How can you determine if a reserve parachute has been packed by an FAA rigger within the last 180 days?

The correct answer pertains to the reserve packing data card, which is an essential component of parachute safety and compliance. This card contains crucial information about the packing of the reserve parachute, including the date it was last packed, the identity of the rigger, and any maintenance performed. In the context of ensuring that a reserve parachute is packed in accordance with FAA regulations, the packing data card serves as official documentation that verifies whether the parachute has been packed within the last 180 days by an authorized rigger.

The other options may provide some insights into the condition of the parachute, but they do not offer the definitive certification needed to determine the recency of the packing. A visual inspection might reveal surface conditions or indications of wear, but it cannot confirm if the parachute was packed recently or by a qualified rigger. The rigger's signature is significant but is only part of the information included on the packing data card, and it does not inherently indicate that the packing occurred within the required time frame without the date. The color of the packing material might suggest a particular brand or type but does not indicate compliance with packing regulations or frequency. Thus, the packing data card is the most reliable source for confirming that a reserve parachute