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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 ("Rahlmo"): AFF skydiving instructor and tandem skydiving instructor examiner, columnist for USPA Parachutist Magazine, member Parachute Industry Association Rigging Committee, author of several books on skydiving, 10,000+ jumps and counting. FAA master parachute rigger and Designated Parachute Rigger Examiner (DPRE).

Robert "Marty" Martin: 35+ years in the sport. FAA master parachute rigger, AFF and tandem skydiving instructor.

Niramon (Nira) Gibson: Accountant, FAA senior rigger. Parachute accessory equipment sales and manufacturing.

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, 2023

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. We have all the equipment to take care of those little problems NOW before they become big ones!

I&R $98 (return unused for $10 off!)

with main--includes attentive repack: $18

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

NOTE: Per loft policy, any reserve canopy older than 20 years is subject to an annual PIA TS108 strength test ($25).

Shave five bucks off your bill for pulling your emergency handles in the loft!

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.

complete system: $68; main canopy only: $42

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Equipment Instruction for Students and Fun Jumpers

USPA A-License Packing Course: Two-sessions with master rigger Marty Martin on your schedule, weekdays or weekends. Graduates get USPA Instructor sign-off to qualify for the U.S. Parachute Association A License!

$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.

$30/hr.

Advanced Equipment/B Course: A unique course for gear owners. Six hours of instruction on the packing and maintenance specifics of YOUR 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 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. 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: 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

FAA Senior Rigger Certification Course (Back Type, Initial Rating): Prepares the candidate to take the test for the FAA Senior Rigger Certificate to pack sport reserves and pilot emergency parachutes. Flexible schedule, typically 10-12 days total. Can be scheduled as a group or individually. Includes a basic rigger tool kit worth approximately $400.

Pre-requisite: Advanced Equipment/Pre-Rigger Course

$2,750

Added rating taken with Back Type, Initial Rating course

chest: $650 seat: $850

FAA Senior Rigger Certification Course (Chest Type, Initial Rating): A legal and more efficient way to prepare a professional main parachute packer for the FAA Senior Rigger Certificate, chest type only. This certificate qualifies to pack mains for others, supervise packers, and meets most military main packing contractor requirements.

Typically five days. Does not include tools or testing.

Pre-requisite: Advanced Equipment/Pre-Rigger Course (chest-type specific)

$2,250

FAA Senior Rigger Certification Course (Back Type Rating added to existing certificate): Seven to ten days on packing (20) and maintenance of piggyback and pilot emergency equipment. Qualifies chest- or seat-rated FAA riggers to pack sport reserves and pilot emergency parachutes. Includes a basic rigger tool kit worth approximately $400.

$1,450

FAA Senior Rigger Certification Course (Chest Type Rating added to existing certificate): Three to four days on packing (20) and maintenance of chest-type emergency parachutes. Includes the initial FAA Oral and Practical Exam for an added rating.

$675

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.

$275/day

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

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Designated Parachute Rigger Examiner Testing:

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).

$325

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

$425

Oral/Practical Examination for FAA Senior Rigger, Added Rating: For candidates qualified with FAA Form 8610-2 independently (test included with Rahlmo's Rigging added type-rating courses).

$175

Retesting failed areas of FAA Oral/Practical Exam.

$150.

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.

Advanced Equipment course scheduled for February 12!

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.

Advanced Equipment course scheduled for February 12!

Everyone loved the last course, and one signed up for the full senior rigger course the next day! Limited to six candidates, so don't delay! PM or email for a slot.

NEWS: Rahlmo's Rigging expands!

Advanced Equipment course scheduled for February 12!

NEWS: Vigils up to 11 weeks for service

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: Vigils up to 11 weeks for service

links to resource and other articles by Kevin Gibson

NEWS: Vigils up to 11 weeks for service

NEWS

Rahlmo's Rigging expands its jumpsuit repair capability. We welcome FAA Senior Rigger Jason White, who has agreed to take on our more extensive and complicated jumpsuit repairs. Plans are in the works for an affordable "first-jumpsuit" design. Hopes are for a lower-cost option obtainable only a few weeks after ordering.

Get $5 off 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!

AND IN OTHER NEWS:

Tony Suits has been purchased. The decades-old mainstay jumpsuit company is now under new ownership. Tiponi Potts has remained on staff, and the company is in its same location for now.

Shauna Finlay has purchased Skydive Shenandoah. She was managing from a distance but is relocating to run the DZ fulltime.

Just for planning purposes, Vigil is now allowing six to 11 weeks for their required AAD service. And a reminder: They must have the a battery replaced at ten years (they recommend 5 years) or 2,000 jumps and it has to go in for that. (You'll also want to get the firmware and hardware updates while it's in.) We try to keep rentals on hand.

FAQs

links to resource and other articles by Kevin Gibson

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 at the Skydive Orange Cinco de Mayo or Big O Boogie). 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 week off work for your rigger course?

You can go straight through if you like, typically 10-12 days, but we're more into quality than speed. One big advantage to training for the FAA rigger ticket with us is we bend over backwards to meet your schedule. You start with two consecutive days for the Advanced Equipment/Pre-Rigger Course, and then we work with your needs to complete the full course. Even some weekend availability!

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 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, and 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!)

Where does the name "Rahlmo" come from?

Technically, it's an abbreviation for "Rigging and Higher Level Maintenance Operations," but it is an amalgum 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 about a paratrooper in WWII who was blown into a remote valley hidden by perpetual clouds and locked in time. He was badly injured on landing, but nursed to health by a local woman 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 Island by St. Patrick. They crossed into mainland Europe and wandered East until discovering the hidden valley, where they settled.