{"id":21414,"date":"2022-02-25T09:20:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-25T14:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/skydiveperris.flywheelsites.com\/?p=21414"},"modified":"2023-12-07T09:56:03","modified_gmt":"2023-12-07T17:56:03","slug":"pack-a-parachute","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/skydiveperris.com\/blog\/pack-a-parachute\/","title":{"rendered":"How difficult is it to pack a parachute, and can you do it yourself?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"a<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ah, the parachute. The wondrous feat of engineering that allows us to glide safely back to earth after every successful skydive!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While packing a parachute can seem like a herculean endeavor, learning how to pack a parachute is not only a requirement to attain a United States Parachute Association (USPA<\/a>) skydiving A-License, but it\u2019s often seen as a rite of passage in the transformation from neoflyer to licensed skydiver.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Admittedly, at the start, navigating the numerous folds of nylon won\u2019t be easy. But with proper instruction and plenty of practice, you can learn to pack a parachute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is packing a parachute?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The process of \u201cpacking a parachute\u201d refers to folding the parachute material and the lines back into the parachute container. However, all parachutes are not the same. Every skydiving system used in civilian jump operations features a dual-parachute system. As the name implies, there are two parachutes packed within one skydiving container: a main parachute and a reserve parachute. There are substantial differences in the environment in which each is packed; the time it takes to pack; and the certification needed to pack each type of parachute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Packing A Main Parachute<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to the Skydiver Information Manual, the main parachute may be packed by either an FAA rigger, a non-certificated person under the supervision of an FAA rigger (FAR 105.43.a), or the person who intends to use it on the next jump (FAR 105.43.a).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, it should also be noted that this doesn\u2019t mean just anyone should pick up a parachute and try to pack. Section 5-3 L of the Skydiver Information Manual also has two specifications with regard to packing knowledge:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Each individual skydiver should have the written approval of an S&TA, USPA Instructor, I\/E, or an FAA rigger to pack his or her own parachute.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. All parachute packers should know and understand the manufacturer\u2019s instructions for packing, maintenance, and use.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    How do you pack a parachute?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    There are a few different ways to pack a main parachute. Here are two parachute packing methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1) Flat Packing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Flat packing is an older packing technique that is sometimes used by \u201cold-school\u201d skydivers and many BASE jumpers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In this style of packing the parachute is stretched out and laid flat on the ground, and remains that way throughout the majority of the packing process. This packing style is significantly more time-intensive than the other method of parachute packing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Example video of flat packing a parachute: