Who publishes and enforces rules regarding parachute packing and parachute maintenance?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the authoritative body in the United States responsible for regulating and enforcing safety standards in civil aviation, including skydiving operations. They establish rules and guidelines that pertain to parachute packing and maintenance to ensure the safety of all skydivers and the structural integrity of parachute systems.

The FAA's regulations cover various aspects of aviation safety, including equipment standards, which skydiving operations must adhere to in order to operate legally. This includes requirements for the packing and maintenance of parachutes to ensure they function correctly during descent. Their regulations are designed to protect both the jumper and the broader public from potential hazards associated with parachuting.

While the United States Parachute Association (USPA) provides training, organizes competitions, and promotes safety within the skydiving community, it is the FAA that has the regulatory authority. Similarly, organizations such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Aviation Safety Network do not have jurisdiction over parachutes or skydiving activities.

In summary, the FAA's role in setting and enforcing safety regulations makes it the correct answer regarding who oversees parachute packing and maintenance rules.