What does a parachute packer do?

You'll inspect, test, and pack parachutes, their extraction and release systems, and all the associated components of the parachute system. You'll be responsible for the safety and repair of all parachute equipment before, during, and after an airdrop operation.

How much do parachute packers get paid?

The salaries of Parachute Packers in the US range from $18,780 to $49,960 , with a median salary of $27,950 . The middle 50% of Parachute Packers makes $27,950, with the top 75% making $49,960.

Do parachute riggers go to war?

Militaries around the world train their own parachute riggers to support their airborne or paratrooper forces. These military riggers also pack parachutes for aerial delivery operations, through which military supplies and equipment are delivered by aircraft to combat zones.

Is packing a parachute difficult?

While modern skydiving containers feature reserve parachutes that are packed and sealed by professionals, an improperly packed main canopy is still incredibly dangerous. For the experienced skydivers, the packing process typically takes about 10-15 minutes.

Do Army parachute riggers get deployed?

Work Environment. The work environment largely depends on whether or not a soldier is deployed. However, even if not deployed, parachute riggers can expect to be working at airfields on or around airplanes.

How 75,000 Parachutes Are Packed Each Year At Army Airborne School | Boot Camp

How often do parachute riggers jump?

Parachute riggers have to maintain their status by jumping every three months -- at a minimum. If they don't maintain their jump status, they aren't allowed to pack or inspect parachutes, Steverson said.

How long is parachute rigger school?

Job training for a parachute rigger requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 11 weeks of Advanced Individual Training with on-the-job instructions. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field.

How long can a parachute stay packed?

Before 1978, the FAA required that all parachutes be packed every 60 days. The FAA extended the packing interval to 120 days because new synthetic parachute materials like nylon and Dacron were becoming commonplace.

How often do parachutes need to be repacked?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that the reserve parachute be inspected and repacked every 180 days (whether it's used or not) by an FAA-certified parachute rigger.

How long is a parachute packing course?

This is an 8-hour training, broken into self-study, classroom, and physical demonstration / hands-on learning sections.

Why do parachute riggers wear red hats?

"The red hat is to help to identify a parachute rigger quickly when we are supporting an airdrop or airborne operation," said Hamill. "If there is an issue with a parachute, the jumpmaster can easily identify the rigger, get their attention, and the problem can be quickly addressed."

Where do parachute riggers get stationed army?

Most riggers are at Bragg. But they're also at JBLM, Carson, Eglin, Campbell, Okinawa, Korea, Germany, Italy, Tampa, Yuma, and a few other hole in the wall spots. For Reclass you go to Airborne School then school at Fort Lee.

Do Marine parachute riggers jump?

The Marines are required to perform at least one jump every three months, but the unit typically does several exercises a month. Irula said the Marines in the unit are constantly deploying and the extra training helps them carry out the mission by ensuring they're proficient in safely getting supplies to the ground.

How do you become a parachute rigger?

Can you make money as a skydiver?

Money Per Jump

Many skydivers are paid by each jump that they make. Usually, this means jumping with someone else, a less experienced diver, either as part of training or as a recreational assistant. Pay for this assistance is low, and usually comes to around $40 per jump, according to the Education-Portal.com.

How do you become a parachute jump instructor?

To get a JM Grade 1 qualification, you must demonstrate the ability to 'spot' correctly from at least 10,000 ft above ground level. C License: This is the holy grail for skydiving instructors. To get your C License, you need a BPA B Licence, 200 descents and at least one further 'Grade 1'.

Do all parachutes have a reserve?

In the vast majority of cases, they totally don't. If one of those super-rare contingencies comes up and the system's main parachute is unusable, your instructor immediately releases it and deploys the reserve.

Who may pack a main parachute?

The FAA allows a senior rigger to pack main and reserve parachutes and perform minor repairs, unless doing it wrong “might appreciably affect airworthiness.” CFR 105 (the FAA's skydiving rules) says any jumper may pack their own main, and any rigger may supervise others to pack a main for someone else, but only a ...

What does the jumper pull to release the parachute?

Once the jumper has located the cutaway handle and grasped it firmly, they will locate the reserve handle. In a sequence, the skydiver will pull the “cutaway” handle which separates the jumper from the malfunctioning parachute and then pull the reserve handle to deploy the reserve parachute.

Do skydivers pack their own parachutes?

Most experienced skydivers do their own packing, and it takes 10 to 15 minutes to do the job. One of the things that makes modern parachute packing so interesting is the use of zero-porosity fabric.

Do they reuse parachutes?

Parachutes are reusable. In fact, it's recommended that you do so. Any malfunction while skydiving can be fatal; therefore, professional skydivers prefer to pack and prepare their parachutes themselves meticulously. Properly packed and good quality parachutes tend to last for thousands of skydives.

Who packs reserve chute?

Most experienced skydivers pack their own parachutes, but it is common for the reserve chute to be packed by a certified rigger. Every few months, the reserve is unpacked and repacked to keep it from getting stiff.

Does the Navy have parachute riggers?

Special operations parachute rigger

Special operations parachute riggers work in support roles for Navy SEALS, Naval Special Warfare and explosive ordnance disposal units throughout the world. They inspect, maintain, pack, and use specialized premeditated personnel static line and military free fall parachute systems.

What do parachute riggers do in the Marines?

Parachute riggers, also known as airborne and air delivery specialists, undergo a wide range of training to perform parachute drop operations of personnel, equipment, and gear. They also are trained in equipment recovery operations using various slings and equipment securing gear.