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## Sealing the Parachute 

As noted previously, each certificated parachute rigger is issued a unique symbol with which to seal each parachute once he or she packs it in a manner prescribed by the manufacturer. A hand press, 4.75 pound tensile seal thread, and a lead blank are used for this purpose. This ensures that no one tampers with the parachute, and the owner knows that it is ready for use. 

## Regulatory Compliance 

As with other airman certificates, there are additional parts of 14 CFR that are of direct concern to the parachute rigger in addition to those already mentioned. It is important that the parachute rigger have a thorough understanding of these parts in order to avoid any inadvertent non-compliance: 14 CFR parts 1, 21, 39, 91, 105, and 183. 

## 14 CFR part 1—Definitions 

This part provides legal definitions for words and abbreviations under this title. One of the more important terms in this part is that of the Administrator. The Administrator is the administrative head of the FAA or any employee of the FAA to whom authority has been delegated. The parachute rigger is most likely to come in contact with two individuals who may act on the Administrator’s behalf. 

The first is the ASI from the local FSDO or IFO. This employee of the FAA is responsible for enforcement of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) in aviation matters. The ASI (airworthiness type) has jurisdictional responsibility in such matters as compliance with the rules, approving data for major repairs or alterations, investigation of accidents, overseeing airshows and demo jumps, or any aviation- related matter. 

The second is the local DPRE. This private person is empowered to conduct practical tests for the Administrator. 

## 14 CFR part 21, subpart O—Technical Standard Orders (TSO) 

A Technical Standard Order (TSO) is issued by the Administrator and is a minimum performance standard for specified articles, such as parachutes. It is important that the parachute rigger understand the TSO process and the various levels of TSO approval under which parachutes are manufactured. Every parachute rigger should read and become familiar with the TSOs for parachutes, the 23 series (C23b, C23c, C23d). This is important to the parachute rigger in determining certification compatibility when he or she is assembling approved components. 

## 14 CFR part 39—Airworthiness Directives (ADs) 

This part specifically deals with Airworthiness Directives (ADs). An AD is an amendment to the CFR. An AD must be complied with before using an affected product. In the case of a parachute, when: 

• An unsafe condition exists in a product. 

• The condition is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type or design. 

Under 14 CFR part 39, “No person may operate a product to which an airworthiness directive applies except in accordance with the requirements of that airworthiness directive.” 

In recent years, there have been a number of parachute ADs issued by the Administrator. These ADs prescribe certain actions to be taken by the parachute rigger in order to ensure the safety and function of parachutes that have been found in some manner to be defective. If the parachute rigger does 

