FAA RMC Knowledge Test — Parachute Rigger Military Competence

Under 14 CFR § 65.117, an applicant presenting evidence of military parachute rigger experience must have been honorably discharged or released from the U.S. Armed Forces within how many preceding months to qualify for an FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Certificate?

• A12 calendar months
• B6 calendar months
• C24 calendar months
• D36 calendar months

According to 14 CFR § 65.113, what is the minimum age required for an applicant to be issued a Senior Parachute Rigger Certificate?

• A18 years of age
• B16 years of age
• C21 years of age
• D25 years of age

Under 14 CFR § 91.307, no pilot may allow a synthetic-fiber emergency parachute to be carried aboard an aircraft unless it has been packed by a certificated parachute rigger within the preceding how many days?

• A180 days
• B120 days
• C60 days
• D365 days

What privilege does a certificated Senior Parachute Rigger possess under 14 CFR § 65.115 regarding emergency reserve parachutes?

• APack, maintain, or perform minor repairs on any type of parachute for which the rigger is…
• BPerform major structural alterations on any reserve parachute assembly
• CPerform major repairs on reserve canopies without manufacturer authorization
• DPack emergency reserve parachutes for ratings they do not hold provided they are supervis…

According to 14 CFR § 65.131, for how long must a certificated parachute rigger retain the records of parachutes packed, maintained, or altered?

• AAt least 2 years
• BAt least 1 year
• CAt least 5 years
• DIndefinitely for the life of the rigger's certificate

Under 14 CFR § 65.133, what is the primary purpose of affixing a seal press mark and safety thread to a packed reserve or emergency parachute?

• ATo provide evidence if the parachute pack has been opened or tampered with since being pa…
• BTo hold the reserve ripcord pin firmly in place against deployment acceleration forces
• CTo lock the container flaps so they cannot open automatically during high-speed exit
• DTo identify the parachute owner's license number to airport authorities

According to 14 CFR § 65.111(d), to whom must a certificated parachute rigger present their rigger certificate for inspection upon request?

• AThe FAA Administrator, NTSB representative, or any federal, state, or local law enforceme…
• BOnly an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector (PMI)
• CAny airport manager or fixed-base operator (FBO) employee
• DOnly a Master Parachute Rigger or Designated Pilot Examiner

Under 14 CFR § 65.129(f), what recent experience requirement must a certificated parachute rigger meet to exercise the privileges of their certificate and type rating?

• AUnderstand the current manufacturer's instructions for the operation and have performed d…
• BPacked at least 20 parachutes of each rating held within the preceding 12 months
• CPassed a practical recertification examination every 24 calendar months
• DAttended an FAA parachute rigger refresher seminar within the preceding 12 months

Which of the following list the four official parachute rigger rating classifications issued by the FAA under 14 CFR § 65.113?

• ASeat, Back, Chest, and Lap
• BMain, Reserve, Tandem, and Cargo
• CRound, Ram-Air, Elliptical, and Conical
• DMilitary, Commercial, Sport, and Experimental

Under TSO-C23 standards for personnel reserve parachute assemblies, what is the maximum allowable pull force required to operate a manual ripcord?

• A22 pounds (97.8 N)
• B15 pounds (66.7 N)
• C30 pounds (133.4 N)
• D40 pounds (177.9 N)

What is the standard breaking strength specification for cotton seal thread used to secure a reserve ripcord pin and seal press lead under FAA standards?

• A4 to 5 pounds breaking strength
• B10 to 12 pounds breaking strength
• C1 to 2 pounds breaking strength
• D20 to 25 pounds breaking strength

Under 14 CFR § 91.307(b), who is legally authorized to pack the main parachute of a dual-parachute system used for sport parachuting?

• AA certificated parachute rigger, or the person who will use that parachute on the jump
• BOnly a certificated Master Parachute Rigger
• COnly the aircraft pilot or flight instructor
• DAny individual who has logged at least 50 parachuting jumps

To satisfy the experience requirements of 14 CFR § 65.117 for a military competence rigger certificate, what documentation must an applicant present?

• AEvidence of a military parachute rigger rating and proof of having packed parachutes for…
• BA written recommendation signed by an active military general officer
• CA civilian logbook containing at least 200 main parachute packs
• DAn FAA commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating

What is the primary aerodynamic function of the pilot chute in a personnel parachute system?

• ATo produce drag in the airstream to pull the deployment bag and main or reserve canopy ou…
• BTo act as a drag brake to slow the parachutist down before canopy inflation
• CTo stabilize the jumper in a head-down orientation during freefall
• DTo steer the canopy left or right during descent

What is the primary purpose of a slider on a square or ram-air canopy?

• ATo retard and control the rate of canopy opening to prevent excessive opening shock loads…
• BTo lock the suspension lines together during canopy flight to maintain aspect ratio
• CTo increase the forward glide ratio of the canopy after full inflation
• DTo keep the pilot chute inflated throughout the descent

Which type of woven nylon webbing is most commonly specified for primary structural main harness straps rated at 6,000 pounds breaking strength?

• AType 7 nylon webbing
• BType 17 nylon webbing
• CType 8 nylon webbing
• DType 1 nylon tape

Under 14 CFR § 91.307, what is the maximum packing interval for an auxiliary or reserve parachute constructed of synthetic materials?

• A180 days
• B90 days
• C120 days
• D365 days

Under 14 CFR § 65.115(b), a Senior Parachute Rigger may NOT perform which of the following operations on a reserve parachute assembly unless supervised by a Master Rigger or manufacturer?

• AMajor repairs or major alterations
• BRoutine 180-day repack inspections
• CReplacement of damaged rubber band stows
• DHand sewing of minor seam snags within manual limits

During canopy layout, what is the main objective of performing a systematic 4-line check?

• ATo ensure all suspension lines run clear from the harness risers to the canopy without cr…
• BTo measure the tensile strength of the four corner control lines
• CTo check if the four steering line toggles are tied with locktite thread
• DTo verify that exactly four gores are folded on each side of the canopy

According to 14 CFR § 65.119, how many parachutes of each rating must an applicant have packed to meet the experience requirements for a Master Parachute Rigger Certificate?

• AAt least 100 parachutes of each rating applied for
• BAt least 50 parachutes total across all ratings
• CAt least 200 parachutes total across all ratings
• DAt least 20 parachutes of each rating within the last 12 months

Which Federal Standard 751 (or ASTM D6193) stitch class represents the standard single-needle lockstitch used in most parachute canopy construction?

• AClass 301
• BClass 401
• CClass 101
• DClass 504

How is canopy fabric air permeability (porosity) quantitatively defined in parachute manufacturing standards?

• ACubic feet of air passing per minute through one square foot of fabric at a pressure diff…
• BPounds per square inch of static air retention capacity at sea level
• CMilliliters of water penetrating the fabric per square centimeter per hour
• DPercentage of open weave area visible under 10x magnification

What primary feature makes the 3-ring release system standard equipment for cutaway release on modern dual-parachute systems?

• AIt provides a mechanical advantage of approximately 100:1, allowing high riser loads to b…
• BIt locks the reserve pilot chute into the main container tray
• CIt automatically deploys the reserve canopy when airspeed reaches 50 knots
• DIt eliminates the need for harness risers

Under 14 CFR § 65.127, which of the following items MUST be included in a certificated rigger's logbook entry for a packed reserve parachute?

• ADate, place, parachute make, model, serial number, and owner's name and address
• BWind speed, altitude of last jump, and pilot's certificate number
• CAirworthiness directive number, aircraft tail number, and fuel load
• DRigger's social security number and home telephone number

What standard nylon cord specification corresponds to common military and civilian 550 suspension line?

• AType III nylon cord (Mil-C-5040)
• BType IV nylon cord (Mil-C-5040)
• CType I nylon cord (Mil-C-5040)
• DType II nylon cord (Mil-C-5040)

What information must be permanently marked on an FAA TSO-certificated parachute canopy or container label under FAA regulations?

• AManufacturer name, TSO number, part number, serial number, and date of manufacture
• BRigger certificate number and date of last repack only
• CMaximum recommended jump altitude and drop zone location
• DAircraft model from which the parachute may be deployed

Operating a personnel reserve parachute assembly beyond its TSO-certified weight and speed limits results in which of the following?

• AA violation of FAA airworthiness standards and potential structural failure of the canopy…
• BAn automatic extension of the 180-day repack interval
• CA mandatory requirement to use a double safety thread on the ripcord pin
• DNo effect, as TSO limits are advisory suggestions only

What storage environmental conditions are recommended in FAA-H-8083-17A to prevent degradation of nylon parachute components?

• AA cool, dry, dark area protected from ultraviolet light, acids, moisture, and pests
• BA humid basement room with direct sunlight for ventilation
• CAn unheated outdoor shed stored directly on concrete floors
• DA sealed metal box stored alongside aircraft battery fluids

Which repair task is classified as a minor repair under FAA Parachute Rigger Handbook standards?

• AReplacing a damaged rubber band stow or re-stitching a minor non-structural seam within m…
• BReplacing an entire gore panel on a reserve canopy
• CReplacing a main load-bearing harness leg strap
• DShortening the overall length of all suspension lines by 6 inches

When stowing suspension lines into rubber bands during canopy packing, what is the recommended length for the line bight loop extension past the band?

• A1 to 1.5 inches
• B3 to 4 inches
• C0.25 inches
• D6 inches

A synthetic-fiber emergency reserve parachute is inspected and repacked on April 10 of a standard non-leap year. Under 14 CFR § 91.307, what is the exact calendar date on which the 180-day repack interval expires?

• AOctober 7
• BOctober 10
• COctober 1
• DOctober 15

A rigger is sewing a 10-inch single-phase patch seam on a canopy gore. If the repair specification requires 8 stitches per inch (SPI), how many total stitches must be sewn along the 10-inch seam line?

• A80 stitches
• B40 stitches
• C100 stitches
• D64 stitches

A main harness leg strap is constructed using Type 7 nylon webbing with a un-stitched rating of 6,000 pounds. If stitching a 3-inch 4-point stitch pattern causes a 15% reduction in webbing joint strength, what is the calculated effective strength of the joint?

• A5,100 pounds
• B4,800 pounds
• C5,400 pounds
• D4,200 pounds

A square cut fabric tear measures 4 inches by 4 inches on a canopy gore. The repair manual specifies a double-phase patch extending 1.5 inches beyond the damaged area on all sides. What must be the final dimensions of the patch before folding hem allowances?

• A7 inches by 7 inches
• B5.5 inches by 5.5 inches
• C8.5 inches by 8.5 inches
• D10 inches by 10 inches

A parachutist has a total exit weight (body weight plus equipment) of 220 pounds and jumps a canopy with a surface area of 190 square feet. What is the calculated wing loading of this canopy system?

• A1.16 lbs/sq ft
• B0.86 lbs/sq ft
• C1.35 lbs/sq ft
• D1.50 lbs/sq ft

What is the standard permeability range (porosity) specification for zero-porosity (ZP) nylon parachute fabric used in high-performance reserve and main canopies?

• A0 to 3 CFM/sq ft
• B10 to 20 CFM/sq ft
• C30 to 50 CFM/sq ft
• D80 to 120 CFM/sq ft

Which thread size designation corresponds to Size E nylon sewing thread (VT-295 size 69) commonly used for sewing canopy seams and binding tapes?

• ASize 69 (approx. 8.5 lbs tensile strength)
• BSize 138 (approx. 20 lbs tensile strength)
• CSize 346 (approx. 50 lbs tensile strength)
• DSize 33 (approx. 3.5 lbs tensile strength)

What operational vulnerability distinguishes Class 401 chainstitch from Class 301 lockstitch when used on structural parachute seams?

• AIf a loop of a Class 401 chainstitch breaks or unravels from the end, the entire seam lin…
• BClass 401 lockstitch requires two bobbins that melt under high friction
• CClass 401 thread cannot be sewn into nylon fabric without causing needle heat tears
• DClass 301 lockstitch is prone to total seam unravelling if any single stitch breaks

When stitching thick heavy nylon harness webbing at high sewing machine speeds, what physical phenomenon can damage synthetic thread and webbing fibers?

• ANeedle heat friction causing synthetic thread and webbing Yarns to melt and weaken
• BExcessive static electricity preventing thread lock formation
• CThread stretch causing bobbin reversal
• DPressure foot oscillation causing webbing thread decay

Why is sewing with too high a stitch density (such as more than 12 stitches per inch) considered hazardous on canopy fabric seams?

• AExcessive needle penetrations perforate the fabric like a postage stamp line, significant…
• BHigh stitch density causes the thread to un-knot inside the bobbin case
• CStitches exceeding 12 per inch cause the canopy to absorb excess humidity during flight
• DHigh stitch density doubles the weight of the canopy beyond TSO limits

During inspection of stainless steel connector links (Maillons Rapides) connecting suspension lines to risers, which defect requires immediate link replacement?

• AStripped or galled barrel threads, cracks, or visible deformation of the link body
• BMinor surface dust or fingerprint smudges
• CPresence of a silicone line slider stop bumper
• DTightening the barrel to the manufacturer's specified inch-pound torque

What critical component on a spring-loaded reserve pilot chute must be inspected to ensure rapid deployment launch velocity upon ripcord release?

• AThe internal steel spring coil for straightness, tension, and secure attachment to the pi…
• BThe length of the main pilot chute kill-line string
• CThe plastic hook-and-loop fastener strip along the canopy skirt
• DThe color alignment of the mesh fabric panels

What design feature distinguishes Spur Grommets from standard Plain Grommets on high-stress parachute container flaps?

• ASpur grommets feature small teeth (spurs) on the washer that bite into the fabric to prev…
• BSpur grommets are made of plastic instead of brass or stainless steel
• CSpur grommets do not require a washer component during setting
• DSpur grommets are oval-shaped instead of circular

Why must a rigger monitor line trim degradation when inspecting a canopy fitted with Spectra (Dyneema) suspension lines compared to Dacron lines?

• AFriction heat generated by the slider traveling down Spectra lines causes the lines to sh…
• BSpectra lines absorb water and expand 50% in total length
• CSpectra lines rot when exposed to dry desert air
• DDacron lines shrink faster than Spectra lines under high heat

Which defect observed on a reserve ripcord pin requires discarding and replacing the ripcord assembly?

• AAny visible nick, burr, bend, corrosion, or crack on the pin body or swage terminal
• BPresence of a clear plastic protective sleeve over the cable
• CA stamped rigger seal mark on the lead seal attached to the safety thread
• DSmooth mirror-finish polishing on the pin surface

An applicant seeking an FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Certificate based on military competence under 14 CFR § 65.117 must submit which official FAA form to the FSDO or testing center?

• AFAA Form 8610-2 (Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application)
• BFAA Form 8710-1 (Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application for Pilots)
• CFAA Form 8130-3 (Authorized Release Certificate)
• DFAA Form 337 (Major Repair and Alteration)

Why must reserve container closing loops be fabricated strictly from manufacturer-approved material (such as Mil-Spec slick-treated cord or Cypres cord)?

• ATo maintain precise friction levels, exact length tolerances, and prevent closing loop me…
• BTo allow the closing loop to stretch up to double its length during high-speed exit
• CTo ensure the loop can be cut with standard paper scissors in freefall
• DTo change color when the 180-day repack interval expires

When installing an Automatic Activation Device (AAD) in a reserve parachute assembly, what directive governs cutter location and hose routing?

• AThe parachute container manufacturer's approved manual and AAD manufacturer installation…
• BThe aircraft pilot's operating handbook (POH)
• CGeneral guidance from any local sport parachutist
• D14 CFR Part 43 Appendix A