The CSPA Rigger Rating System

The aim of the CSPA rigging program is to have a core group of dedicated individuals who have the knowledge, experience and personal integrity to act as parachute technicians within our sport, keeping the average skydiver's equipment safe and functional. Rigger certification requires, on the part of all candidates, an exhibited personal commitment to maintain a level of expertise and currency. This currency would include performing parachute-rigging activities for at least thirty (30) days within the previous 12 months or by demonstrating to the T&SC the ability to perform related rigging tasks.

An entry level program designed and administered by the Technical & Safety Committee that is constantly in a state of revision, as necessity dictates. As changes and improvements to the technology of parachuting progresses, the T&SC attempts to remain abreast of developments by introducing them into the program on a timely basis.

Candidates wishing to become involved in a Rigger A Course would need to be a CSPA member, hold a CSPA "B" Certificate of Proficiency, be of age of majority in the province in which the course is being conducted, and hold a CSPA main packing endorsement. Prior to, during, or post course, candidates will need to inspect and repack, under direct supervision of a person who holds at least a CSPA Rigger A "continuous" ram-air certificate, a minimum of ten ram-air reserve
parachutes, from a variety of canopy and harness/container manufacturers. They will need to supply proof of these repacks—signed off by the supervising rigger. The course normally involves approximately 60 hours (6 days) of classroom and practical sessions – depending on class size. Additionally, there are a number of home-study and practical assignments.

At completion of the course a written examination will be administered and if a candidates has completed the minimum requirements for inspection/repacks (10) they will also perform a packing test. The written exam requires a minimum pass mark of at least 80% and practical assignments and tests require a pass mark of at least 90%. A temporary certificate and seal symbol with be issued upon completion of all prerequisites and course requirements. Within the 12 months following the course candidates will need to supply proof of inspection/repacks for an additional ten (10) ram-air reserve parachutes. At that time full certification ("continuous") will be issued and the rigger may continue rigging activities allowed under the certificate. To remain current and valid riggers then only need to maintain current CSPA membership and be involved in rigging activities for 30 days during the previous 12 months.

The Rigger A will be qualified to inspect and re-certify sport ram-air reserve parachute systems, remove and replace component parts of a sport parachute system and make minor repairs to sport parachuting equipment.

A Rigger A, once fully certified, may assist with Rigger A courses if under direct supervision of a qualified Rigger Instructor; may supervise Rigger A candidates; may endorse inspection/repacks of those in training for a Rigger A Course, and may train and certify those wishing the CSPA main packing endorsement.

A Rigger A, once fully certified, may attend a seminar directed at obtaining the "round" reserve parachute rating. This seminar, held over a weekend, would deal with the various round parachutes in use, deployment theory, deployment methods and the various sport harness/container systems used for round canopies. A minimum of ten (10) inspection/repacks of round parachutes is required for this rating. They will need to supply proof of these repacks—signed off by the supervising rigger.

An endorsement for Rigger A's holding a Ram-Air Rating that allows them to inspect, repack and perform minor repairs to Tandem equipment. All candidates need proof of inspection/repacks performed, under direct supervision of an appropriately rated rigger, of at least 10 Tandem reserves, preferably from a variety of manufacturers. This type rating is mandatory for all Rigger B's.

An endorsement for Rigger A's that allows them to inspect, repack and perform minor repairs to pilot emergency parachute systems. This endorsement may require additional training as it is mandatory to hold full certification ("continuous") for both round and ram-air ratings in order to obtain this endorsement. All candidates need proof of inspection/repacks performed, under direct supervision of an appropriately rated rigger, of at least six of each back, seat and chest emergency parachutes – round and ram-air - from a variety of manufacturers. This type-rating is mandatory for all Rigger B's.

A program for Rigger A's that have spent a minimum time commitment gaining experience in the craft and wishing to progress to a higher level in the technical aspects of rigging. This is a program that involves dedication, hard work and attention to detail. The various practical exercises demanded by the T&SC cannot be performed to satisfaction unless considerable time and effort have been exerted by candidates. Requirements of the Rigger B would include holding all the ratings and type-ratings of the CSPA rigging system, including the Pilot Emergency Parachute endorsement, hold a CSPA "C" CoP, have a minimum of two years active rigging experience since being fully certified, and inspect and repack at least 100 sport reserve, tandem reserve, or pilot emergency parachutes from a variety of canopy and harness/container manufacturers.

Rigger B candidates will also need to complete the practical requirements of the CSPA Rigger B SOLO program.

CSPA members, who have attended a recognized FAA Senior or Master Rigger training program, or hold a Canadian Military rigger's rating, having achieving a satisfactory passing grade, and obtaining a written recommendation from the course instructor, may apply to the T&SC for "direct entry" into the CSPA Rigger Rating system.

As a minimum requirement, candidates applying for "direct entry" shall be required to write the CSPA Rigger "A" exam (closed book), achieving a pass mark of at least 90%, in order to be considered by the T&SC. As well, copies of foreign certificates and logbooks are required. Other tasks may be assigned. Canadian Military Riggers may be granted direct entry to CSPA Rigger "A" ratings, if candidates are able to meet the prerequisites and requirements of the CSPA rigging system. Candidates shall be evaluated after having written the CSPA Rigger A" written exam, attaining a minimum pass mark of 90%, and having accomplished a packing test for the type of rating applied for—to the satisfaction of the examiner. Candidates seeking direct entry to Rigger B status, in addition to the minimum requirements, will need to complete all practical requirements of the Rigger B "SOLO" program - to the satisfaction of the Technical & Safety Committee.

Rigger B candidates must be recommended by a qualified CSPA Rigger Instructor/Examiner.