The PR Rating
The Aircrew Survival Equipmentman (PR) was originally known as a Parachure Rigger until the rating was formally changed to its current name in 1965.
PRs are responsible for keeping parachutes, life rafts, personal flight gear, and other aviation survival gear in proper working condition.
Parachutes are the lifesaving equipment of aircrewmen when they have to bail out. In time of disaster, the parachute may also be the only means of delivering badly needed medicines, goods, and other supplies to isolated victims.
Aircrew Survival Equipmentman (PR)
Aircrew Survival Equipmentmen inspect, maintain, and repair parachutes, seat pans, survival equipment, and flight and protective clothing and equipment. They pack and rig parachutes, pack and equip life rafts.
PRs troubleshoot oxygen systems and repair and test oxygen regulators and liquid oxygen converters removed from aircraft. They fit and maintain oxygen masks, flight clothing, anti-exposure suits, and anti-G suits PRs operate and maintain carbon dioxide transfer and recharge equipment. They operate and repair sewing machines, and conduct special calendar/periodic inspections of survival equipment.
Qualifications, Interests, and Working Environment
Personnel in the PR rating should be people-oriented, have a good memory, be resourceful, meticulous at detail work and record keeping, possess good manual dexterity and have an orientation toward tools, equipment and machines.
They must be able to work well as part of a team. Helpful attributes are curiosity, writing and speaking skills and physical fitness. PRs must possess a complete awareness and appreciation of details and be able to follow through every step of the way. Duties in the PR rating are usually performed indoors in aircraft hangars and on board carriers. They also may work outdoors on flight decks and on Naval Air Station flight lines. PR ASVAB Test requirement.
Credit Recommendations
The American Council on Education recommends that 2 semester hour credits be awarded in the vocational certificate category in sewing machine operation, service, and maintenance, and 2 in parachute packing and inspection; additionally, 3 semester hours in lower-division bachelor's/associate's degree category in aviation safety equipment repair/maintenance. Credits may also be earned for other follow-on training ("C" schools) throughout your career.