INSPECTING FOR WEAR AND PHYSICAL DEFECTS

3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Perspiration Freshwater Mildew/fungus Fire-fighting agent Petroleum products Bloodstains Mud/dirt/sand/trash Acid and Alkaline Contamination If a parachute assembly is suspected of having acid or alkaline contamination, it must be tested with a pH test paper. A pH reading of 5.0 to 9.0 is in the safe zone. Readings below 5.0 indicate excess acidity, and readings above 9.0 indicate excess alkalinity. By following the steps listed below, you will be able to conduct a proper inspection to determine if a stain is acid or alkaline. You need to have distilled water and a pH test paper kit (full range and short range). CAUTION MAKE SURE THAT THE TESTING AREA IS FREE OF CONTAMINANTS TO AVOID FALSE READINGS OR DAMAGE TO THE ASSEMBLY. To perform an acid and alkaline contaminant inspection properly, you should take the following steps: 1. First, dampen the suspected area with distilled water. 2. Place a piece of full-range test paper (0.0 to 14.0 pH) on the dampened area. Compare the color of the paper with the chart samples to determine the approximate pH and which specific short-range test paper to use. 3. Place the short-range test paper indicated by step 2 on the dampened area. The color the paper changes to will indicate the pH factor of the affected area. By matching the test strip with the applicable range color chart supplied with the pH indicator kit, you can determine the strength of the acid or alkaline present. NOTE: You must be careful not to let the suspected contaminated area come into contact with any other area, as this could spread the damage. 4. Treat contaminated areas of the para- chute assembly in accordance with NAVAIR 13-1-6.2. Other Contaminations Those stains caused by contact with acid, oil, and salt water are the most harmful to nylon and should be removed as quickly as possible to prevent further deterioration of the material. Although sun rays do not stain, they are most harmful to nylon. Parachutes and components must be kept out of the direct sunlight. INSPECTING FOR WEAR AND PHYSICAL DEFECTS Wear in a parachute is not difficult to detect. Chafing at the comers or on outside surfaces is where the most wear occurs. Parts of parachutes and related equipment showing excessive wear should be replaced or repaired, the work to be accomplished at the lowest maintenance level capable of performing the task. PILOT PARACHUTE INSPECTION Inspect the fabric drag surfaces, rib pockets, lift webs, seams, and suspension lines for signs of contamination, cuts, tears, burns, fraying, and loose or missing stitches. Inspect the vane material for defects and deterioration. Inspect for seam separation along the seam area where the vane attaches to the cone and suspension lines. Yarn separation is acceptable; however, replace the pilot chute if the vane material contains holes, rips or tears. Inspect the spring assembly for sufficient tension and bends. Replace ail loose or broken tackings. There is little that you can repair on a pilot parachute. If any damage is found, you must replace the pilot parachute in accordance with NAVAIR 13-1-6.2. CANOPY INSPECTION Inspecting the canopy requires the most time. You must take your time in order to be certain that you don’t miss any defects. NAVAIR 13-600-4-6-3 and NAVAIR 13-1-6.2 spell out the step-by-step procedures for this inspection. Any damage must be recorded on a canopy damage chart. (See figure 1-15.) To inspect the canopy for possible defects or damage, you should take the following steps: 1. so its 2. Lay the canopy on a clean packing table nameplate gore is facing down. Place tension on the canopy. 1-25