How do you know the reserve container has not been opened since the FAA rigger last closed it?

The correct answer focuses on the rigger's packing seal on the reserve ripcord. This seal is an essential component of tandem skydiving safety protocols and serves as a visual indicator that the reserve container has been properly packed and sealed by a certified rigger. The presence of an unbroken seal confirms that the container has not been accessed since the last packing, providing assurance that the equipment is in a reliable and serviceable condition.

The packing seal is designed to indicate tampering or opening of the container, ensuring that anyone inspecting the equipment can verify its integrity at a glance. This is particularly crucial in maintaining safety standards in skydiving, as any unauthorized access could compromise the reliability of the reserve parachute.

Knowing that the rigger is trained and certified to perform such tasks, the seal acts as a significant assurance for jumpers and riggers alike that the equipment remains in the state it was intended to be after packing. Therefore, checking the rigger’s packing seal is the most reliable method for determining that the reserve container has not been opened since the last service by a qualified rigger.