UUS Practice Tests⌕ Search
Aviation · RIG

FAA Parachute Rigger Knowledge Test Practice Test

The FAA Parachute Rigger Knowledge Test (RIG) concerns the inspection, packing, and return-to-service decisions involved in parachute maintenance. Its practice material includes evaluating fabric and metal components, identifying damage or contamination, and using applicable instructions when assembly condition or configuration is uncertain.

Exam overview

Exam providerFederal Aviation Administration
Exam codeRIG
CategoryAviation

About the FAA Parachute Rigger Knowledge Test Exam

Rigger work requires applying certificate privileges and the applicable regulations and manufacturer instructions to a specific parachute assembly. Inspection decisions may involve connector deformation, canopy fabric condition and porosity, chemical exposure, or damage after an event—even when a defect is not immediately visible. A rigger must also resolve discrepancies between a component’s physical configuration and its records, and verify that model identity and compatibility are established before packing. Work-area conditions and access to required specialized tools can affect whether a task can be performed appropriately. The practice bank samples these judgment calls, including when to pause work and seek adequate information rather than rely on appearance alone. Use the questions to connect inspection findings, documentation, equipment, and serviceability decisions in a realistic maintenance workflow.

Sample Practice Questions

Review a selection from this exam's published US Practice Tests practice bank.

Question 1

Which task is within the privileges of a certificated parachute rigger acting within the applicable regulations and instructions?

  1. APacking and maintaining parachutes within the rigger's ratings
  2. BApproving an aircraft for return to service after an engine repair
  3. CIssuing an airworthiness certificate for an aircraft
  4. DApproving a pilot's flight review
Show answerCorrect answer: A

A parachute rigger's certificate authorizes parachute packing and related maintenance within the person's ratings and applicable requirements; it does not confer aircraft mechanic or pilot-authority privileges.

Question 2

A rigger finds that a packing-area light has failed, leaving a portion of the work surface poorly illuminated. What is the best response?

  1. AContinue, relying on touch for the poorly lit portion.
  2. BMove the work to a sufficiently illuminated area or restore adequate lighting before continuing.
  3. CUse a phone flashlight only for the final inspection.
  4. DAsk another person to watch the dim area while packing continues.
Show answerCorrect answer: B

Adequate lighting helps a rigger inspect materials, identify defects, and perform careful work. Work should not continue under conditions that impair those tasks.

Question 3

A parachute rigger is reviewing the regulatory privileges associated with a senior rigger certificate. Which statement is accurate?

  1. AA senior rigger may pack any parachute regardless of its type or rating
  2. BA senior rigger's packing authority is limited by the certificate ratings and applicable rules
  3. CA senior rigger may approve any parachute design for manufacture
  4. DA senior rigger may waive manufacturer limitations when a customer requests it
Show answerCorrect answer: B

A rigger certificate does not grant unlimited authority. The rigger must remain within applicable certificate ratings and comply with regulations and the instructions that govern the parachute.

Question 4

A rigger is checking a metal connector for deformation. Which approach is most appropriate?

  1. ACompare its condition and dimensions with the applicable inspection criteria or approved limits.
  2. BBend it back by hand if it appears only slightly distorted.
  3. CAccept it if it still attaches to the mating component.
  4. DFile away the distorted area until the connector looks smooth.
Show answerCorrect answer: A

Serviceability should be judged against the applicable criteria and limits. Improvised reshaping or material removal can weaken a connector and is not a substitute for an authorized disposition.

Question 5

A parachute is involved in an event that may have caused damage, although no damage is immediately visible. What is the prudent next step before returning it to service?

  1. AReturn it to service if it opens smoothly during a brief pull test
  2. BHave it evaluated in accordance with applicable instructions and requirements
  3. CReplace only the container and continue using the remaining assembly
  4. DWait until the next scheduled repack interval to inspect it
Show answerCorrect answer: B

An event can cause damage that is not apparent at a glance. Evaluation should follow applicable instructions and requirements before the parachute is returned to service.

Question 6

A rigger is asked to pack an assembly but lacks the required specialized tool specified by the applicable instructions. What is the most appropriate action?

  1. ASubstitute a roughly similar tool and proceed carefully.
  2. BMake a substitute tool from scrap material.
  3. CObtain the specified suitable tool before performing the task.
  4. DSkip the step that requires the tool.
Show answerCorrect answer: C

Required tools support correct performance and help avoid damage. Improvised substitutions or skipped steps can compromise the work unless an approved alternative is explicitly permitted.

Question 7

A rigger finds a discrepancy between a component's physical configuration and the applicable instructions. What should guide the next action?

  1. AThe configuration used most often by other riggers.
  2. BThe rigger's preferred method if it seems mechanically sound.
  3. CThe applicable approved data and instructions for that specific assembly.
  4. DThe configuration that is easiest to pack.
Show answerCorrect answer: C

Approved, applicable instructions are the basis for determining correct configuration. Familiarity, convenience, or informal practice cannot replace the controlling data.

How to use this practice test

Access is free. Each session presents up to 20 random questions from the 50-question practice bank and shows results afterward. Use missed or uncertain items to identify which inspection findings, records, instructions, or privilege limits need closer review.

Preparation tips

  • For each inspection scenario, distinguish visible condition from possible hidden damage, contamination, or exposure that may affect serviceability.
  • Practice tracing a component’s model, markings, and records to establish identity and compatibility before assembly or packing.
  • Compare proposed work with the applicable instructions, including specified tools; identify when missing information or equipment means work should pause.
  • Review the practical limits of rigger certificate privileges, including how those limits affect packing and return-to-service decisions.
  • Consider how lighting and other packing-area conditions affect the ability to inspect components and perform careful work.
Official sourceOfficial exam page ↗