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PR Career Guide

Navy

PR: Parachute Rigger

Career transition guide for Navy Parachute Rigger (PR)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for PR veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Aircraft Mechanic/Technician

$73K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) licenseSpecific aircraft model certifications

Quality Control Inspector

$65K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) certificationKnowledge of manufacturing quality standards

Industrial Sewing Machine Operator

$35K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Advanced sewing techniquesExperience with different fabric types

Technical Trainer

$68K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Curriculum developmentInstructional design principlesExcellent communication skills

Aviation Safety Inspector

$85K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

FAA certificationsIn-depth knowledge of aviation regulationsYears of experience in aviation maintenance

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your PR training built — and where they transfer.

Procedural Compliance

Following detailed technical manuals and safety protocols is critical in ensuring the proper maintenance and packing of parachutes and survival equipment. Deviation can have life-threatening consequences.

Your meticulous adherence to procedures translates directly into roles demanding strict adherence to regulatory standards and quality control processes.

System Modeling

Troubleshooting complex oxygen systems requires understanding how individual components interact within the larger system to deliver breathable air. You learn to visualize and diagnose potential failure points.

This ability to understand interconnected systems allows you to excel in roles where you need to understand and optimize complex processes.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining awareness of the condition of all equipment, potential hazards, and changing environmental factors is essential for safe and effective parachute and survival gear maintenance.

Your heightened awareness and ability to anticipate potential problems are highly valuable in any environment where safety and efficiency are paramount.

After-Action Analysis

Reviewing discrepancy books and status reports, as well as providing guidance and counseling to junior personnel, you are actively involved in analyzing performance, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing corrective actions.

This analytical and mentorship experience directly translates to skills in process improvement, quality assurance, and team development in a civilian setting.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Quality Assurance Specialist

SOC 19-4041

You've been rigorously inspecting and maintaining life-saving equipment to meet the highest standards. This experience is directly transferable to ensuring the quality and reliability of products in various industries, from manufacturing to pharmaceuticals.

Medical Equipment Repairer

SOC 49-9062

You've honed your skills in repairing and maintaining complex systems, including oxygen regulators. This experience is a natural fit for working with medical equipment, where precision and reliability are critical.

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9081

You've gained valuable experience working at heights, adhering to strict safety protocols, and troubleshooting mechanical systems. This translates seamlessly to the renewable energy sector, where wind turbine technicians are in high demand.

Industrial Machinery Mechanic

SOC 49-9041

You've developed a strong foundation in mechanical systems maintenance and repair. This experience is readily applicable to maintaining and repairing industrial machinery, ensuring smooth operations and preventing costly downtime.

Training & Education Equivalencies

A School, Naval Air Technical Training Center, Pensacola, FL

900 training hours22 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended in Aviation Maintenance Technology

Topics Covered

  • •Parachute Packing and Inspection
  • •Survival Equipment Maintenance
  • •Oxygen System Repair
  • •Life Raft Maintenance and Repair
  • •Protective Clothing Inspection and Repair
  • •Aircraft Discrepancy Documentation
  • •Basic Sewing Techniques
  • •Fabric Repair

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

FAA Parachute Rigger Certificate70% covered

Civilian parachute rigging regulations, specific differences in canopy designs, and FAA inspection procedures.

Certified Aviation Technician (AMT)40% covered

General aviation maintenance practices, airframe and powerplant systems outside of survival equipment.

Recommended Next Certifications

Quality Control Inspector Certification (ASQ)OSHA Safety CertificationAviation Safety Officer (ASO)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Naval Aviation Maintenance Program (NAMP)Aviation maintenance tracking software (e.g., Corridor Aviation Software, Quantum Control)
Automated Parachute Inspection System (APIS)Automated textile inspection systems (used in parachute manufacturing)
Oxygen Regulator Test StandPneumatic and hydraulic testing equipment (used in aerospace and medical industries)
Life Raft Inflation Systems TestersInflatable product testing equipment (e.g., for life vests, inflatable boats)
Nomex Flight SuitsFire-resistant clothing (e.g., for firefighters, race car drivers, industrial workers)
Night Vision Goggles (NVG) maintenance toolsOptical lens cleaning and maintenance equipment
Joint Service Aircrew Mask (JSAM)Full face respirator maintenance and testing equipment

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