Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Kite Rigger
💰 $45,000 - $75,000
AviationParachutingAirborne OperationsSafety and Equipment
🎯 Role Definition
A Kite Rigger is responsible for inspecting, packing, maintaining, and repairing parachutes and related airborne equipment to ensure operational safety during jumps. This role is critical in both military and civilian airborne operations, providing reliable and safe parachute systems for personnel and cargo while maintaining compliance with technical and safety standards.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Parachute Technician
- Aviation Maintenance Specialist
- Airborne Operations Support
Advancement To:
- Senior Kite Rigger
- Airborne Operations Supervisor
- Parachute Systems Manager
Lateral Moves:
- Jump Master
- Safety and Compliance Officer
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Inspect and maintain personnel and cargo parachutes to ensure operational readiness.
- Pack parachutes according to established safety and operational standards.
- Repair or replace worn, damaged, or defective parachute components, including harnesses, canopies, and suspension lines.
- Conduct pre-jump inspections and post-jump evaluations of all airborne equipment.
- Maintain detailed records of parachute maintenance, packing schedules, and inspections.
- Train and certify personnel on proper parachute packing, handling, and emergency procedures.
- Prepare cargo parachutes and heavy-load systems, ensuring proper deployment mechanics.
- Monitor and evaluate the quality and reliability of parachute equipment during operations.
- Advise Jump Masters and airborne personnel on equipment readiness and safety protocols.
- Ensure compliance with military or civilian airborne operation standards and regulations.
- Participate in testing and evaluation of new parachute systems or modifications.
- Identify and mitigate potential hazards related to airborne equipment and operations.
- Organize parachute inventory, storage, and maintenance schedules.
- Assist in risk assessment and develop preventive measures to enhance operational safety.
- Support airborne missions by coordinating equipment preparation with aircraft and mission planners.
- Conduct refresher training and simulations for airborne personnel to maintain skill proficiency.
- Maintain workspaces, tools, and equipment in safe, organized, and operational condition.
- Collaborate with other riggers and airborne personnel to optimize operational efficiency.
- Participate in developing standard operating procedures and technical manuals.
- Stay current with advances in parachute technology, materials, and safety protocols.
Secondary Functions
- Assist in inventory management, procurement, and quality control of parachute materials.
- Provide mentorship and training to junior riggers or support staff.
- Support research and development initiatives for airborne equipment improvements.
- Contribute to environmental, safety, and operational compliance programs.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Expert knowledge of parachute systems, packing, and maintenance.
- Ability to inspect, troubleshoot, and repair airborne equipment.
- Familiarity with cargo and personnel parachute systems.
- Competence in using rigging tools and performing technical inspections.
- Knowledge of military or civilian airborne safety standards.
- Ability to maintain accurate technical and maintenance records.
- Experience training personnel in parachute use and safety.
- Understanding of emergency procedures and contingency protocols.
- Proficiency in load distribution and deployment mechanics.
- Ability to support testing and evaluation of new parachute systems.
Soft Skills
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.
- Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
- Leadership and mentoring skills.
- Clear communication and instructional abilities.
- Problem-solving and critical thinking in dynamic environments.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- High school diploma or equivalent; technical or military training preferred.
Preferred Education:
- Certification in parachute rigging, aviation maintenance, or related field.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Aviation Technology
- Military Airborne Operations
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range:
- 2–5 years in parachute packing, rigging, or airborne operations support.
Preferred:
- Prior experience as a certified Kite Rigger or Jump Rigger in military or civilian airborne operations.