Senior Rigger Course

Come and immerse yourself in rigging for eight intense days. The course covers the material to pass the FAA Senior Rigger Certificate tests. Complete the requirement by packing 20 reserves under supervision. Bring a rig or pack one of the many rigs that Para Concepts makes available.

The course material is presented as a series of 10 lectures spread over the first five course days. Learn the written test material through lectures and practical experience. Hone your sewing skills using numerous industrial sewing machines. Fill in all the required rigging knowledge by doing a number of small repair projects (grommets, fabric testing, line fabrication). With 9 hours of supervision per day, candidates split time between lectures, packing, sewing, repair projects, and group study.

Candidates with significant prior preparation usually start testing by day 6 or 7. Practical tests are conducted as each candidate becomes ready. Candidates with significant prior preparation leave by day 8 with their FAA Rigger Certificate.

Course Costs

Course Fees $1249
Written Test $150
Practical Test $150 (normally $200)

Note: Tests can be taken at many places in the US. Most candidates, however, find it convenient to take the tests on site upon completing preparation in the course. This is a convenience, but certainly not a requirement.

Last Updated - 23 Jan 2012

Course Details

Upcoming Courses

Course Outline / Lecture Topics

  • Packing Square Reserves in Sport Rigs
  • Inspecting Square Reserves in Sport Rigs
  • Inspecting and Packing a Round in a Pilot Rig
  • Machine Sewing
  • Rigging Materials & Parachute Construction Details
  • Military Rigs - Military Back Pack Job (Actually see equipment used as a basis for the oldest written test questions)
  • Maintenance Procedures I - Basic Stuff
  • Maintenance Procedures II - More Complicated Things
  • AAD Maintenance Requirements
  • Rigger Certification, FARs, Ethics, and Test Preparation

We are now pleased to offer additional type ratings. The Master rigger certificate requires 100 pack jobs of two types, so if you want to get set up to work towards your master rigger certificate, you can get a second type rating during the course. This has been an increasingly popular option, and we are happy to certify you with 2 type ratings to make it easier to progress to the Master Rigger certificate when the time comes. Get your Back & Seat or Back & Chest for an additional $399. Get your Back, Seat, & Chest ratings for an additional $699. The additional charge includes the supervision for the additional 20 pack jobs and the longer test that includes the additional type(s). One additional rating will require that you arrive 2 to 3 days early (or stay 2 to 3 days later) or prepare outside the course in some way. Actual candidates have completed the additional 20 packs in times varying from 1.5 to 3 days, depending on the candidate. If you want to do this expanded course, we will need to know, so please contact us for more information and scheduling for additional type ratings.

Sign up online now!

For groups of 3 or more people, consider scheduling a private course with Kirk . While the summer schedule is quite full, it may be possible to schedule a private course at other times, depending on the exact dates.