Rahlmo's FAA Senior Rigger Courses

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. Conducted in a busy full-service rigging loft dedicated to training. Our professional team provides you real-world knowledge and experience in all aspects of skydiving equipment. 

The FAA rigger certificate comes in four flavors or "ratings," by "type," according to where they are located on the parachute harness:

BACK--The "back" type rating qualifies you to pack skydiving rigs and also pilot emergency parachutes that are worn on the pilot's back. Pilot emergency rigs typically have round canopies, so a minimum of two are included in the course.

SEAT--"Seat" type parachute emergency parachutes form the actual seat cushion of some aircraft. It's the most commercially viable second rating needed when working toward your master certificate, since there are many seat rigs in use. 

For those planning to pack mostly pilot emergency rigs, we recommend a back and seat type course focusing on round canopies Since some pilot emergency rigs use ram-air (gliding) canopies, you will pack at least two ram-air reserve canopies with skydiving rigs.

CHEST: "Chest" type parachutes, standard for sport use from WWII until around the mid- to late-70s are still used in the civilian world for paratrooper re-enactments and intentional cutaways from the main parachute (three parachutes required). But this is also authorizes professional sport and military contract main packers to pack withouyt FAA-rigger supervision. Also a shortcut for experienced FAA back-type senior riggers to quickly knock out the 100 packs required on a second type toward the FAA master rigger certificate. 

LAP: Obsolete. Were used by nose gunners in WWII bombers. We don't hold or offer this rating. 

COURSE DESCRIPTION AND COSTS:

FAA Senior Rigger Certification Course (Back Type, Initial Rating): NOTE: This is a comprehensive rigging course leading to an FAA Senior Rigger certificate with a Back Type rating and competence on sport and pilot emergency equipment. Professional main parachute packers seeking an FAA certificate for main packing contracts should consider the chest type rating or the Main Parachute Packer certificate (when available). 

Preparation to test for the FAA Senior Rigger Certificate to pack sport reserves and pilot (back) emergency parachutes. Flexible schedule, typically 17-19 working 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--$385)

Initial course and tools: $2,785 

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

chest: $850       seat: $985

Active Duty Army, Air Force, and National Guard Rigger Certificate Scholarship Program:

The Initial Senior Rigger, Back Rating course and certification exam are offered with tuition paid by the U.S. Army IgnitED and Air Force COOL continuing education and certification programs. Two sessions, one per fiscal year. Inquire for details.

*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 9-10 days, including testing (test fees not included). DOES NOT include tools, study materials, or testing.

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

$2,250

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 reserve packing. 

$1,950

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

Packing (20) and maintenance of Chest (4-5 days) or Seat (5-6 days) type emergency parachutes, including testing. Test fee not included. 

Chest: $850

Seat: $985

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. 

$350/day, two candidates; $450 single

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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). 

$395

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

$595

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

$265

Oral/Practical Examination for FAA Senior Rigger, additional Added Rating, same exam. 

$145

Retesting after failed FAA Oral/Practical Exam, initial exam taken here.

$285