The Navy considers all aircraft tires to be potentially retreadable. Used aircraft tires should not be discarded or scrapped until they have been determined unfit for further use. All tires removed from aircraft should have the injuries marked with a wax crayon. Then, the tire should be turned in to the AIMD or IMA for screening. The AIMD or IMA will determine if the tire is serviceable or nonserviceable and take the necessary action.

Serviceable tires are those judged suitable for continued service use by the tire shop personnel. They should be retained in service until the remaining tread at any spot is one thirty-second of an inch thick or to the limits of the tread wear indicators. Defects permitted are cut limits contained on the tire sidewall or as listed in body fabric.

Nonserviceable tires may be nonretreadable or retreadable. Nonretreadable tires should be coded "H (BCM-9) for condemnation and forwarded to the local supply department. The following inspection criteria must be used by the tire shop personnel to determine those tires that are nonretreadable:

Blowouts

Punctures extending through the entire carcass measuring more than one-fourth inch in diameter or length on the outside and more than one-eighth inch in diameter or length on the inside

Loose, frayed, or broken cords evident on the inner tire surface

Cord body fabric damage, visible to the naked eye without the use of mechanical devices

NOTE: Exposure of cords on fabric-reinforced tread tires (which is imprinted on the tire sidewall) is permissible.

Figure 11-26.Rapid tread wear caused by underinflation.

Kinked, broken, or exposed wire beads

Tread separation and bulges exceeding 1 inch

Tires saturated with rubber deteriorating liquids

Tires exposed to excessive heat

All tires removed from service, which are not condemned, are potentially rebuildable and should be condition coded "F" (BCM-1) and returned to the supply department for retreading. The number of retreads a carcass may receive will be based solely on carcass integrity as determined by the inspection criteria.