How to Keep Skydiving Gear in Top Shape

Table of Contents

• FAA Reserve Parachute Requirements
• How Often Are the Main Parachute and Container Checked?
• What Is an AAD and How Does It Work?
• Riggers: Who They Are and What They Do?
• How Long Does Skydiving Gear Last?
• Proper Gear Storage and Care
• Final Thoughts: Why It All Matters

Key Takeaways

Skydiving gear is carefully maintained to the highest safety standards. Reserve parachutes are inspected and repacked every 180 days by FAA-certified riggers, while main parachutes and containers are checked and packed after every jump by trained professionals. Tandem rigs are equipped with Automatic Activation Devices (AADs), which are tested daily and serviced regularly. All equipment is stored in a climate-controlled environment and proactively maintained to prevent wear long before it becomes a safety concern.

It’s not just about who you’re jumping with; it’s also about what you’re jumping with. At Skydive Palm Beach, we take gear maintenance seriously. After all, you’re trusting your life to this skydiving equipment. The good news? Skydiving is a highly regulated sport with strict oversight, and we adhere to all guidelines established by the United States Parachute Association (USPA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 

So maybe you’re wondering, how often is skydiving gear inspected? Who’s checking it? And how do we make sure it’s always in good condition? Below, we’ll walk you through how Skydive Palm Beach maintains skydiving gear.                                                                        

FAA Requirements: Reserve Parachute Maintenance 

Let’s start with the most important backup, the reserve parachute. Every parachute system includes two canopies: the main parachute, which is deployed during the skydive, and the reserve parachute, which is packed and ready to go in the rare event that the main doesn’t function as expected. 

The FAA places strict regulations on reserve parachutes. Reserves must be inspected and repacked every 180 days, even if they haven’t been used. This isn’t just a quick glance; it’s a thorough inspection done by a certified rigger. 

To become a FAA-certified senior rigger, one must pass both written and practical exams to obtain their credentials. Only these certified riggers are allowed to inspect and repack reserve parachutes. During the 180-day inspection and repack, riggers examine everything from the lines and stitching to the canopy fabric and container system. 

Main Parachute & Container Checks 

Unlike reserve parachutes, the main canopy is packed after every jump. This is done by a trained parachute packer, many of whom are also riggers or working under the direct supervision of one. These packers don’t just fold and stow the canopy; they’re also trained to look for signs of wear and tear, like fraying lines or damaged stitching. 

Each time a parachute is packed, it’s another opportunity to catch minor issues before they become major ones. Most dropzones have checks and balances in place for each main pack job. 

The container, which is the backpack-like system that holds both the main and reserve parachutes, is also regularly inspected. Skydivers are trained to do their own gear checks before every jump. This starts with a pre-flight inspection while the rig is still off their body and continues with a full gear check once it’s on. 

You’ll also notice instructors doing a final check in the plane before exiting, especially on tandem jumps. That includes checking the container, harness, and student connection points. Instructors inspect tandem harnesses every time they put one on a student. 

Automatic Activation Devices (AADs) 

In addition to two parachutes, every tandem skydiving container system is also equipped with an Automatic Activation Device (AAD). This is an electronic device designed to deploy the reserve parachute automatically if the jumper is still falling at high speed at a certain altitude, essentially serving as a last-resort safety net. 

If, for any reason, the main parachute isn’t deployed in time, the AAD is programmed to trigger the reserve. AADs are turned on and checked each morning and verified as part of the gear check process before every jump. They are also inspected during the 180-day repack cycle by a certified rigger. 

Each AAD manufacturer has its own guidelines regarding periodic maintenance and the lifespan of the device. These devices do have a shelf life and must be serviced or replaced according to the manufacturer’s standards. At Skydive Palm Beach, we closely follow all these requirements. 

The Role of the Rigger: Inspections & Repairs

In addition to regular pack jobs and daily checks, all components of the gear, the container, AAD, reserve, and even the main canopy, get a full inspection during the mandatory 180-day reserve repack. If anything appears to be off, a rigger may repair the skydiving gear or recommend replacements. Gear doesn’t just get patched up and sent back out without proper sign-off. 

How Long Does Skydiving Gear Last? 

This is a common question, and the answer is: it depends. 

There’s no fixed expiration date on most skydiving gear. The life span of a parachute system depends on how often it’s jumped, how it’s maintained, and the conditions it’s exposed to. 

For example, gear used in dry, dusty climates will generally wear out faster than gear that lands in soft grassy areas. 

Some factors that affect gear longevity include:

• Frequency of jumps
• Packing methods and care
• Landing conditions (grass vs. gravel vs. dirt)
• UV exposure
• Moisture or humidity
• Quality of the original gear 

At a professional operation like Skydive Palm Beach, you can expect gear to be retired well before it becomes a safety concern. If repairs become frequent or performance drops, we retire the gear from tandem use. 

How to Store Skydiving Gear 

Gear maintenance doesn’t stop when it’s off your back. Proper storage is critical to extending the life of skydiving equipment. 

Skydiving gear is sensitive to heat, moisture, and UV exposure. That’s why at Skydive Palm Beach, all gear is stored in a climate-controlled facility. 

Cleanliness also plays a big role. Sand, dirt, and sweat can degrade materials faster, especially over hundreds of jumps. Our instructors and packers take care to keep gear clean and organized. 

And yes, skydiving gear is an investment. How much does a full set of skydiving gear cost? A full tandem setup can easily run upwards of $20,000+. Keeping it in pristine condition isn’t just about function; it’s about protecting that investment. 

Why This Matters 

Skydiving gear is more than just equipment; it’s your life-support system in freefall. That’s why the gear you jump with at Skydive Palm Beach is held to the highest standard. 

Come on out and let us show you what it’s all about. Book your tandem skydive with us today!