HELMET CONFIGURATION BUILDUP

Once the basic PRK-37/P helmet shell and major components are received, carefully inspect the shipping containers for evidence of damage or signs of abuse. Open each container and verify that all the required items have been included. If any parts are defective, damaged, or missing, replace all items in the shipping container, prepare a Deficiency Investigation Report, and notify the proper authority. Once the helmet shell and related components have been accepted, the shell may be built up by adding or removing major components in order to obtain the desired configuration for required aircrew or aircraft application. Before you attempt to build up the helmet, it is necessary to follow the steps outlined in the NAVAIR 13-1-6.7 for each major component you are installing.

MAINTENANCE

As with all equipment that you work with and maintain, proper care of the fixed-wing series

Table 4-3.-PRK-37/P Helmet Shell Sizing Guide

helmet assemblies is essential to ensure optimum performance during emergencies and routine flights. The aircrew member is responsible for cleaning and proper handling of the helmet. All repairs and modifications are done by the PR at the organizational maintenance level or above.

Cleaning

You must clean all parts of the helmet at least every 90 days. To clean the shell and edge roll, use mild detergent and water. Sometimes you may have to use a mild abrasive scouring powder to remove stains or scuff marks. The chin strap, nape strap, and fitting pads may be cleaned by lightly sponging with a solution of detergent and water. The skull cap may be laundered in a machine, but this is the responsibility y of the aircrew member.

The visor assemblies are probably the most important parts that require cleaning. If you have ever worn sunglasses and they became dirt y, you know how aggravating that can become. By using a solution of mild soap and water and a soft cloth, you can clean most visor's lenses. Rinse off the solution and allow to dry. If lenses are still soiled or slightly scratched. clean the outside visor only with liquid canopy polish. The inside of the visor must be cleaned with a soft, lint-free cloth. After cleaning, apply an antifog solution.

Addition of Reflective Tape

The addition of reflective tape on the helmet provides for improved detectability of the downed aircrew member. The tape must be affixed to all helmets. However, in combat areas the tape may

be removed, as the crew commander directs. White and red reflective tapes are recommended, as they afford the greatest detectability y. When applying the tape, you use any pattern specified by the unit commander, as long as the tape pattern covers a minimum of 100 percent of the helmet visor housing and outer shell.

To apply the tape, you should preheat both the helmet and the tape to approximately 100 "F. This improves the adherence qualities and ease of application.

Aviator helmets should be taped in accordance with the provisions of chapter 7 of OPNAVINST

3710.7 (series) (general NATOPS) and any type commander directives.

INSPECTIONS

There is one basic inspection that you must perform on the helmet-the calendar inspection. In addition, the aircrew member is responsible for a preflight/postflight inspection before and after each flight.

Calendar Inspection

The calendar inspection is conducted by organizational-level activities upon issue and every 90 days thereafter. The 90-day inspection consists of a visual inspection, functional check, and a thorough cleaning.

NOTE: Every other calendar inspection, or every 180 days, the chin strap, nape strap pad, ear seals, and skull cap must be replaced.

Visual Inspection

To visually inspect the helmet, you must make a thorough sight inspection for broken parts, security of attached parts, loose or broken stitchings, and also inspect the earcups for sound attenuation and pliability.

Functional Check

The functional check is performed with the aid of a REDAR oxygen hose test set. If this unit is not available, standard shop procedures should be performed. Refer to NAVAIR 17-15BC-7 for the proper testing sequence.