schedules  and  for  properly  doing  the  required inspections. INSPECTION  SCHEDULES The  frequency  and  nature  of  parachute inspections depends on the use of the parachute. Those  used  regularly  for  jumping,  such  as parachutes  assigned  to  SEAL  teams,  are  inspected and repacked after each use; these and others are on  a  different  schedule  than  those  intended  for emergency use. Our discussion focuses on emer- gency   parachutes   to   emphasize   that   although they  are  rarely  used,  they  may  be  damaged  in handling   or   exposed   to   hazards   in   their environment. Emergency  parachutes  are  assigned  to  oper- ating  units.  They  may  be  part  of  an  aircraft inventory  or  they  maybe  assigned  to  a  ready  issue room.  To  some  extent,  the  frequency  of  their inspection  depends  on  the  type  of  aircraft  to  which they  are  assigned.  Those  assigned  to  attack  or fighter  aircraft  are  inspected  more  frequently  than those on the larger patrol, cargo, or other planes where they are not sat upon or otherwise subjected to  as  many  hazards. Major  inspections  of  emergency  parachutes are routine when the parachute is first put into service, and then later at intervals to coincide with the  time  the  aircraft  is  down  for  major  main- tenance. Less extensive inspections that do not involve unpacking   the   parachute   are   daily,   preflight, postflight, and special. These special inspections are  done  every  7  days,  10  days,  or  14  days, depending  on  the  type  of  aircraft.  Of  course,  if any  damage  is  found  or  suspected  during  these inspections,  the  assembly  is  sent  to  an  aviation intermediate   maintenance   depot   (AIMD)   for thorough inspection, testing, and possible repair. Several special inspections may also be done. For   instance,   after   a   combat   mission   the parachute   assembly   is   inspected   for   missile damage  from  bullets  or  fragments.  After  an emergency use the entire parachute is shipped to the  Naval  Weapons  Center,  China  Lake,  Cali- fornia,   for   a   detailed   inspection.   Other   in- spections may be ordered if defects are suspected in  a  group  of  parachutes  or  in  association  with authorized  changes  and  modifications. 1-16 PARACHUTE   MAINTENANCE All   parachutes   are   given   periodic   main- tenance  inspections  under  the  direction  and control  of  the  maintenance  control  officer. Maintenance  is  to  be  thorough  at  all  times. No   instance   of   careless   treatment   or   neglect of  parachute  equipment  is  to  be  allowed  to pass   unnoticed.   The   vital   function   of   this equipment  must  be  uppermost  in  the  minds  of all  personnel  concerned. SPECIFICATIONS Parachute  maintenance  and  inspection  pro- cedures  are  performed  according  to  the  guide- lines  set  forth  in  the   Emergency   Personnel and   Drogue   Parachute   Systems   Manual, NAVAIR   13-1-6.2,   and   the   M a i n t e n a n ce Requirements   Cards,   NAVAIR   13-600-4-6-3. These   manuals   are   continually   updated,   and when   using   them,   as   in   using   any   publica- tion,   you   must   first   make   sure   that   the current   changes   are   included.   The   manuals will  list  all  of  the  proper  steps,  procedures, and  points  to  inspect.  They  also  give  you information   about   proper   specifications,   tech- nical   data,   and   are   used   to   ensure   that all   steps   are   followed,   all   details   are   in- spected,   and   that   all   quality   control   items are   checked   at   the   proper   time   by   a   quality assurance  inspector  (QA).  Using  these  manuals is  mandatory  and  ensures  that  you  are  follow- ing  the  current  and  approved  procedures. Whenever  a  question  on  the  construction of  parachute  equipment  comes  up,  you  should obtain  and  study  the  drawing  that  applies. Repairs  that  are  difficult  should  be  compared to   the   drawing   to   ensure   that   the   finished product  is  the  same  as  the  one  in  the  draw- ing.  The  drawing  number  or  reference  number of   a   particular   piece   of   parachute   equipment can  be  found  in  the  applicable  work  package in the  Emergency  Personnel  and  Drogue  Para- chute  Systems  Manual,  NAVAIR  13-1-6.2. All   parachute   maintenance   is   done   by the   lowest   level   activity   equipped   to   satis- factorily  perform  the  work.  Mission,  time, equipment,  trained  personnel,  and  operational needs   are   the   basic   considerations   involved in   determining   which   level   performs   the work.