FAA Parachute Rigger Knowledge Practice Test
Build your confidence for FAA Parachute Rigger Knowledge. Practice the concepts, understand the answers, and strengthen your knowledge one question at a time.
Try a sample questionExam overview and details
The FAA Parachute Rigger Knowledge Test is a mandatory written examination administered by the Federal Aviation Administration for individuals seeking certification as a Senior or Master Parachute Rigger. This 71-question test evaluates a candidate's comprehensive understanding of the regulations, materials, techniques, and safety protocols essential for the inspection, repair, alteration, and packing of parachute systems. It is designed for aspiring riggers, experienced packers aiming for professional certification, and aviation maintenance personnel expanding their qualifications. Successfully passing this exam is the first critical step in the certification process, demonstrating the foundational knowledge required to perform duties that directly impact the safety of parachutists and airborne operations. The test covers a wide range of technical subjects, from Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) specific to parachute rigging to the intricate details of canopy construction, hardware, and sewing techniques.
Sample Questions
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A glider pilot brings an emergency parachute in after storage in a warm hangar through the winter. The issue involves AAD maintenance. The candidate must choose between a common shop habit and the stricter FAA/manufacturer requirement. Which conclusion is most defensible under current FAA/industry guidance?
A glider pilot brings an emergency parachute in after storage in a warm hangar through the winter. The issue involves round canopy flaking. The paperwork includes one ambiguous entry, but the physical condition can be inspected directly. Which response best meets the FAA knowledge-test standard for this situation?
A master rigger is reviewing work done by an apprentice before any part of the assembly is closed. The issue involves grommet installation. The candidate must choose between a common shop habit and the stricter FAA/manufacturer requirement. Which conclusion is most defensible under current FAA/industry guidance?
A certificated senior rigger at a busy drop zone is asked to sign off a rig at the end of a long repack day. The issue involves three-ring release. The defect is small enough to be tempting to overlook, but it sits in a part of the sequence that can affect deployment. What is the best next step for a certificated rigger?
A parachute school asks for a same-day decision because the aircraft is scheduled for student jumps that afternoon. The issue involves additional type rating. The defect is small enough to be tempting to overlook, but it sits in a part of the sequence that can affect deployment. What is the best next step for a certificated rigger?
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Exam insights and study advice
This knowledge is not academic; it is directly applied to life-saving equipment. A rigger's signature on a packing data card is a legal certification of airworthiness. Understanding the 'why' behind every procedure-from selecting the correct thread type to identifying a worn connector link-is what prevents catastrophic failure. The test ensures that certified riggers possess the judgment to identify subtle signs of wear, damage, or improper assembly that could compromise a parachute's function, thereby protecting the lives of every jumper who relies on their work.