LIFE RAFTS
Inflatable life rafts are
subject to general deterioration due to aging. Experience has indicated that
such equipment may be in need of replacement at the end of 5 years due. to porosity of the rubber-coated material. Wear of
such equipment is accelerated when stowed on board aircraft because of
vibration which causes chafing of the rubberized fabric. This ultimately
results in localized leakage. Leakage is
also likely to occur where the fabric is folded because sharp corners are
formed. When these corners are in contact with the carrying cases or with
adjacent parts of the rubberized fabric, they tend to wear through due to
vibration (Ref TSO -C70a).
When
accomplishing maintenance,
repair, and inspection of unpacked rafts, personnel
should not step on any part of the raft or flotation tubes. while wearing
shoes. Rafts should not be thrown or dropped, since damage to the raft or
accessories may result. Particular care should be exercised at all times to
prevent snagging, cutting, and contact with gasoline, acids, oils, and grease.
High standards of performance for proper maintenance, inspection, and repair
cannot be overemphasized, since the lives of passengers could be involved.
Inspection
and inflation tests,
when applicable, will be accomplished during storage
and after installation in an aircraft in accordance with the manufacturer's
specifications and/or FAA-approved procedures. Accessory items will be
installed during these inspections. A raft knife will be attached by a 24-inch
nylon lanyard to the mooring eye located above the COZ cylinder case to enable rapid cutting of the
mooring line.
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