Comments on: A Few Brief Thoughts on Why I Would Never Want To Be a Parachute Packer

By: packer paul

packer paul — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 12:39:20 +0000

I pack parachutes. Have been all summer…it’s a weekend job. I can use the money credited to me for jumps or cash out. It’s true it’s hard work and students will ignore the vital importance that went into each pack job (especially if it’s a tandem pack…we tend to like our tandem masters that are attached to said students).

That aside there’s no greater gift than watching people’s faces after jumping on an adrenaline high. It will forever be one of the most exhilarating moments of their life.

By: ox

ox — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 20:50:51 +0000

What are you talking about? are you skydiver or know something about the sport? I always give thousands of regard to my packer,( if I dont pack my own parachute). they are there trying to do their best for you to don’t have any malfuction. I dont know where you picked up this information or in which drop zone you are use to visit but in mine all the packer are our friends and enjoy working there, talk to everybody and are friends of every single person too. they also are skydivers who pack to gain some extra money so in that way they can jump more. you are just talking sh..t, and it’s better to be a packer than a homeless, everybody has needs and you are not who to tell that this or that it’s better or worst . Sorry for my english it’s not my first language. And sorry for my coments but it’s just that I’m totaly disagree with your position about those who choose to pack parachute as a job.

By: CJ

CJ — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 17:39:25 +0000

You’re right, in the fact that you recieve no positive recognition, because you’re just doing your job. Furthermore, what do you consider a parachute packed exceptionally well? If it opens it was packed correctly, but isn’t that where it starts and stops…
Now, I’ve never packed a parachute so I don’t know, is there some sort of artistic form as the chute espaces the pack in which it is confined, that would dispay to the world around it, “Hey, I was packed REALLY, really, well.”?
From what I’ve seen, or heard of, if the chute deploys; good job all around. The friends of mine that HAVE gone sky diving, while explaining their over all experience, they note how awesome the person was that jumped tandum with them, or the interesting character of the person who piloted the plane, but never have I heard explained, “Man, who ever packed my parachute, they’re absolutely the coolest person EVER!”
Outside of dealing with the “yuck” of society, i.e. fecal matter of the elderly, or pretty much anything covered on Discovery Channel show, “dirty jobs”, there really isn’t anything that compares.
I mean, one COULD argue that you have your dubious jobs like, assembly-person on a doll making toy assembly line, or doing whatever those people that work for “honey bunches of oats” do, (I strictly belive that the zeal they present on the commercials is a load of crap, no one could be THAT happy while making me semi-alright cereal.)
Basically, there really isn’t a comparible, low-impact job, where you hold in your hands the life of others, while recieving no recognition for the job well done you do.
But, I tell you what Paul, the moment you start packing chutes… I’m there with a big high five of appreciation.

By: Jon

Jon — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 10:29:47 +0000

What a load of crap….I have been a Parachute Rigger for 15 years. My job has afforded me the opportunity to travel to many different countries, and work with parachute riggers around the world. We are the Silent Professionals. If your not happy with the job, then maybe you are not putting in the effort.

I am a FAA Senior rated rigger, military rigger, static line Jumpmaster, Military Free Fall Jumpmaster and a USPA B license holder. I also work with Cargo parachutes and airdrop platforms.

By: Eve

Eve — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 00:20:19 +0000

Now that you said it, I realized it’s true. There’s no glory in being a parachute packer. If you do a bad job, you’ll end up as a murderer. If you do a good job (i.e., no one dies), no one thanks you because that’s the essense of your job — make sure no one dies!!! It really is thankless. If I ever get up enough courage to skydive, I will be sure to thank my parachute packer … if I live, otherwise, I’m not thanking that bastard!

By: dan day after you

dan day after you — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 04:54:47 +0000

Chute Packer!

Hmmm.

Hey, it’s not everyone’s idea of a good time…. but it’s not sexual harrasement… if consentual.

and sometimes packers can’t be choosers

By: James Cooper

James Cooper — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 21:36:50 +0000

I was contemplating skydiving one of these days but now I’m concerned about disgruntled parachute packers. It wasn’t really a worry when I went bungee jumping, but parachuting is a whole different can of worms. I suppose I ought to thank you for potentially saving my life, Pauly.

Thanks.