renewing riggers certificate

[steve1 5]

I used to have a riggers certificate to pack chest reserves back in the olden days. I would like to get this renewed so that I can pack square reserves. Somebody told me that I would have to pack 20 of these reserves under a riggers supervision and then take a test under a master rigger. I'm just wondering about the test. Would I be packing a reserve only? Would any sewing, etc. be involved? What would constitute a failing score on the reserve repack? I would probably get this renewed so that I could work on my own gear. Thanks, Steve

[BadDog 0]

You'd be adding the rating for back packs to your existing Riggers Certificate. You have to do your 20, then take a practical. I'd suggest trying to locate an examiner, and talking to him about what he sees you doing as part of the practical. Expect lots of twists, turns, and tangles, inside out canopies, etc.
CorporateLawyerDave aka BadDog

[riggerrob 643]

The FAA is rather vague about currency for riggers. The FAR reads something like "have practiced his trade within the last 90 days." Some wags interpret this as cleaning your tools within the last 90 days! Ha! Ha!
Officially, all you have to do to add a BACK RATING is to pack 20 back type skydiving reserves (or Pilot Emergency Parachutes) under supervision and demonstrate to an FAA Parachute Rigger Examiner that you can repack a back type parachute.
From a practical point of view, since it has been so long, and gear has changed so much since chest reserves were in fashion, you would be wise to review all the same training that new riggers go through.
Start by buying Poynter's manuals Volume 1 and 2.
Go to the Australian Parachute Federation's website and print out their list of Airworthiness Directives and Service Bulletins. Speaking of the internet, many packing manuals are now available online.
The quickest, albeit most expensive way to get up to date is to attend the 2003 Parachute Industry Symposium in Florida, but that is next winter.