How long must a parachute rigger retain packing and maintenance records?

The requirement to retain packing and maintenance records for a parachute rigger is established to ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Keeping these records for at least 2 years after the disposal of the parachute is essential for a few key reasons.

Firstly, this retention period provides a substantial window of time during which any incidents involving the parachute can be investigated. If questions arise about the integrity or safety of a parachute, having a detailed record of its packing and maintenance history can be crucial. Data such as when the parachute was last packed, what maintenance was performed, and any issues noted can help in determining responsibility and understanding the circumstances surrounding any problems.

Secondly, this timeline aligns with typical industry practices and regulatory guidelines that encourage thorough documentation of equipment lifecycle management. By maintaining records for at least 2 years beyond disposal, riggers can ensure that they have covered the necessary bases to protect both themselves and their organizations.

In contrast, records retained for shorter periods might not fully support these needs, creating potential lapses in accountability or safety assurance. Hence, the established practice for parachute riggers is to keep these records for a minimum of 2 years post-disposal to uphold safety standards and facilitate accountability within the rigging community.