Rigging class

[Brian425 0]

I'm a new skydiver, only 21 jumps. I am interested in taking a rigging class to help me understand my gear better and to teach me how to better inspect it.

Anyone know of any classes around NYC or near the Ranch in Gardiner NY? Also what would the approximate cost be?

Thanks,
Brian

The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand.

[AggieDave 6]

Usually what folks do is not a "class" really, but they basically apprentice under another rigger until they feel ready and their rigger feels they're ready to take the test.

I'm sure if you ask around, talk to the S&TA at your DZ for instance, that you can find a good rigger for this at your DZ.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[Brian425 0]

Thanks.

The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand.

[johnny1488 1]

I am learning a lot slamming down Red Bulls and being a vagrant in the Pro Shop, but their might be a better way than that.

As far as canopy inspection goes, dont let Scott Miller out of your sight when he gets here next week. He loves to spue information until he's to tired to stand (or something like that).

Johnny
--"This ain't no book club, we're all gonna die!"
Mike Rome

[slotperfect 7]

Contact Handsome Dave DeWolf:

paraloft@aol.com

Website

He is in Pennsylvania. Fantastic guy, fantastic instruction. Very creative & innovative, and a great teacher.

Arrive Safely

John

[tombuch 0]

There are several ways of approaching rigging, depending on your level of interest and commitment.

The first option is to ignore the whole topic, hire a packer, and remain ignorant of your gear. Far too many jumpers take this approach. I’m glad to hear you have an interest in growing beyond this level.

The second option is to become very familiar with your basic equipment, how it works, and how to maintain it. This is actually pretty easy to do, and is probably the level of skill and understanding you are looking for. The school at The Ranch should be able to teach you the basics of your gear. Packers in the “Great Hall” can tell you more. Sonic, or the other riggers at The Pro Shop can provide even more information. Spend time watching packers work. Ask questions. Open your rig and inspect all the components with a more experienced packer. Practice, practice, practice. Read the instruction manual for your parachute and rig. Keep in mind that when the weather is good everybody will want to be jumping, but when the clouds roll in the DZ becomes a very boring place and all the busy riggers and packers will be much more willing to spend time with you. You can also ask professional riggers to let you watch them pack reserves, and they may even be willing to let you pack your own under their supervision. All this training is informal and there shouldn’t be any significant costs. If a rigger/packer/instructor spends extra time with you it is customary to offer a tip, hand him/her a beer, or perhaps buy lunch, but other than that there shouldn’t be any special costs. Given your profile, I suggest you ask the Ranch instructors to teach you to pack. Spend a half day opening and closing a rig under the tent, watching how your pack jobs open on the ground then packing the same rig again. Ask questions when you are unsure, then jump your pack jobs.

The third option is to actually become a rigger. This isn’t such a tough task, but it does take time. Rigger candidates generally mentor under a current rigger. Most begin by packing their own reserve under supervision, then pack other peoples reserves, also under supervision of a current rigger. There are also formal rigging courses that can run from 7-10 days, or over a longer period. Courses such as the one offered over the winter by Dave DeWolf will run you about 1,500 for the training, lodging, travel, food, equipment, testing, etc. Many rigger candidates skip the formal courses and simply take the FAA test after a period of mentoring. The actual FAA requirements are to pack 20 reserves under supervision, then take a computer based knowledge test followed by a formal oral and practical test. Ask your local riggers how they got their ratings and what they recommend.

So, to get back to your original question, most drop zones don’t offer much in the way of formal classes. You need to self educate. That’s not hard to do, but it does take initiative. I’m glad you are interested.

Tom Buchanan
Instructor Emeritus
Comm Pilot MSEL,G
Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy

[Brian425 0]

Thanks Tom. As always you have very good, detailed info. I've been practicing packing with Sebastia on the school side. When it's not too busy, he has walked me through my pack jobs.

My goal is to feel confident that I can completely disasemble my rig and put it back together without worry who packed the reserve. I also want to know what to look for to prevent problems.

I guess being Sebastian's packing whore for a little while is a good start for now. Later I will bother Linda to teach me more.

Thanks again.

B

The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand.

[Brian425 0]

Thanks Tom. As always you have very good, detailed info. I've been practicing packing with Sebastia on the school side. When it's not too busy, he has walked me through my pack jobs.

My goal is to feel confident that I can completely disasemble my rig and put it back together without worry who packed the reserve. I also want to know what to look for to prevent problems.

I guess being Sebastian's packing whore for a little while is a good start for now. Later I will bother Linda to teach me more.

Thanks again.

B

The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand.

[Brian425 0]

John,
I'm signed up for the course and I'm going to do my best to get every penny worth out of it. I've heard lots of good things about Scott Miller, I'm glad I have the opportunity to take his class.

I've heard some rumors you're a pretty good packer. And one of the people to go to with questions. I might have to buy you a beer or ten over the summer.

B

The only time you should look down on someone is when you are offering them your hand.

[riggerrob 643]

Earlier this year, there was a thread on this forum entitled "So you wanna become a rigger?"
It was full of valuable advice. Like buying three books from Poynter Publishing ...

Yes, Dave DeWolf is a great rigger instructor. I was not able to attend his 9 day course, but "Handsome Dave" administered my FAA Senior Rigger oral and practical exams.
Dave DeWolf was one of the first to offer 9-day courses and now several of his teaching assistants (Tom Dolphin, Kathy Schlatter, etc.) offer similar courses during the winter.
Also consider that Niagara Skydive Center will host a Canadian Rigger A Course the first week of November. I will help teach that course and can write letters of recommendation to the FAA.