Free FAA Parachute Rigger Knowledge Test (RIG) Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the FAA Parachute Rigger Knowledge Test (RIG) practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1While setting deployment brakes on a ram-air canopy, a rigger draws the control lines into their prescribed brake setting. Which edge of the canopy is deflected downward to hold the nose up during inflation?

   1. A. Trailing edge
   2. B. Leading edge
   3. C. Left side edge
   4. D. Right side edge

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The handbook states, "the trailing edge of the canopy is deflected downward to apply brakes during inflation; this holds the nose up and open allowing air intake." The brake setting deflects the trailing edge, rather than a side or the leading edge.

   Reference: Parachute Rigger Handbook, FAA-H-8083-17A Change 1 — Chapter 2, Canopy Design, p. 2-5

2. 2When mating approved components, a rigger finds conflicting instructions from the canopy and container manufacturers. According to the handbook, which instructions take precedence?

   1. A. The canopy manufacturer's instructions
   2. B. The container manufacturer's instructions
   3. C. The pilot-chute manufacturer's instructions
   4. D. The connector-link manufacturer's instructions

   Answer: B

   Explanation: The handbook states, "the container manufacturer’s instructions take precedence when there is a conflict between the two." This resolves the stated conflict between canopy and container instructions.

   Reference: Parachute Rigger Handbook, FAA-H-8083-17A Change 1 — Chapter 5, Component Compatibility, p. 5-4

3. 3A parachutist asks to pack the reserve in a dual-parachute system used for intentional jumping from a U.S. civil aircraft. Which qualification authorizes the person to perform that reserve packing under § 65.111(a)?

   1. A. Being the person scheduled to make the next jump with it
   2. B. Holding an appropriate current rigger certificate and type rating
   3. C. Holding a current jumpmaster qualification at the drop zone
   4. D. Holding a current pilot certificate for the jump aircraft

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Section 65.111(a) includes "the reserve parachute of a dual parachute system to be used for intentional parachute jumping" and requires an "appropriate current certificate and type rating". The next-jumper packing exception for a main does not authorize reserve packing.

   Reference: 14 CFR Part 65 — Subpart F: Parachute Riggers — § 65.111(a)

4. 4A rigger examines a round canopy built using bias construction. At what angle do the fabric warp and filler threads run relative to the gore centerline?

   1. A. 0°
   2. B. 30°
   3. C. 45°
   4. D. 90°

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The handbook states, "the warp and filler threads are at 45° to the centerline of the gore." This thread orientation identifies bias construction.

   Reference: Parachute Rigger Handbook, FAA-H-8083-17A Change 1 — Chapter 2, Construction Concepts and Techniques, p. 2-6

5. 5A rigger uses the manufacturer's parts list to verify an assembled parachute. What should be compared directly with that list to establish the identity of installed components?

   1. A. Each component's identifying label or stamp
   2. B. Each component's fabric and stitch pattern
   3. C. Each component's finished dimensions and shape
   4. D. Each component's material color and finish

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The handbook states, "The rigger should check each component part and its identifying label or stamp against the parts list." This verifies actual component identity rather than inferring it from appearance or placement.

   Reference: Parachute Rigger Handbook, FAA-H-8083-17A Change 1 — Chapter 5, Component Compatibility, p. 5-4

6. 6An uncertificated sport parachutist wants to pack a main parachute without rigger supervision. Under § 65.111(b), which relationship to its next use permits this?

   1. A. The person owns the system but will lend it to another jumper.
   2. B. The person manages the drop zone where the system will be used.
   3. C. The person will make the next parachute jump with that main.
   4. D. The person regularly packs the system for its current owner.

   Answer: C

   Explanation: Section 65.111(b)(3) permits the person who "Is the person making the next parachute jump with that parachute in accordance with § 105.43(a)". Ownership or routine packing for another jumper is not this exception.

   Reference: 14 CFR Part 65 — Subpart F: Parachute Riggers — § 65.111(b)(3)

7. 7A rigger reviews material characteristics that let a ram-air canopy remain inflated and retain its aerodynamic airfoil shape. Which fabric characteristic is essential to that function?

   1. A. High abrasion resistance
   2. B. Very low air permeability
   3. C. High tensile strength
   4. D. Low material bulk

   Answer: B

   Explanation: The handbook explains, "Very low permeability fabric was necessary for the canopy to remain inflated and maintain the aerodynamic airfoil shape." Permeability affects whether the canopy retains the inflation needed for its airfoil.

   Reference: Parachute Rigger Handbook, FAA-H-8083-17A Change 1 — Chapter 2, Materials, p. 2-6

8. 8A rigger is preparing to assemble an unfamiliar RSL and MARD configuration. Which source should establish its exact routing and setup?

   1. A. The general canopy fabric specification
   2. B. The previous owner's packing-data entries
   3. C. The individual system's manufacturer's manual
   4. D. The standard harness-webbing strength table

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The handbook states, "Reserve Static Line (RSL) and Main Activated Reserve Deployment (MARD) configurations differ from rig to rig, and so individual manuals should be consulted for exact routing and setup." The individual system manual establishes the exact RSL/MARD arrangement.

   Reference: Parachute Rigger Handbook, FAA-H-8083-17A Change 1 — Chapter 5, Introduction, p. 5-1

9. 9An uncertificated jumper may pack the main for the jumper's own next jump. The jumper now proposes to maintain that main. What additional arrangement does § 65.111(c) require for this uncertificated person?

   1. A. Supervision by a current certificated parachute rigger
   2. B. Permission from the registered owner of the parachute system
   3. C. Presence of the pilot in command of the next jump aircraft
   4. D. Endorsement by the jumpmaster assigned to the next jump

   Answer: A

   Explanation: For maintenance or alteration of the main, § 65.111(c)(2) requires that the person "Is under the supervision of a current certificated parachute rigger". The next-jumper exception in paragraph (b) concerns packing, not unsupervised maintenance.

   Reference: 14 CFR Part 65 — Subpart F: Parachute Riggers — § 65.111(c)(2)

10. 10A canopy uses ultra-low permeability fabric that inflates rapidly and has almost no stretch. Which quantity does the handbook identify as increasing considerably as a result?

    1. A. Canopy air permeability
    2. B. Suspension-line bulk
    3. C. Canopy fabric stretch
    4. D. Parachute opening force

    Answer: D

    Explanation: The handbook states, "The ultra-low permeability fabrics inflate faster and have almost zero stretch. As a result, the opening forces increase considerably." The concern is increased opening force, rather than reduced loading or increased elasticity.

    Reference: Parachute Rigger Handbook, FAA-H-8083-17A Change 1 — Chapter 2, Materials, p. 2-6