Starting May 2026: Each slot will increase to $4,700.00 (Cash discount price: $4,500.00)
FAA Certified Training
Learn from the Best,
Get Certified
Start your parachute rigging career with industry-leading training from experts with 40+ years of real-world experience.
FAA ApprovedCertified Training
40+ YearsIndustry Experts
Senior & MasterRigger Certificates
40+
Years of
Industry Experience
Years of
Industry Experience
FAA
Certified
Training Program
Certified
Training Program
100%
Hands-On
Instruction
Hands-On
Instruction
3
Certification
Levels Offered
Certification
Levels Offered
Why Train With Us
Built for Riggers,
by Riggers
The most experienced instructors in the industry — no shortcuts, no theory only.
40+ Years of Experience
Derek Thomas brings over four decades in parachute manufacturing and rigging — former owner of Sun Path Products, Inc. — and has assembled an elite team of industry professionals.
Unmatched Reputation
We are proud to field the most experienced staff in the parachute rigging industry — certified professionals with decades of real-world rigging and skydiving experience.
Job-Ready Skills
Graduates leave with their FAA Parachute Rigger Certificate and the skills, knowledge, and professional competency to excel as a Senior or Master Parachute Rigger from day one.
About the Academy
Real Training.
Real Certification.
Elite Rigging Academy is the premier FAA-approved parachute rigger training facility in the United States. Founded by industry veterans with decades of real-world experience, we deliver intensive, hands-on coursework designed to produce confident, certified riggers.
Our instructors have packed thousands of parachutes in real operational environments — not just classrooms. That experience transfers directly into every course we teach.
Student Reviews
Our Students
Say It Best
Outstanding course! Whether you're just starting out or experienced in the industry, they will get you to where you're going. Derek and the team are world-class.
If you have the opportunity to go here, do it! Sally and Derek are capable of taking even the most inexperienced person and turning them into a well-rounded, confident rigger.
Best parachute rigging academy in the world. Their combined experience is truly unparalleled — an outstanding training experience from start to finish.
From Facebook
Follow the Academy
See recent public updates, course activity, and behind-the-scenes training notes from Elite Rigging Academy.
Take the Next Step
Ready to Start Your Rigging Career?
View upcoming course dates or learn more about the team behind Elite Rigging Academy.
Made in Florida 🏽