Drop-testing Criteria.

TM 10-1670-201-23

T.O. 13C-1-41

NAVAIR 13-1-17

parachute, the weight of the dummy or load, as applic-

b. Insert the .080-inch-diameter safety wire in to

able, will be proportionate with the standard design load

the .093-inch-diameter safety wire hole on the snap

of the specific parachute being tested. In addition, the

assembly to insure that wire will fit in the hole. If the

applicable type parachute will be released under

safety wire does not fit the hole in the snap assembly,

conditions which are consistent with the requirements

replace the wire length according to fabrication

for a personnel jump or equipment drop.

procedures in TM 10-1670-213-23.

c. During the drop-test of any type parachute, the

deployment of the parachute will be thoroughly

2-22. Drop-testing Criteria.

monitored and observed to detent any indication of

Drop-testing of airdrop equipment consists of

malfunction or defect. A subsequent record of the drop-

physically airdropping an item from an aircraft in flight.

test will be entered into the applicable parachute log

The drop test is used as a means of proving the

record using the procedures in paragraph 1-5 c (1).

serviceability of an item or checking parachute rigger

d. Any type of airdrop equipment which indicates

proficiency and will only be performed under the

any evidence of malfunction or defect during or after a

supervision of qualified parachute rigger personnel who

drop-test will be disposed of as prescribed in paragraph

satisfy the supervisory requirements outlined in AR 750-

2-10.

32. Drop-testing usually will be conducted by an activity

responsible for the inspection and maintenance of

e. A personnel parachute which is considered to

airdrop equipment, which includes either parachute

have contributed to the injury of an individual

packing or airdrop load rigging. The criteria required to

parachutist (critical or fatal) will be disposed of in

accomplish a drop test is as follows:

accordance with paragraph 2-10.

a. To drop-test a troop-type personnel parachute,

f. Airdrop equipment which does not reflect

the parachute will be jumped by a qualified parachute

evidence of malfunction or defect upon completion of a

rigger. An emergency-type personnel parachute or

drop-test will be administered a technical/rigger-type

reserve personnel parachute will be drop-tested through

inspection as outlined in paragraph 2-13. If serviceable,

use of a dummy only.

the item(s) may then remain in use.

b. When drop-testing either a personnel or cargo

Section V. SERVICE PROCEDURES

performed using the following procedures, as applicable.

2-23. Shakeout and Airing.

As soon as possible after recovery, airdrop

(1) Shakeout of personnel parachutes and

equipment used in airdrop operations will be

other small parachutes. The shakeout of personnel

administered a shakeout.

In addition, the used

parachutes and other small parachutes will usually be

equipment will be aired if previously exposed to

accomplished by a two-man team, either indoors within

moisture or other conditions causing dampness.

a shakeout room or outdoors at a shakeout tower. Each

Shakeout and airing of airdrop items will be

parachute will be suspended by the canopy vent and all

accomplished as follows:

debris removed by shaking the canopy thoroughly or by

a. Shakeout.

The purpose of individual item

brushing with a dry soft-bristle brushed as detailed

shakeout is to remove trash and debris from the item

below:

and also to permit early detection of obvious damage or

(a) With assistance from the No. 2

defects. The shakeout of airdrop equipment may be

man, the No. 1 man will connect the snap on a pulley

performed either indoors or outdoors, depending upon

rope to the canopy bridle loop (A, fig. 2-12).

the local climatic conditions. The methods to be used in

the shakeout of equipment will vary according to the

Key to figure 1-12:

facilities available and the types of equipment

Connecting pulley rope snap to canopy vent.

undergoing shakeout. Regardless of the method being

Grasping suspension lines to shake first gore.

used, those personnel performing a shakeout function

Removing suspension line entanglements.

will continually check the equipment visually for evident

S-folding the suspension lines.

damage or defects. Shakeout of airdrop items will be

2-17