housing facilities to perform his duties and to protect his  tools and equipment.” All of this only makes sense in that the  properties stipulated are those that are best suited for storing  and maintaining parachutes. Although these regulations have  been in effect for over 40 years and were originally intended  to apply to parachutes with organic fibers in them, they still  apply today. From the practical side, keeping yourself and the  parachute warm promotes efficient work habits. Good lighting  means that you can properly inspect the parachute. Good  ventilation allows the parachute to properly dry before packing.  equipment over and above the hand tools that all riggers  should have. A full-service loft has the following areas: A main part of the loft layout is a suitable packing area.  According to 14 CFR part 65, section 65.127(a), the rigger  must have: “A smooth top table at least 3 feet wide by 40  feet long.” Technically, this is still required and is used  primarily for round canopies. However, with today’s square  parachutes, the accepted practice is to pack on the floor on  a suitable covering, such as carpet. Squares can be packed  on a table, but there must be access to the canopy from both  sides of the table in order to inspect and fold it properly.  [Figure 6-87]  Even when packed on a table, the parachute  may have to be moved to the floor to aid in closing the  container. If the rigger is packing a round parachute, a  packing table is preferable as it makes the rigger’s job easier  and more comfortable. If there is no packing table, then there  needs to be an open area big enough to lay out the round or  square parachute. While not expressly required, most lofts  have a canopy hanger for inspection, airing, and assembling  square canopies.  [Figure 6-88]  Many riggers who do not  have the room to hang a canopy at home take the canopy to  the DZ where space is available. A square canopy can also  be aired by S folding and hanging it from a simple hook.  This way a square canopy can be aired in a small space, but  it is important to note that this technique is to air the canopy  out, not inspect it.  [Figure 6-89]  Most individuals have been to automotive garages where  there was oil on the floor and parts strewn everywhere. Yet  when the mechanic is finished with your car, the cost is fair  and your car runs like new. In contrast, modern professional  garages sometimes look like hospital facilities in their  cleanliness and organization, the cost is high, and your car  does not start after you pay the bill. Where would you take  your car? The loft, as depicted in  Figure 6-86 , is a dream  for most riggers who do there rigging in there basement as a  hobby. For the rigger who lives in a climate that is conducive  to year round work and plans to make rigging a full time  job, they may invest in a full-time loft. In colder climates,  it is busy in the summer, and in winter, well cold. A clean,  organized, and well-designed loft can inspire customer  confidence, but the rigger’s ability to work on the parachute  is all that matters when you need that canopy over your head. The loft facility houses the sewing machines and other  Packing and Inspection Area Typical Loft Floorplan 25' × 45' 3' × 40' Packing Table With Storage Shelving Below Square Canopy Packing Area 12' × 16' Rig  Assembly  Table Canopy  Hangar File Cabinet Office Work Desk Pfaff 3334 Bar Track Mitsubishi DB-130$_{Single Needle}$ Brother B791 Single Needle Mitsubishi LT2-220 Double Needle Bemina 217 Zigzag Juki LU-563 Walking Foot Machine $_{Consew 733R}$Harness Machine Harness Work Table 3' × 10' Grommet and Metal Working  Area Covered  Glass Top  Cutting  Table 4' × 8' Work Table Figure 6-86.  Loft drawing. 6-25