PROCEDURES FOR PRELIMINARY TESTS AND INSPECTIONS

Also include the Parachute Configuration, Inspection, and History Record and any reference information or documents that would have a bearing on a technical investigation. If the aircrewman sustained fatal or serious injuries during the escape or recovery sequence, include photographs of the parachute, ejection seat, and other components at the scene of the impact. Ensure the proper shipping tags and labels are attached to all equipment and the shipping container. If pyrotechnics or explosives are in the package, it should be noted on the outside of the c o n t a i n e r . PROCEDURES FOR PRELIMINARY TESTS AND INSPECTIONS When you are assembling a parachute for an original issue inspection or performing a normal calendar repack, you will have to do some preliminary test and inspections that are common to all personal parachutes. These inspections and tests are discussed in the following text. RIPCORD PULL TEST Parachutes must be given a ripcord pull test before being unpacked for inspection. The maximum pull force that you may use is 27 pounds. If you go over 27 pounds, the ripcord pins, cones, and grommets must be checked for bends, dents, and roughness, and make sure that the ripcord cable moves freely in the housing. Inspect the housing for sharp bends or dents and replace any damaged parts. Silicone spray may be sparingly applied to ripcord parts. Make sure that ripcord pins are properly positioned before testing. All assemblies with metal ripcord handle clips require an additional test. To do this, use a straight pull to remove the handle from the clip; this will require 10 to 20 pounds of force. If not within limits, use pliers to adjust the clip. SERVICE LIFE CHECKS Testing the ripcord opens the container. If the assembly includes explosive devices, they must be deactivated at this time. The canopy is then placed on the table with the nameplate up. If the parachute is being placed in service, the date is stenciled on the parachute canopy on the nameplate gore directly below the nameplate. For a periodic inspection, you should verify the nameplate data against the Parachute Configuration, Inspection, and History Record, or “History Card.” If the service life dates listed on the history card are in accordance with the Maintenance Requirement Cards, NAVAIR 13-600-4-6-3, check their expiration dates against the current date of inspection. Items that have reached service life limits must be replaced. Items that will become overage after the assembly is repacked may remain in service until the next inspection date of the complete assembly. An exception to this are the explosive devices, which must be replaced if their expiration date will be reached before the next inspection. REPLACEMENT OF PARACHUTE ASSEMBLIES AND SUBASSEMBLIES Not all the components of a parachute assembly come to the end of their service lives at the same time. After a parachute has been in service for some time, some of the components or subassemblies will have to be replaced in the course of the periodic inspections. If you find an assembly or subassembly that has reached the service/total life limit, it should be returned to supply for appropriate disposition according to current supply instructions. Before turning an overage assembly in to supply, you should remove all serviceable ready for issue (RFI) subassemblies. You should carefully inspect all nylon webbing and cloth on items to be salvaged. Dirt, oil and grease greatly weaken these materials. All fabric items salvaged must have date of manufacture and date placed into service markings verified prior to disassembly. Cartridges used on cartridge-actuated parachutes are to be handled, shipped, stored or disposed of in accordance with NAVAIR 11-100-1. When an in- service parachute does not have a start of service date, the service life from date of manufacture expires as follows: in 7 years for emergency use parachute assemblies; in 10 years for troop and training assemblies. CONTAMINATION INSPECTION Contamination of a parachute canopy or an assembly could result in the malfunction of the complete assembly. It is very important that you be able to recognize a harmful stain. All parachute assemblies must be carefully inspected for the following types of contamination: 1. Acid/alkaline 2. Salt water 1-24