For most people, parachute rigging is all about packing parachutes. Rigging and packing may be synonymous, but there is a distinct difference. In its truest form, parachute rigging is the practice of assembling a parachute system with its various components into an operative assembly. Packing is the practice of folding the parachute canopy in an organized manner such that it fits into the container system and allows the canopy to open when the user activates the system. 

There are five distinct stages involved in packing the parachute. They are: 

1. Identification 

2. Inspection 

3. Rigging and/or repairs 

4. Packing 

5. Documentation 

## Identification 

The first thing the rigger should do when a customer brings a parachute in for packing or repair is to confirm that the owner’s information is correct on the packing data card. This ensures that the rigger’s logbook entry is accurate. In a commercial loft, a work order is filled out with all the correct information about the customer and the parachute. Many lofts that do a high volume of business input this information into a computer database for tracking their customers. This data is then used to send automatic repack notices to customers. This ensures that the reserve or emergency parachute is legal to use when the customer needs it. 

## Inspection 

The owner should bring the parachute to the rigger in its packed condition. This practice should be encouraged for several reasons. The canopy is a fragile item and is subject to damage or contamination if left exposed to the elements, and the container is designed to protect the canopy from damage. The parachute should be opened only in the controlled environment of the parachute loft. This is so the entire system can be examined externally for signs of damage or contamination before it is opened. Next, the owner should don the parachute and pull the ripcord as in a real life scenario to understand how to activate the system properly and experience what it feels like to actually pull the reserve ripcord. This gives the owner a great degree of confidence that the parachute will work when needed. It is something that jumpers rarely get to do, and their reaction is generally one of curiosity and satisfaction. Doing so also lets the owner see what is in there. It is surprising how many jumpers do not even know what color their reserve parachute is. 

Generally, customers leave the parachute to be repacked; however, riggers should invite their customers to stay and observe the repack. Many riggers encourage this behavior since it results in a more educated individual. In a busy loft environment, however, a scheduled appointment might be needed to allow for the increased time necessary to explain the process. If the customer decides to watch the inspection and repack, the rigger should allow at least twice the usual time for the project so the customer can ask questions. Another benefit of this is that the customer gets to see the effort it takes to service a parachute. Figure 5-1  shows a packing flow chart that details the sequence of events the rigger should follow from receiving the parachute to collecting the money from the customer. 

Upon completion of the visual inspection, there are two options for continuing. If there are no visual indications of damage or contamination, move on to the next step of opening the parachute. If something suspicious is found, or if there is a hole in the container or discoloration to the container fabric, the rigger needs to see if the damage penetrated into the canopy. To do so, note the location and check internally after opening the parachute. 

If the owner is participating in the inspection, it is a good idea to have them backed against the packing table or similar surface when they pull the ripcord so the canopy does not fall out on the floor. This keeps the canopy clean, but it also lets the rigger control the extraction of the canopy from the container. It is good practice to hold the canopy in the container while the owner takes off the pack. In the case of a bagged square reserve, the bag extraction force should be measured to ensure that it is not excessive. Place the rig on the table or clean floor and measure using a fish scale or by simply lifting the bag by its bridle. Bag extraction forces vary between brands of containers. The manufacturer of the given container should be able to provide a maximum acceptable extraction force in terms of pounds. The rigger can then proceed to thoroughly examine the previous pack job and to check those areas previously identified as damaged or contaminated. 

During the examination of the parachute for damage or contamination, the rigger should also look at how the previous rigger packed the canopy. Particularly in regard to pilot emergency parachutes, riggers sometimes exercise great latitude in interpreting the packing instructions in order to make the parachute as comfortable as possible for the pilot. Each rigger makes the determination as to what is the correct packing method. If the present rigger finds that the last pack job was in error, the individual responsible needs to be notified of the findings. 

