CHAPTER 11 AIRCREW SURVIVAL EQUIPMENT

CHAPTER 11 AIRCREW SURVIVAL EQUIPMENT INTRODUCTION Emergency conditions arise quickly and leave little or no time for preparation. You must know what survival equipment is available and how to use it before the need arises. You can receive aircrew survival training in a number of places. The first place is the aviator's equipment shop, commonly called the "parachute loft" or just the "paraloft." There you will meet the personnel that rig, pack, inspect, and maintain all Navy survival equipment. These personnel are members of the Aircrew Survival Equipmentman rating, and are commonly called "parachute riggers." In the parachute loft, you can get first-hand information on the different items that are covered in this chapter. The next place is in Flight Physiology. There you will find the medical people who are responsible for survival training. You may have an opportunity to see or even take a ride in the pressure chamber. The pressure chamber allows you to use oxygen equipment under the atmospheric pressure conditions encountered at high altitudes, and to see how your body reacts to those changes. The multiplace egress device is used in many areas. This device is used to simulate the problems involved in ditching an aircraft at sea, day or night. This training teaches you how to escape from a sinking aircraft and how to use inflatable life rafts and life preservers. FLIGHT CLOTHING LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Identify the types, characteristics, and uses of flight clothing. Naval aircrew protective equipment is designed to meet the extreme stresses of a combat environment. It also provides fire protection, camouflage, and has design features for escape and evasion. The wide range of environmental conditions in which aircraft must operate requires a compromise between comfort and the high level of protection needed. Protection is the first priority. Postcrash fire and cold water exposure are two critical areas where the survival requirements are more important than maintaining the best cockpit flying conditions. Flight clothing is designed to minimize injury from these hazards. Aircrew personal protective equipment, such as flight clothing, plays an important role in the safety and survival of pilots and aircrewmen. It protects personnel from the elements and provides adequate comfort for efficient mission performance. The primary purpose of flight clothing and equipment is to protect you from a variety of hazards. No single item of clothing or equipment can cover all the potential requirements. The Navy uses both general flight gear and specialized protective equipment for protection and comfort in cold and hot climates. General flight gear consists of flight coveralls, boots, gloves, etc.; specialized protective equipment consists of anti-g protection coveralls and antiexposure equipment. FLIGHT COVERALLS (SUMMER WEIGHT) The summer weight flight coverall (fig. 11-1), which comes in two colors (sage green and blue), is a one-piece suit made from Aramid cloth. Aramid cloth is a high-temperature resistant, flame retardant, and nonabsorbent synthetic fabric commonly called Nomex. The fabric is lightweight and does not burn, but it begins to char at 700° to 800°F. The suit is fitted by size, easy to put on, has ample pocket space, and is wash and wear. FLIGHT COVERALLS (COLD WEATHER) The cold weather flight coverall is a one-piece lined coverall similar to the summer-weight flight suit. The outer layer is a fire–resistant aramid twill with an inner layer of aramid microfiber thermal insulation. The coverall is sized and belted, has a concealed hood in the collar, has ample pocket space, and is wash and wear. The coverall has adjustable sleeve cuffs, front closure and leg zippers make it easy to get in to and provide a snug fit. The coverall is available in 24 sizes and may be worn instead of the summer flight suit when conditions warrant. FLIGHT BOOTS Flight boots are designed to protect your feet from high impact forces, such as crushing or piercing. The boots are water resistant. 11-1