

Pre-requisite: Ability to pack ram-air sport main parachute correctly in under 15 minutes.

$2,150

FAA Senior Rigger Certification Course (Back Type Rating added to existing certificate): Five to ten days (depending on prior experience) on packing and maintaining piggyback and pilot emergency equipment. Preparation for the FAA oral and practical exam for added rating (not included in fee). Training is designed for chest, seat or uncertificated military riggers to pack sport reserves and pilot emergency parachutes. Also recommended for FAA certificated riggers with military-only experience interested in sport packing.

$1,450

FAA Added Rating Course (Type Rating added to existing FAA Rigger certificate):

Three to four days on packing (20) and maintenance of Chest or Seat type emergency parachutes.

Chest: $750

Seat: $950

Individualized preparation for FAA Senior and Master certificate (inquire for pre-approval): This is completion training for the candidate who has already completed much of the training for these exams. Conducted according to the individual's needs. Perfect for experienced FAA senior riggers going to Master, sport packers who have prior training under an FAA Rigger, or military riggers converting to the FAA certificate but less familiar with civilian equipment.

$285/day

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FAA RIGGER EXAMINATION

Designated Parachute Rigger Examiner on Site

Oral/Practical Examination for FAA Senior Rigger, Initial Rating: For candidates qualified with FAA Form 8610-2 independently or through the Rahlmo's Rigging courses. Follows the FAA Rigger Knowledge ("written") Examination taken independently at an FAA-approved testing center (not included in price).

$375

Oral/Practical Examination for FAA Master Rigger: Candidates qualified with FAA Form 8610-2.

$575

Oral/Practical Examination for FAA Senior Rigger, Added Rating: For candidates qualified with FAA Form 8610-2.

$225

Retesting failed areas only of FAA Oral/Practical Exam.

$225.

for FAA rigger candidates (and riggers!)

During your the training for your FAA senior rigger, back type, you'll get the benefit of our knowledge and experience tailored to beginners. Check off this list of packs and skills necessary to pass the knowledge ("written"), oral, and practical exam. Rahlmo's "Practical Rigger" series --continuously building--provides you real-rigging-world information you'll use throughout your career as a jumper and a rigger!

what we do

We pack it. We teach it. We sell it.

NEWS: Two successful master courses completed this year. Email for details on yours!

We pack it. We teach it. We sell it.

Rahlmo's Rigging provides Skydive Orange with a full-service rigging loft and skydiving pro shop. We're the regional training and FAA testing center for parachute riggers.

NEWS: Rahlmo's Rigging expands!

NEWS: Two successful master courses completed this year. Email for details on yours!

We pack it. We teach it. We sell it.

The first, long hangar you see as you come in on Bloomsbury Road houses Rahlmo Rigging's extension location. We train and test FAA riggers there, as well as packing, maintenance operations and storage. Climate controlled!

NEWS: Two successful master courses completed this year. Email for details on yours!

AND IN OTHER NEWS:

Active duty U.S. Army, Air Force, and National Guard members can apply for tuition to take the complete FAA Senior Rigger Certification through Rahlmo's Rigging. See the US Army IgnitED and USAF COOL program website for details.

Save $5 on your reserve repack! If you pull your emergency handles when you present your rig in the loft for repack, we'll knock $5 off your bill. We're committed to your safety!

Help yourself to snacks and drinks just outside the loft! For all our skydiving friends and guests. (Donations welcome but not necessary.)

FAQs

links to resource and other articles by Kevin Gibson

NEWS: Two successful master courses completed this year. Email for details on yours!

May I take the FAA rigger test if I have not taken the Rahlmo's Rigging training course?

Absolutely! We recommend a practice test at our facility. But if you feel ready, go for it! We also do pre-test "tune-up" courses tailored to your needs.

Do you offer discounts on new equipment?

Sure do! Talk to us directly for discounts on Vectors, staff discounts, military discounts, and special packages that include assembly. No matter what you pay or WHERE YOU BUY YOUR GEAR, we offer full support!

Can I get my gear packed quicker if I pay a "rush" charge?

No way! We don't charge "rush" except within two days of a Skydive Orange major event (Cinco, Big O, SIS, etc.). If we can get you back in the air sooner than our usual turnaround time between any two weekends, we're on it.

Can I get personalized packing instruction and support?

Almost any time! Either one-on-one for an hourly rate or take our fun six-hour comprehensive Advanced Equipment-B Course, focusing on YOUR rig, only $150 (see the Course Schedule for dates).

Do I have to take a full two weeks off work for your rigger course?

You can go straight through if you like, typically 12-14 days, including the exam. But we're more into quality than speed. One big advantage to training for the FAA rigger ticket with us is we meet YOUR schedule. After the initial two consecutive days for the Advanced Equipment/Pre-Rigger Course, we work with your needs to complete the full course. Even on weekends!

What if I already have my own rigging tools?

Bring 'em! We provide all tools for training and testing, and a complete rigger kit comes with the Senior Rigger, Back Rating course. But if you already have tools, just lop $400 off the civilian price and purchase anything additional as you go. We sell lots of unique ones.

What rigs do you use for the packing portion of the FAA rigger exam?

We have a wide variety of training and testing gear, so you get to choose. You can even pack your own TSO'ed rig, but you have to repack it afterward. (Sorry--it's an FAA rule!)

What's the difference between the Advanced-B Equipment Course and the Pre-Rigger Course?

The two courses have a similar (but not exact) 2-3 hour opening but are completely different after that. The Advanced-B course (six hours) focuses on main parachutes. specifics of your rig, some packing coaching and tips, and a demonstration of how a reserve deploys. Pre-reqs are to bring own your own rig and have passed the A-license packing requirements. Limit of six candidates.

The Pre-Rigger course (12 hours/two days) includes the first official logged reserve pack job, introductory sewing, and other loft processes.Pre-Rigger is actually the first two days of the full FAA Senior Rigger Certification Course, but we require it be completed before accepting candidate commitment to the full course.

Do I need to spend two-three weeks at the loft to obtain my FAA rigger ticket?

You can--and jump at Skydive Orange on your breaks! But Pre-Rigger requires attendance only two consecutive days, and then your schedule is accommodated, straight through or in chunks as needed to complete the full course. You have 60 days after Pre-Rigger to finish. Most candidates typically require between 12-15 days total for all the instruction, packing, and practice, and to complete the two exams.

Where does the name "Rahlmo" come from?

Technically, it's an abbreviation for "Rigging and Higher Level Maintenance Operations," but it is an amalgam between two names: an attorney-friend from Brazilia Kevin worked with in Amazonia and a kid who used to bully him in fourth grade.

Rahlmo also appears in a short story by Kevin Gibson about an underweight paratrooper in WWII blown into a remote Eastern European valley hidden by perpetual clouds and locked in time. Badly injured on landing, he is nursed to health by a villager whom he married and took to the US with plans to return that never materialized. Rahlmo was the leader of a group that escaped Ireland during the persecution of the Druids by the Catholics and the brutal Christianization of the Emerald Isle by St. Patrick around 500 C.E. They crossed into mainland Europe and wandered East until discovering the hidden valley, where they settled.