A parachute rigger has a critical responsibility to anyone who uses a parachute. For many, a special meaning can be attributed to ensuring the safety of a piece of equipment that may save their life or that of a friend. For others, attention to detail may keep a stranger safe during recreational activities, such as sky diving or other sport parachuting events. The Regulations and Human Factors explains what parachute riggers do and what is required to earn a parachute rigger certificate. In addition, the Regulations and Human Factors covers relevant human factor issues and ethical standards.
The term "parachute rigger" originally came from its use in rigging ships and sails. Those individuals who organized and repaired the sails, lines, and ropes of the ships were called riggers. When parachutes were developed in the early 20th century, the term came to refer to those who sewed the canopies and lines. The term eventually became used in conjunction with parachutes. In the early days, anyone with the knowledge of sewing and materials could make or repair parachutes. As the aviation industry grew and matured, the need for trained individuals to pack and maintain the parachutes grew as well. In order to protect the pilots and public who flew in airplanes and relied on parachutes, the Government began to license these individuals. Rigging then, in reference to parachutes, came to mean: the final adjustment and alignment of the various component sections to provide the proper aerodynamic reaction.