To Whom It May Concern: This is to certify that David D. Wolf has packed in  excess of 20 back-type parachutes under my supervision  in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and  all applicable FAA directives. In addition, he has  demonstrated a sound knowledge of the parachute, its  construction, packing, maintenance, and use, as well as subparts A & F of 14 CFR part 65. Sincerely Yours, Joe Smith Master parachute rigger #123456789 Figure 1-2. Certification letter signing off a parachute rigger  candidate for FAA testing. Master Parachute Rigger) “signs off” on the trainee’s logbook  and provides a letter to the FAA that allows the applicant to  take the necessary tests.  [Figure 1-2] passing the test, the candidate may then make an appointment  for taking the oral and practical portion of the test with a  Designated Parachute Rigger Examiner (DPRE). Under 14 CFR, part 183, DPREs are Master Parachute  Riggers who have attended an FAA course and are authorized  to conduct oral and practical tests for the Administrator. In  many cases, these individuals are full-time professionals  who work in the parachute industry. Upon the successful  completion of the oral and practical tests, in most cases, the  DPRE issues a Temporary Parachute Rigger Certificate and  a seal symbol to the candidate.  [Figure 1-5]  In some FSDO  jurisdictions, the district office may issue the temporary  certificate and/or seal symbol. The seal symbol consists  of three letters or numbers or a combination of both.  [Figure 1-6]  The seal symbol is very important; it serves as  the identifying mark for that individual parachute rigger and  is used to seal any parachute that he or she packs. Active duty military personnel and civilian personnel who  work for the military as parachute riggers may qualify for a  Senior Parachute Rigger Certificate under the provisions of  14 CFR part 65, section 65.117, Special Certification Rule.  If they meet the practical requirements, they need only take  a special 25-question test.  Once the rigging candidate has successfully achieved a  rigger's certificate, they can now begin to learn through  experience. Rigging is best learned through apprenticeship;  however, it takes a lot of time to become intimately familiar  with materials, learn how to identify stains, and experience  packing the myriad of sport parachute systems. A Senior Parachute Rigger applying for a Master Parachute  Rigger Certificate only needs to take the oral and practical  test. A person with 3 years experience as a parachute rigger,  but not holding a Senior Parachute Rigger Certificate, must  take both the knowledge test and the oral and practical test.  Any parachute rigger, senior or master, who wishes to add  additional ratings to his or her certificate needs to take only  a practical test for the type rating sought. No additional  knowledge test is necessary. The applicant should take a letter similar to the one depicted  in  Figure 1-2 , the applicant’s logbook, and any other  necessary identification to the nearest FAA Flight Standards  District Office (FSDO) or International Field Office (IFO).  An FAA Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI) (airworthiness)  examines these documents for completeness and eligibility.  The applicant is asked to fill out FAA Form 8610-2, Airman  Certificate and/or Rating Application. When the inspector has  determined that the applicant is eligible to take the test, he  or she signs the FAA Form 8610-2.  [Figure 1-3]  Once this  is done, the applicant may then go to any of the designated  FAA airman knowledge testing centers to take the airman  knowledge written test.  If the applicant fails the knowledge test, he or she may retake  the test under the following conditions: An applicant may  apply for retesting by presenting the failed test report:  Alternate Means of Qualifying for a Parachute Rigger  Certificate  Retesting Testing • 30 days after the date the applicant failed the test; or • before 30 days have expired if the applicant presents a  signed statement from an airman holding the certificate  and rating sought by the applicant certifying that the  airman has given the applicant additional instruction  in each of the subjects failed and that the airman  considers the applicant ready for retesting. The knowledge test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions  that are not designed to be tricky or misleading. They cover  all basic rigging and packing subject areas in addition to 14  CFR part 65 regulations. A minimum score of 70 percent is  required to pass the test. The test is scored immediately on  conclusion of the test and a Certified Airman Knowledge  Test report is issued to the applicant.  [Figure 1-4]  After  1-3