CHAPTER 6 INFLATABLE SURVIVAL EQUIPMENT

CHAPTER 6 INFLATABLE SURVIVAL EQUIPMENT Learning Objective: Upon completion of this chapter, you will be able to recognize, inspect, and maintain inflatable survival equipment. Since naval air operations are predominantly over water, the Navy has developed highly reliable and versatile inflatable equipment designed to meet the needs of aircrew personnel in a water survival situation. The versatility seen in current inflatable survival equipment meets the ever increasing and diverse needs of the fleet. For example, the life preserver provides more than enough buoyancy to support a person with all survival gear donned, but not sacrifice comfort or adversely restrict movement in the water. It does not interfere with the aircrew member’s ability to perform his/her duties aboard the aircraft. The life preserver is flame resistant, lightweight, and has the capability to contain certain survival items. The life preserver is reliable and will save a life, if used properly. Life rafts provide protection from the cold and hostile environment of the sea. For single- and dual-seat aircraft, a one-man life raft adequately fulfills this function. However, for large aircraft, the 4-, 7-, 12-, or 20-man life rafts will be used. In addition to providing protection from the environment, these rafts carry an adequate number of survival items for their capacity, but are still light enough to carry. Naval aircraft making operational flights over water are required to carry rafts that will accommodate all the assigned crew, plus pas- sengers. These rafts are manufactured in various sizes and configurations to meet the demands of all type of aircraft. Pneumatic rafts are compact assemblies, which can be stowed in a small area. They should be stowed so they are readily accessible, preferably near an emergency exit. Never stow a raft under other equipment or cargo or near batteries. Pro- tect them from heaters, engines, auxiliary power units, electronic tubes, or other sources of heat. If the aircraft flight manual designates a storage place for rafts, this space will be used, unless you are otherwise directed by competent authority. Whenever possible, stow rafts in the same manner in all aircraft of the same model. This enables the crew to become familiar with their location, and thus avoid confusion in the event of a ditching. Rafts are constructed of rubber-impregnated nylon fabric; therefore, they are susceptible to damage from maltreatment. However, when afloat at sea, they are surprisingly strong and durable, and have a tenacious stability. It is your responsibility as a PR to inspect, pack, and maintain all of the various types of rafts and related equipment carried in aircraft. INSPECTIONS All inflatable survival equipment will be subjected to periodic maintenance under the direction and control of the maintenance/material control officer of the activity to which the equipment is assigned. Maintenance must be thorough at all times. No instance of careless treatment or willful neglect of inflatable survival equipment will be allowed to go unnoticed. The vital function of this equipment must be upper- most in the minds of all personnel concerned. The periodic inspection cycles should coincide with the specific aircraft inspection cycles specified in OPNAVINST 4790.2 (series), or personal issue equipment cycle, as applicable. To meet unusual situations and aid workload scheduling, a period of plus or minus 1 week, or portion thereof, may be applied to the authorized inflatable survival equipment calendar maintenance interval. A period of plus or minus 6-1