MODIFICATIONS OF FLIGHT EQUIPMENT

Perform only authorized modifications. Unauthorized modification and deviations from the approved configuration of life support and survival equipment by individual crewmen could create unknown and possibly dangerous conditions.

NAVAIRSYSCOM is the only authority for modification to life support equipment and survival equipment. Such changes are usually accomplished by the cognizant field activity (CFA) via Aircrew System Changes or a change to the equipment procurement package. The NAVAIR 13-1-6.5 also permits an operating activity, with approval of the controlling custodian, to conditionally modify ONE unit of equipment in service to correct or overcome unsatisfactory conditions in that equipment item. Any other type ^{of deviation,} peculiar configuration, or modification to life support and survival equipment is not allowed at the operating level. The squadron riggers have no authority or responsibility y to perform them.

If there is a conflict between CFA documents and NATOPS requirements, or if there is a need for clarification of equipment configuration or if equipment deficiencies are discovered, the CFA should be notified. The field activity having cognizance of most of the life support and survival equipment is the Naval Air Development Center (NAVAIRDEVCEN) at Warminster, Pennsylvania. For parachutes and related hardware, including torso harness, the CFA is the Naval Weapons Center (Code 6412), China Lake, California, 93555.

NADEP Pensacola has cognizance over all survival radios and URT-33 emergency beacons.

TYPES OF FLIGHT CLOTHING

The flight clothing covered in this chapter is designated to be worn by aircrew members as outer garments while on flight operations in aircraft. As a squadron aircrew survival equipmentman, you maybe asked to sew on squadron patches, name tags, and rate insignias. These items are authorized to be worn on flight clothing as directed by the local command. However, the total surface area of all patches (name tag excluded) may not exceed 50 square inches, and no one patch may be bigger than 4 inches in any given direction.

SUMMER FLYER'S COVERALL CWU-27/P AND BLUE FLYER'S COVERALL CWU-73/P

The CWU-27/P summer flyer's coverall and the CWU-73/P blue flyer's coverall (fig. 4-1) are

Figure 4-1.-Summer flyer's coverall, CWU-27/P and blue flyer's CWU-73/P.

designed to be worn as an outer garment in warmtemperature zones, and they provide protection in the event of an aircraft fire. They are designated for use by all aircrew members.

Configuration

The coveralls are one-piece, unlined garments that are made of Aramid cloth, which is a hightemperature resistant, inherently flame-retardant, synthetic fabric with no hot-melt point or drip characteristics. This lightweight fabric does not support combustion, but begins to char at 7000 to 800 "F. The fabric has abrasion resistance similar to nylon, and like nylon, Aramid is nonabsorbent. Because of this characteristic, cotton underwear should be worn under the coverall for optimum comfort. The color of the CWU-27/P is sage green, and the CWU-73/P is blue.

The CWU-27/P and CWU-73/P (fig. 4-1) have a slide fastener (zipper) front closure, side pass-throughs, biswing back, and hook and pile fastener size adjustments at the end of each leg. Also included are two breast patch pockets, one combination cigarette and multiple pencil compartment on the upper front left sleeve, and two thigh pockets. The CWU-73/P has epaulets to allow attachment of shoulder boards. Except for the knife pocket on the left thigh and the multiple pencil compartment pocket on the right lower leg, all pockets and pass-throughs have butted, beaded, covered, slide fasteners. If a hook blade knife (shroud cutter) is carried, it should be tied to the pocket cord and stowed in the knife pocket with the hook blade open for emergency use.

Fitting

The coveralls are fitted to the aircrew member, and their size normally corresponds to men's regular suit sizes. The coveralls are used with standard Navy personal equipment and may be worn over or under the anti-g garment. The coverall sleeves should always be worn down and closed at the wrist to ensure maximum fire protection.

Maintenance

The aircrew member's responsibility for maintenance of the coverall is limited to cleaning. The coveralls are inspected for general condition at intervals not to exceed 90 days. Repairs performed at the organizational level are restricted to repairing open seams, small holes or tears, replacement of hook and pile fastener tape, and replacement of slide fasteners.

Only high-temperature resistant Aramid cloth (MIL-C-81280) and high-temperature resistant nylon thread (MIL-T-83193) should be used for repairs.

A new coverall should be laundered before use to soften the fabric and eliminate any possible skin irritation that might occur due to original fabric harshness. After tumble drying or during drip drying, the coverall should be hung on a wooden hanger. The fabric is a drip-dry type that requires no special handling, and it may be washed as frequently as needed. The coverall may be laundered by the aircrew member at home or in a commercial-type washer and dryer. Laundering in water up to 140F and tumble drying up to 180F does not damage or shrink the coveralls.

Use of a commercial fabric softener in the rinse cycle removes body oils during the laundering process. The fabric softeners also stop static cling. Ironing or pressing is permissible. However, it is difficult to remove wrinkles or creases due to the high-temperature resistant qualities of the material. Coveralls that are heavily soiled and\or stained with oil or grease may be cleaned with solvents normally used in commercial dry cleaning establishments. Dry cleaning or laundering does not compromise the flameretardant properties, and no renewable flameretardant treatment is required.