AIRCRAFT LIFE PRESERVERS

LIFE PRESERVERS

Inflatable life preservers 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.

Life preservers should be inspected in accor­dance with the manufacturer's specification, unless climate, storage, or operational condi­tions indicate the need for more frequent inspections.

LIFE PRESERVER -INSPECTION

Life preservers should be inspected at 12-month intervals for cuts, tears, or other damage to the rubberized material:. Check the mouth valves and tubing for leakage, corro­sion, and deterioration: Remove^. the CO₂ cyl­inder and check the discharge mechanism by operating the lever to ascertain that the pin op­erates freely. Check the gaskets and valve cores of the cylinder container and the pull cord for deterioration. If no defects are found, inflate the preserver with air to a 2 psi pressure and allow to stand for 12 hours. If the pre­server still has adequate rigidity at the end of that time, deflate and fit with C02 cylinders having weights not less than that indicated on them by the manufacturer. All cylinders made in accordance with joint Army-Navy Specifi­cation MIL-C-00601 D are' so stamped and have a minimum permissible weight stamped on them. The use of such CO₂ cylinders is recommended. Having fitted the preserver with an adequately-chaiged cylinder, mark the preserver to indicate the date of inspection and patch it to the container. It is recommended that the aforementioned procedure be repeated every 12-month period, utilizing the C0₂ car­tridge. for inflation. Carbon dioxide permeates the rubberized fabric at a faster rate than air and will indicate if the porosity of the material is excessive. The following checks and in­spections should be completed:

a.         Check for abrasions, chafing, and soiling across folded cell areas and around metal parts. Condemn the life preserver when unsuitable conditions are found.

b.         Check for separation of cell fabric and loose attachments along the edges of patches and sealing tapes. Repair if practicable.

c.         Check for deterioration in areas where oil and grease are noted. Condemn deterio­rated cells. If deterioration is not noted, clean the areas with mild soap and water and rinse with clear water.'

d.         Inspect the snaps and/or buckles to ensure proper operation.

e.         Inspect the instruction panel for read­ability.

f.          Inspect all stitching for gaps, pulls, and tears.

g.         Visually inspect the cell containers for snags, cuts, loose stitching, and oil and grease spots. Repair or replace as necessary.

h.         Inspect the hardware for rusted or broken parts and cotter pins for damage. En­sure that pins are smooth and free of burrs.

i.          Check the inflator discharge lever for proper operation. Move the inflator dis­charge lever slowly through a normal cycle of operation to ensure freedom of 'operation and to make certain that the piercing pin has suffi­cient movement to discharge the CO_Z cylinder. The point of the pin should move past the sur­face of the gasket in the inflator. In the un-op­erated position, the end paint should be slightly below the gasket surface.

j.          Check the installation of the inflator stem gaskets and check the stem caps for tightness.. Ensure that the inflator is centred on the stem.

k.         Check rescue light. Inspect and test.

(1)    Replace the battery if it shows any signs of encrustation.

(2)    Inspect for proper installation and physical condition of the lamp, wire, and bat­tery.

(3)    Check the light assembly for proper operation and water insulation and flotation.

(4)    Pull the sealing plug (where appli­cable) from the battery. Let water flow through the open ports. Make sure the battery is activated and power is supplied to the light.

(5)    Fill out the inspection record and serviceable parts tag. Attach to the vest.

  l.        Deflate the life preserver and repack in container and secure.

m.        The accessories listed below will be required for all life preservers:

(1)    One Recognition Light: Remove when returning to serviceable or reparable storage. Remove for replacement of defective light, repair, or salvage of preserver.

(2)    One Recognition Light Battery: Remove when returning to serviceable or repa­rable storage.

n.         Record the inspection data on data cards.

o.         Life preserver inspected and found sea worthy. Include the inspector's signature.

p.         Inspection record. Upon completion of 12-month inspection and tests, each flota­tion cell will be marked to indicate the date the inspection was accomplished. The inspection stencil will consist of 1/8-inch letters and nu­merals and will be applied to the patches on the cells (example: 4/3/97). To facilitate determination of the next 12-month inspection period, enter the date it is due in the blank be­side the word inspect on the inspection data card provided in the inspection data pocket on the cell container. Repack, close, and seal the container.

 REPAIR OF LIFE PRESERVERS

Leaks may be disclosed by immersion in soapy water. Repair leaks by the use of patches in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer. Clean corroded metal parts and replace missing or weakened lanyards. Life preservers which do not retain sufficient rigid­ity after the 12-hour period, because of general deterioration and: porosity of the fabric, are be­yond economical repair and should be re­placed.