Parachute prep & inspection -- can you describe the actual process?

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 11:38:27 -0400

I'm interested in learning about the actual parachute preparation and inspection process behind the 5 jumps I did at Airborne School. Specifically, what process does the parachute apparatus go through from "just used" on a jump, to being loaded onto the next jumper? How long does this overall "turn around" process take for each parachute? I know we have a ton of folks on RP who would have insights into this, so I look fwd to reading answers.

Response by SGT Edward Thomas made Aug 10 at 2015 11:50 AM

SGT Edward Thomas — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 11:50:32 -0400

That is a very good question. I do know the riggers at Ft Benning stay busy. I would assume that there are Mann more parachutes available than jumpers.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2015 12:10 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 12:10:21 -0400

When a parachute has just been jumped, it then goes to the tower to be hung up. While hanging, the primary objective is to shake any debris free from the canopy and lines. From there, it goes either to a storage area, or to the pack floor. Once it's on the floor and ready to be packed, it gets placed on the pack table to be inspected and packed. Each packer must inspect the entire parachute system before and during the pack process. There is much more involved at that point, but basically, the packer is inspecting for any holes, burns, cuts, frays or any other discrepancies that could compromise the integrity of the parachute. In addition, the packer must stop at specific points so their inspector (typically a SGT or SSG) can ensure they have properly packed the parachute up to that point. Depending on the parachute, there's a different amount of checks and things the inspector is looking for. Once the parachute is completely packed, the inspector gives the parachute an overall inspection, after which both the packer and inspector sign the parachute log record book certifying that the parachute has been properly packed in accordance with the proper TM's. Next, the parachute gets inspected by an FI (final inspector), who writes all data of the parachute (serial numbers, packer/inspector names, manufacturer/pack dates etc.) on a record sheet after they have finished their own inspection. Next, the parachute will go to the issue facility to await issuing to a jumper. Once received at the issue facility, it gets inspected again, then secured. The parachute will receive one last inspection by a Rigger once it is about to be issued to a jumper. Once the jumper gets rigged and is ready to jump, a Jumpmaster will do a detailed inspection to ensure there is nothing wrong with the parachute, harness or how the jumper got rigged. The jumper loads the aircraft, and prior to exiting gets one last overall check from the safety. This whole process can happen within a day, but typically occurs over several days.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Aug 10 at 2015 12:23 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 12:23:35 -0400

SFC Shane Walthers is an Army rigger. Maybe he can help!

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 10 at 2015 12:48 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 12:48:37 -0400

I love learning. Thanks for sharing!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2015 1:00 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 13:00:22 -0400

I cannot speak to the parachute preparation and inspection process. I can speak to the somewhat hard landing process during my first of five jumps. I learned during this jump that there are actually six points of contact. And not five. If my memory serves me the points of contact include: feet, calf, outer thigh, buttox, deltoid/shoulder, and head. The Fort Benning soil rung my bell! Needless to say, I tucked my head on the next four jumps.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2015 1:07 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 13:07:07 -0400

Step 1: Pray
Step 2: Step rely on your training and common sense
Step 3: Be a Battle Buddy
Step 4: If anything happens, REPEAT steps 1 - 4

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Aug 10 at 2015 4:15 PM

SGT Jeremiah B. — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 16:15:27 -0400

I don't know, but based on my personal experience, the last step was "sign rigger log in riser with name of Disney character."

I actually got the chance to do rigging detail in jump school (One of the few times I practically fell over myself to volunteer for a detail) and it was pretty cool. We stretched the chute out on a huge table and untangle/straighten it out and inspect it for obvious problems, the rigger would then come along do an official inspection, pack it up and sign the riser log. The whole process was pretty quick.

Response by SGT(P) Harry Clyde Jr. made Aug 10 at 2015 8:06 PM

SGT(P) Harry Clyde Jr. — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 20:06:18 -0400

Dont l et anyone fool you. Riggers just throw it in the D Bag and sign the log as " Micky Mouse" Takes 15 minutes to do. By the way your reserve was a pillow!
In reality I did have a log signed by Micky Mouse.
At one time parachute training included packing. I may be wrong but those paratroopers of WWII packed their own chutes for their combat jumps.
To pass rigger school of today you pass if the chute you packed opened while you jumped it.
A lot of pressure is on Riggers. Lives are on their hands. They are not frontline troops and in combat/peacekeeping zones they unfortunatly get used as guards or ridiculous details.
As a retired paratrooper, riggers packed my chute (T10 B/C, MC-1 B/C) over 100 times and I jumped 78 times with only one problem. While with 10th SFG in Colorado, I jumped noticed a hole where it didn't belong. It got bigger on the way down. Went from 2" to about 2 feet. When brought up to the rigger on the ground. He made the hole bigger and said its done.
I take pride in the riggers of the 507th. The best riggers in all services when I was stationed with the 507th 06-10. Considered one of the best in the world. To the credit of female servicemembers, their riggers are some of the best and strive high!!!.
Riggers tend to make General more than anyone else in logistics. Making SSG takes an act of god more than a 92y (Supply). That includes females.
To the riggers, I thank you for my 78 successful openings and my fathers 17. You make what we do out the door possible till we hit the ground and dont get the credit you deserve.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Aug 10 at 2015 11:26 PM

COL Charles Williams — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 23:26:13 -0400

I don't know... I just use and hope to God the riggers know what they doing. I was no help.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2015 4:09 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 16:09:14 -0400

The process is long. Being a packer was fun. But after a while, it really can suck. I'm proud of all the kids out there doing it now. The new system is much more complex and harder to pack. Couple of these guys hit the nail on the head. Hope this gives you insight to the rigorous process it all goes thru.

Response by SGT Frederick House made Oct 6 at 2016 8:33 AM

SGT Frederick House — Thu, 06 Oct 2016 08:33:28 -0400

Your first inspection on a parachute. Is done with the chief and Nco's this is when it is just coming straight from the box. You then look for panel 15 and 30 these are going to be your marked panel's. Note mind you this was a long time ago. So being a T-10 and mc-1c. This was the initial then you moved into checking the net and lines

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2018 4:41 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 04:41:02 -0500

other than the practice of medicine, one of the most high risk critical jobs out there. The attention to detail and potential consequences of mistake is grave. Hats off to the Red Hats - Riggers !
I couldn't be a paratrooper without you... well I wouldn't want to be one lol

Response by SPC James Butler made Apr 29 at 2020 2:22 PM

SPC James Butler — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 14:22:36 -0400

For some good bathroom reading: https://www.liberatedmanuals.com/TM-10-1670-293-23-and-P.pdf

TM-10-1670-293-23-and-P.pdf