askir 0 #1 March 12, 2003 To You seasoned riggers: I recently obtained my riggers ticket, have tools, seal in hand and eager to get started working, however I do not wish to step in anyones toes. The last thing I want to do is piss-off the local rigger by showing up at his DZ offering my services, if anything where I am there is shortage of riggers (from what I hear) Any advise? LIFE IS LIKE A CIGARETTE, YOU CAN SIT THERE AND WATCH IT BURN AWAY OR YOU CAN SMOKE THAT BITCH TO THE FILTER Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #2 March 12, 2003 Talk to the local rigger. He may have more work than he can handle and be glad to have you around. When you're starting out it's a good thing to have an experienced rigger nearby that you can turn to with questions and problems. Even if you don't end up working with or for him, try to establish a good relationship with him. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
councilman24 37 #3 March 12, 2003 Make yourself known in a low key way. Your jumping friends may be looking for more convenient service or faster turn around. Act professional. This includes charging for your work. Don't undercut the current local rate to gain customers. This might seem like free market but eventually you'll want to make as much as the other riggers. Don't promise what you can't deliver. Your going to have questions. As Lisa said, try get to know a rigger you can talk to. Maybe your old rigger. You still have a lot to learn, just like all of us, including old timers like me. I've just been to my seventh rigger conference/PIA symposium and I learn new things every time. Don't be shy about calling the manufacturers to get advice. They're not going to think your stupid. They'll think your smart for asking. And, you probably won't get bored doing reserves for 10 or 15 years. Your first save, if you haven't had it already, will be exciting, and SCARY! It was someone's last chance to live and they trusted you! I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NightJumper 0 #5 March 12, 2003 Quote Don't be afraid to do your job, as "chosen". Keep reading and assimilating information. Stay hungry. Look for "faults", but you will also learn that how you talk in the industry will have impact. Look and you will find, because that is what you are entrusted with. Eyes wide open, not shut. Know where to find the information( Mark Kruse, Skydive Cross Keyes ), if you cannot remember all. Ask the stupid questions anyway, because when you know the answer, you won't have to ask a stupid question again. Don't be afraid to continue to ask "stupid " questions. There will always be someone out there that knows more or has current information. This is an exciting profession, but you also can make it very unexciting for someone else. Stay on top of current events. Learn how to sew with a passion. Keep your needles sharp. Seeing many different DZ's or lofts does have its advantages, but be prepared to travel. It is a great way to learn, but not necessarily a way to grow roots. There may be some heartaches on the path...and don't give up. Kinda sounds like Baz Luhrmann's "Everyone is free to wear sunscreen" song. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 643 #6 March 12, 2003 Yes, Ingratiate yourself with local riggers and lofts. Don't try to undercut their prices. The best a new rigger can offer is pick-up and delivery service to a few close friends. But that only works in the short run, to get your foot in the door. You will soon tire of friends" banging at your door late Friday evening with "rush" repacks. Don't worry, that phase only lasts a few months, then you will become as professional as all the other local riggers. In a perfect world, you will apprentice in a loft for the first year after you earn your rigger's rating. Start by offering your services one or two evenings per week. Once your skills are known, local professional riggers may even welcome your help during the busy season. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rigging65 0 #7 March 12, 2003 I would suggest you flat out walk up and introduce yourself and let him/her know that you're eager to work. You can always learn something new from hanging out and talking with someone seasoned. Don't undercut the market, it's a good way to loose any local-rigger friends you might make along the way. Good luck! Ask questions! "...and once you had tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward. For there you have been, and there you long to return..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggermick 7 #8 March 12, 2003 Buy him drinks!!!!!!!! Mick. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hookitt 1 #9 March 12, 2003 QuoteBuy him drinks!!!!!!!! Mick. Lots and lots of them so he/she's hungover and will have to stay in bed.... Then you'll have plenty of work :) (do I really need to say just kidding? ) Seriously, just go introduce yourself. It works better that way. -My grammar sometimes resembles that of magnetic refrigerator poetry... Ghetto Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rigging65 0 #10 March 12, 2003 Quote Buy him drinks!!!!!!!! That's how we got to be friends, eh vicar? "...and once you had tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward. For there you have been, and there you long to return..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
