What role does an appropriately rated parachute rigger play in the supervision of an applicant for a Senior Rigger certificate?

An appropriately rated parachute rigger plays a crucial role in supervising the packing and maintenance of parachutes for an applicant seeking a Senior Rigger certificate. This supervision is essential because parachute rigging involves specific techniques and standards to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. A rigger provides guidance on how to correctly pack parachutes to ensure they deploy correctly during jumps and are maintained in optimal condition to function safely.

This hands-on oversight ensures that the applicant learns and adheres to best practices, including the inspection of parachute components and understanding the materials used. By expertly supervising this aspect of the training process, the rigger helps ensure that the applicant is not only knowledgeable in theory but also proficient in practical applications, which is vital to their eventual certification and safety in the field. In contrast, other roles such as conducting tests for parachute skills or issuing certifications focus more on evaluation rather than the practical, ongoing training and mentorship that packing and maintenance involves.