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.

AIRCRAFT SPECIAL INSPECTIONS

SPECIAL INSPECTIONS

Life rafts in storage or in service shall be unpacked and thoroughly inspected for mildew whenever weather or other conditions warrant. The ex­tent of a special inspection will be determined by the inspector or maintenance chief follow­ing a review of the circumstances or conditions to which the life rafts have been subjected. The inspector or maintenance chief may direct a complete overall inspection and inflation test of the life rafts, regardless of the last date of inspection, if it is considered that another in­spection is warranted.

INSPECTION RECORD

The date the inspection was completed will be stencilled on the flotation tube at the left of the cylinder. The size of lettering will not be less than 1/4-inch or greater than 1/2-inch in height. Previous inspection dates will not be removed or obliterated, but will be arranged in colum­nar form with the latest date at the top. After the inspection is completed, fill out the raft's in­spection record in accordance with part 43 sec­tion 43.9, and attach the parts tag to the survival equipment. The date on the tag will reflect the same date as stenciled on the flotation tube and will be used to determine the next due date of inspection and test.

RAFT REPAIRS

Repairs. The service life for flotation equipment will be determined by condition rather than age. Equipment passing tests and inspections may remain in service indefinitely since the inflation tests and material inspec­tions will identify and condemn equipment having more than minor installation defects. However, the service life for life rafts operat­ing under normal usage and environmental conditions is anticipated by the manufacturers to be 8 to 10 years, and it is appropriate to base life raft's parts replacement programs upon this estimate. It is not considered advisable or economical to perform major repairs on life rafts.

Life Rafts.       Life rafts with any of the following conditions should be condemned rather than repaired:

(1)       Life rafts over 3-1/2 years of age and requiring major repair or more than two miⁿor repairs.

(2)       A rip or tear across an air retaining seam.

(3)       Rafts on which oil, grease, or any other foreign substance has caused a deteriora­tion of the rubberized fabric.

(4)       Rafts on which a heavy mildew condition has caused deterioration of the rub­berized fabric.

(5)       Rafts on which porous flotation tubes allow diffusion of air. A porous area is located by a soap test on the inflated raft. Higher diffusion is indicated by the excessive loss of pressure after a soap test has failed to locate a specific area of injury on the raft.

(6)       Rafts requiring internal repair or opening of air retaining seams for repair.

(7)       Rafts with an excessive number of injuries that would not, in the judgment of competent inspectors, justify repair.

Patches. Holes or abrasions which are 2 inches or less, in diameter_. (in air retaining chambers) will be repaired by the application of an outside patch. Holes exceeding 2 inches in length or diameter, will require an inside patch as well as an outside patch. Inside and outside patches should be round or rectangular and manufactured of fabric (specification MIL-C-6819). Cement should conform to Class 1 of specification MIL-C-5539. Patch as follows:

(1)       Outside patches.

(a)       With a rubber solvent thoroughly clean the area to be patched.

(b)       From the material referenced, fabricate a patch.

(c)       When two fabric surfaces are to be bonded, apply two coats of extra light ce­ment, two coats of light cement, and three coats of heavy cement to each surface. Rubber coated tape and seam crossover patches with protective backing do not require cement. Each coat of cement should be thoroughly dry to the touch before the next coat is applied. Start the bonding of fabric surfaces while the last coat of cement is slightly tacky. To ensure proper adhesion when bonding two cemented sur­faces, the areas to be bonded should remain tacky during application. This is accomplished by brushing the cemented area with a cloth moistened with solvent.

NOTE: If difficulty in the drying of heavy cement is encountered due to atmospheric conditions, six additional coats of light cement may be substi­tuted for the three coats of heavy ce­ment.

(d)       After applying the patch, thor­oughly roll it with a hand roller, rolling from the centre to the outer edge, to ensure that all air pockets are removed and a firm bond is se­cured.

(e)       Thoroughly dust with talc. Allow to cure for 60 hours before performing leak tests and storing.

(2)       Inside Patches.

(a)       Cut a rectangular patch , allowing at least 1-1/2 inches to extend beyond the edge of the injury in all di­rections.

(b)       Mark the centre line on the side of the patch that is to be attached to the raft. Mark cross lines on each end of the patch l-1/2 inches from the ends. When the patch is applied to the injury on the inside, the longitu­dinal edges of the injury will coincide with the centre line, and cross lines on the ends of the patch will coincide with the ends of the injury.

c)         To ensure that the inside surface of the raft is properly powdered in the area of repair, pass a small handful of talc through the opening in the raft and place it approximately 12 inches from the injury. This should be ac­complished before the inside area is cemented, exercising care to prevent distribution of the talc prior to completion of the repair.

(d)       Using cleaning solvent, cleanse an area on the inside surface of the fabric slightly larger than the patch to be applied. En sure that the repaired area is thoroughly dry, both inside and outside; apply two coats of extra light cement, two coats of light cement, and three coats of heavy cement (or six addi­tional coats of light cement in lieu of the heavy cement) to the cleansed area, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly before applying succes­sive coats.

NOTE: Since it is impossible for the repairman to visually observe the ce­menting     that is being accomplished on the inside of the raft, exercise care to ensure that each coat of cement com­pletely covers the area to be repaired.

(e)       The inside patch should be ce­mented simultaneously with the application of cement to the inside of the raft. Apply the same number of coats as directed in para­graph 9 42b(2)(d) to the side of the patch that is applied to the injured fabric of the raft. En­sure that each coat is thoroughly dry before applying the next coat.

(f)        To aid in adhesion, prior to ap­plying the patch, the inside area to be repaired and cemented surface of the patch should be cleaned with a cloth moistened with rubber solvent. The cement will then become tacky.

(g)       Apply the patch. Fold the patch lengthwise in the shape of the letter "U" and insert the patch between the. tom edges of the injury on the life rafts. Position the patch so that the fabric at the end of the tear will coin­cide with a cross line and the centre line on the patch follows one edge of the torn fabric. At­tach one edge of the torn fabric along the centre line on the patch.

(h)       Inspect the repair for wrinkles. Working from the attached edge of the fabric to the edge of the patch, remove the wrinkles with_. a stitcher. Lay the opposite edge of the torn fabric on the patch so that it butts the edge of the torn fabric that has already been applied to the patch. Remove the wrinkles. Thor­oughly roll the patch with a 2 inch rubber roller.

          NOTE: The surface under the patch should be as smooth as possible so that the torn edge of the fabric may be at­tached to the patch instead of at­tempting to attach the patch to the fabric.

(i)         Scatter the handful of talc that was placed inside the tube by grasping the sides of the flotation tube and pulling them apart.

(j)         Prepare and attach the outside patch as outlined in "OUTSIDE PATCHES," sub-paragraphs 9-42b(1)(a)-(e).

(k)       Allow to cure for at least 60 hours before performing leak tests and storing.

(3)       Seams and Tapes.

(a)       Remove all old or dead cement from the area that will require re-cementing. Dampen the repair area with a solvent moistened cloth; then roll or rub off the old cement.

(b)       Apply cement to the surface as outlined in "OUTSIDE PATCHES," sub­paragraph 6.6.2(1), 6.6.3(a)-(e).

(c)       Roll thoroughly with a roller to ensure that all air pockets are removed and a firm bond is secured.

(d)       Allow to dry and apply talc over the seam as previously outlined.

(e)       Allow to cure for at least 60 hours before performing leak tests and storing.

AIRCRAFT SURVIVAL KIT INSPECTION

SURVIVAL KIT INSPECTION

Survival Kit Contents. Each raft ac­commodating passengers or crew members should contain, as a minimum, the following:

• Hand Pump (if required)
• Desalting Kit, First-Aid Kit
• Mirror/Reflector
• Emergency Rations
• Tarpaulins
• Fishing Kit
• Raft Knife
• Compass
• Protective Ointment (Sunburn)
• Oars
• Emergency Water Containers
• Repair Kits
• Signal Flares
• Carrying Case
• Locator Beacon and Battery
• Lines and Anchor
• Police Whistle
• Flashlight
• Space Blankets (if required)
• Light-sticks
• Solar Still Kit
• Survival Manual
• Duct Tape
• Plastic Trash Bags
• Accessory Container
• Bailing Bucket
• Sponge

• Dye Marker
• Shark Chaser

Exposure Suits. Quick-donning expo­sure suits should be provided in sufficient quantity to accommodate the passengers and crew on extended over-water missions when­ever any of the following conditions exist.

(1)       The water temperature is 59 ° F or below, or

(2)       The Outside Air Temperature (OAT) is 32 ° For below.

Physical Inspection. Make a physical inspection of the life raft's accessories and/or contents, in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications, to ascertain that all items re­quired are in a serviceable condition.

(1) Pumps and Hoses.

(a)       Check the air pump for condition and security.

(b)       Check the air pump hose and hose fittings for ease of attachment to the pump and mattress valves.

(c)       Operate the pump to ensure that it delivers air.

(d)       Close the outlet and check the seal of the piston.

(e)       Blow into the outlet to determine if the pump check valve will seal.

(2) Desalting Kit.

(a)       Check the desalting kit expiration date, if applicable.

(b)       Replace the severely dented or punctured cans.

NOTE: Type MK-2 desalter kits have an indefinite shelf and service life and do not have to be age-controlled.

(3) First-Aid Kit. Inspect each kit prior to flight to ensure that the seal is intact; the kits have not been tampered with or opened; and check the date when the kit contents should be inspected (120-day interval), and containing the following:

• 1 Case First-Aid Kit, empty;
• 1 Bottle Benzalkonium Chloride Zinc; Tinted, 1:1000 2cc
• 1 Package Sodium Chloride; (Sodium Bicarbonate Mix) 4.5 gm;
• 1 Bandage each, Gauze, & Compress (2 inches x 6 yd);
• 2 Dressings, First-Aid, 4 inches x 7 inches;
• 1 Package Bandages; Absorbent & Adhesive, 3/4-inch x 3 inches;
• 3 Bottles, Snap-On Cap, Plastic Tablet and Capsule, Round, (issued empty; to be used as needed by user);
• 1 Tube Lipstick, Anti-Chap; and
• 1 bottle Water Purification Tablets, Iodine 8 mg (50).

(a)       If the seal is found to be broken, or there is evidence of tampering, the kit should be opened and inspected to ensure that all components are included and undamaged. After such inspection, the kit should be re­sealed.

(b)       To reseal the kit, use a wire and lead seal according to the manufacturer's specifications. Pass the wire through grommets or opposite flaps, bend the wire back and force each end through the middle of the lacing cord on each side of the square knot. Pass the ends of the wire through the holes in the lead seal, draw the wire taut, and compress the seal.

(4) Mirror/Reflector. Check the re­flector for defective reflection surface and the reflector lanyard for defective conditions and security of attachment.

(5) Emergency Rations. Check the food ration cans for obvious damage, severe dents, and an expiration date. Replace items when severely damaged, dented, or when the date is expired. Ensure that the opening key is attached.

(6) Tarpaulins. Spread out and check for tears, mildew, corroded grommets, and general condition.

(7) Fishing Kit. Check for damaged container or for tampering. Replace if dam­aged or incomplete.

(8)       Raft Knife. Check for corrosion and ease of opening and security of the knife lan­yard to the raft.

(9) Compass. Check for proper opera­tion and condition.

(10) Protective Ointment (Sunburn).

(a)      Check the sunburn ointment containers for cracks or crushed condition.

(b)      Install the ointment in a 6 inch mailing tube and tape the ends to prevent crushing. Stow it where it will be subjected to the least amount of pressure in the kit.

(11) Oars.

(a)       Check for serviceability.

(b)       Wrap the oars separately in craft paper and seal with tape.

(c)       Stencil inspected in letters not less than 1/2-inch high on each package.

(12) Emergency Water Containers. Check for open seams, holes, etc. Replace de­fective containers.

(13) Repair Kit. Check for proper wrapping and missing items. Four plugs are wrapped in a single container. This container and the pliers are wrapped in waterproof paper and sealed with waterproof tape. The package is stenciled repair plugs and pliers with letters not less than 1/2-inch high.

(14) Signal Flares. Check the flares for obvious damage and suspended lot numbers. Replace if lot number is over-age or obvious damage exists.

(15) Carrying Case. Check for snags, abrasions, and defective snaps. Repair or re­place as necessary.

(16) Locator Beacon and Battery.

(a)       Check for corrosion and obvious  damage per the manufacturer's manual.

(b)       Assemble as an operating unit. Perform an operational test, prepare the beacon for water activation by pulling out the battery switch plug from the end of the transmitter section, and package as instructed on the con­tainer.

(17) Lines and Anchor. Check all lines and sea anchors for conditions and security.

(18) Police Whistle. Inspect and test.

(19) Flashlight. Test the flashlight switch for operation; remove old batteries and inspect the case for corrosion and condition; and install new batteries and test momentarily for operation.

(20) Space Blankets. Check space blankets (if required) for rips, tears, and obvi­ous damage.

(21) Light-sticks. Inspect light-sticks for condition and check expiration date.

(22) Solar Still Kit. Check the solar still kit for condition.

(23) Survival Manual. Inspect the sur­vival manual for condition and completeness.­

(24) Duct Tape. Check the duct tape for deterioration.

(25) Plastic Trash Bags. Assure that three (each) plastic trash bags are serviceable.

(26) Accessory Containers.

(a)       Check the containers for condi­tion and security.

(b)       Repack the accessories, secure, and record the inspection data on data cards. Record the Inspection date.

(27) Dye Marker. Check for dents and overall condition.

(28) Shark Chaser. Check for dents and overall condition.

After Inspection. Replace accessories in the container, close, and tie securely with tying tapes. Draw a 25-pound breaking strength cord tightly around the centre and one approximately 5 inches from each end of the container, tie with square knots, and seal with a lead seal.

Folding Life Rafts. Fold the life rafts per the manufacturer's folding diagram using soapstone and secure the raft in its container. Check the container for obvious-damage.

AIRCRAFT LIFE RAFT INSPECTIONS

LIFE RAFT INSPECTIONS

In­spection of life rafts should be performed in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. General inspection procedures to be' performed on most life rafts are as fol­lows.

CAUTION: Areas where life rafts are inspected or tested must be smooth, free of splinters, sharp projections, and oil stains. Floors with abrasive characteristics, such as concrete or rough wood, will be covered with un­treated tarpaulins or heavy clean pa­per.

Inspect life rafts for cuts, tears, or other damage to the rubberized material. If the raft is found to be in good condition, remove the CO_Z bottles) and inflate the raft with air to a pressure of 2 psi. The air should be intro­duced at the fitting normally connected to the CO_Z bottle(s). After at least 1 hour; to allow for the air within the raft to adjust itself to the ambient temperature, check pressure and ad­just, if necessary, to 2 psi and allow the raft to stand for 24 hours. If, after 24 hours, the pres­sure is less than 1 psi, examine the raft for leakage by using soapy "water.         In order to eliminate pressure variations due to tempera­ture differences at the time the initial and final reading are taken, test the raft in a room where the temperature is fairly constant. If the pres­sure drop is satisfactory, the raft should be considered as being in an airworthy condition and returned to service after being fitted with correctly charged CO_Z bottles as determined by weighing them. Rafts more than 5 years old are likely to be unairworthy due to deteriora­tion. It is suggested that serviceable rafts be marked to indicate the date of inspection and that soapstone be used when folding them pre­paratory to insertion into the carrying case. Take care to see that all of the raft's required equipment is on board and properly stowed. If the raft lanyard, used to prevent the raft from floating away from the airplane, is in need of replacement, use a lanyard not less than 20 feet long and having a breaking strength of about 75 pounds.

It is recommended that the aforemen­tioned procedure be repeated every 18 months using the C0₂ bottles) for inflation. If a sin­gle bottle is used for inflating both compart­ments, it should be noted whether the inflation is proceeding equally to both compartments. Occasionally, the formation of "carbon dioxide snow" may occur in one passage of the distribution manifold and divert a larger vol­ume of gas to one compartment, which may burst if the mattress valve is not open to re­lieve the pressure. If the pressure is satisfac­tory, return the raft to service in accordance with the procedure outlined.

Inspect the C0₂ cylinder for evidence of cross-threading or stripping.

Inspect the C0₂ bottle inflation valve cable rigging as follows.

(1)       Remove the screws that attach the cover plate to the valve and remove the cover - plate.

(2)       Inspect the firing line cable ball swage for engagement in the correct recess for either "Upward Pull" or "Downward Pull." The cable will be wrapped around the sheave approximately 270 degrees.

(3)       Reposition the cable ball swage as required.

(4)       Replace the cover plate. The green dot on the sheave should be visible through the window in the cover plate, indicating a charged cylinder.

6.2.5 Check the C0₂ cylinder release cable and housing for condition and security.

6.2.6 Make sure the safety deflector is re­moved from the cylinder outlet before con­necting the cylinder to the raft.

6.2.7 Stencil the life raft's inspection date on the raft