Periodic Inspections

Periodic Inspections Malfunctions Prior to the first launching of each day’s operations, execute the PMS preoperational inspection according to the MRCs. After each day’s operation, perform the PMS postoperational inspection according to the MRCs. Other inspections must be conducted in addition to preoperational and postoperational. These inspections are also accomplished through the use of MRCs. Prior to conducting an inspection or maintenance on catapult equipment where an injury could occur from careless operation, make sure the following safety precautions have been accomplished in the order indicated: 1. Disconnect the grab from the shuttle and move it fully aft. 2. Close the main steam supply to the steam receivers. 3. Reduce steam pressure in the receivers to atmospheric pressure. 4. Open the retraction-engine accumulator blow- down valve. 5. Station a safety person at the control console and deckedge control manning sound-powered tele- phones to prevent tampering with catapult controls. 6. Station a safety person at the retraction engine and the water-brake tank, manning sound-powered telephones. 7. Tag steam-smothering valve “out of service.” 8. Station a safety person on the flight deck (in the shuttle area) to prevent accidental movement of the shuttle while personnel are in the water-brake tank. The preceding safety instructions must be strictly followed. Under any conditions when inspection of the water brakes area is undertaken, it is imperative that the control console remain in a SAFE position (exhaust valve open, grab aft). This section provides operating personnel with a guide to assist in analyzing some of the catapult malfunctions. During a sequence of launchings, malfunctions may remove the catapult from operation. When a malfunction occurs, the catapult officer and operating personnel should be able to recognize the trouble and immediately initiate the proper repair procedures. In addition to equipment repairs, the cause of the malfunction should be determined and corrective action taken before returning the catapult to operational status. The following general items must be checked whenever a malfunction occurs: WARNING When a malfunction occurs, the catapult must be put in a SAFE condition before corrective action is attempted, to prevent accidental launching of aircraft or injury to personnel. Before repairing the retraction engine or drive system, blow down the retraction-engine accumulator and associated piping. 1. Check that gauges indicate proper pressures and that valves are set according to status of valves. 2. Check that hydraulic lines are not broken, leaking, or clogged. 3. Check that electrical wires and terminals are not disconnected, broken, or shorted. 4. Visually inspect the catapult for any abnormal condition. All preoperational and postoperational inspection procedures that apply to a specific system or station of the catapult are to be conducted and completed by the person or persons assigned the duty. For detailed inspection procedures, the ABE must consult the applicable MRCs. Reeving Advance and Retract Cables Reeving the cable drive system of the retraction engine, like any other maintenance performed on the catapult, comes under the PMS (Planned Maintenance System) and has an MRC that gives a step-by-step 4-75