question about getting signed off to pack your own chute

[Rettrae 0]

how many times do you need to competently pack your own chute under supervision in order to be allowed to do it yourself? are you then allowed to pack anyone elses chute if it is the same type as yours? or is this limited to only your own?

[mattjw916 2]

read the SIM... it will answer these questions:

http://uspa.org/publications/SIM/2005SIM/section5.htm#53l

1. The main parachute of a dual assembly may be packed by—

a. an FAA rigger

(1) An FAA rigger may supervise other persons in packing any type of parachute for which that person is rated (FAR 65.125.a and b).

(2) A non-certificated person may pack a main parachute under the direct supervision of an FAA rigger (FAR 105.43.a).

b. the person who intends to use it on the next jump (FAR 105.43.a)

2. Packing knowledge:

a. Each individual skydiver should have the written approval of an S&TA, USPA Instructor, I/E, or an FAA rigger to pack his or her own parachute.

b. All parachute packers should know and understand the manufacturer's instructions for packing, maintenance, and use.

NSCR-2376, SCR-15080

[Nutz 0]

That was not really what they asked. Most places, you have to pack under supervision until you are comfortable with it. Then you have to jump it. It is scary but just remember, a parachute wants to open. Anyway, after you have jumped your own pack job, where I jump anyway, an AFFI signs your logbook (or A card) and you are cleared to pack.

"Don't! Get! Eliminated!"

[tombuch 0]

Each drop zone has their own standard for when a student can pack for himself. Generally an instructor will watch a few pack jobs and when he is satisfied that the student knows how to pack, will give authorization in the logbook or student record. Packing seems complicated at first, but it's really pretty simple stuff. There are a few key points that a good instructor/rigger will focus on, and it's important to know that you can (and should) ask questions anytime you are unsure of anything. Most students can master the basic process after a half dozen pack jobs. The first few will be with assistance, then unassisted.

As for packing other peoples parachutes....Technically you need to be an FAA certificated rigger, or under the supervision of a rigger to pack for anybody but yourself. Enforcement is weak at some drop zones.

For a more detailed discussion, see Article 11 "Who can Pack a Main Parachute" at http://ranchskydive.com/safety/index.htm. This is a feature I wrote for Parachutist magazine, published in June 2002. I'm the S&TA at The Ranch Parachute Club in New York, and write the features to address common questions. I'll often list a specific article when answering a question here on Dropzone.com. You may find many of the other articles of interest.
.

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

[riggerrob 643]

Most schools require junior jumpers to pack 10 main parachutes under the supervision of an instructor or rigger, or until they get good, before allowing them to pack alone.
After that, you will probably need to pack for yourself a couple of dozen times before anyone else will trust you to pack for them.
As for packing for students .... ask a local instructor.

[Frenchy68 0]

Had only 1 fully supervised session, which I think is too little. I then packed alone, but bugged the hell out of the packers with my many questions.

"For once you have tasted Absinthe you will walk the earth with your eyes turned towards the gutter, for there you have been and there you will long to return."

[Rettrae 0]

Sounds like a book I should get.. next stop, Amazon. com

[tombuch 0]

Quote

Sounds like a book I should get.. next stop, Amazon. com

Another great book is "Parachuting: The Skydivers Handbook by Turoff and Poynter." It offer great information for students and experienced jumpers alike.
.

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

[jumpjunkie2004 0]

http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=1622454;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;;page=unread#unread

I asked this question in another forum. It seems like the rules for packing different from drop zone to drop zone. I was very surprised by some of the answers.

Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat...

[Salsa_John 0]

Peter Draper of the Jump Shack http://jumpshack.com/
Has a great CD Called P.R.O. Packing Study Guide

It helped me

"You did what?!?!"

MUFF #3722, TDSM #72, Orfun #26, Nachos Rodriguez