PREFLIGHT/POSTFLIGHT INSPECTION

The preflight/postflight inspection is a visual inspection performed by the aircrew member to

CAUTION

ENSURE THAT CLEANING SOLU-TION DOES NOT ENTER THE IN-HALATION/EXHALATION VALVE ASSEMBLY.

Moisten a gauze pad with the cleaning solution and wash the facepiece and housing assembly both internally and externally.

After washing, the mask should be thoroughly and repeatedly rinsed with warm water.

NOTE: Another alternate sanitizer, Aerosol Antiseptic Spray SBT-12 (dibromosalicyl bromanicide), manufactured by Lever Brothers, Inc., can be used. Directions for use are indicated on the container.

After all parts are dry, disinfect by using a gauze pad or other lint-free wipers, with a solution of 2 tablespoons of chlorine bleach per gallon of water; rinse with clear water and air dry. Be certain disinfectant reaches inner crevices of the faceform.

To clean the delivery hose, wash it with a cleaning solution and rinse it with clear water. Allow all parts to air dry.

When cleaning the inhalation/exhalation valve assembly, it will be necessary for you to obtain a container just large enough to partially submerge the valve. Fill the container half full of benzalkonium chloride solution, MIL-B-37451, or a solution of 70 percent isopropyl alcohol and 30 percent distilled water.

Figure 4-27.-Removing locking nut.

By using a valve wrench, as shown in figure 4-27, unscrew the valve nut and remove the locking nut, bearing washer, and isolation washer from the inside of the mask. This will allow the valve, sealing washer, delivery tube, and connector assembly to be removed as a unit from the outside of the mask. Hold the base portion of the valve and submerge the operating portion of the valve into the solution. Normally, only a few seconds are required to remove any stains and residue. For stubborn residues, use a cotton swab saturated with benzalkonium chloride and rub lightly to remove. Gently shake excess solution from oxygen valve and allow it to air dry completely.

CHAPTER 5

RESCUE AND SURVIVAL EQUIPMENT

Learning Objective: Upon completion of this chapter, you will be able to recognize, inspect, and maintain survival items and rescue equipment.

When an aircrewman has to leave his aircraft

in a hostile environment, survival items provide a means of sustaining life, attracting the attention of rescuers, and aid in evading the enemy. Survival items may be packed in life rafts, droppable kits, and kits intended to be carried or worn by the aircrewman.

As an Aircrew Survival Equipmentman, your responsibility to the aircrewman is to maintain these survival items. You need to know how they work and be able to pass that information on to the aircrewman.

Many of the items that are frequently carried by the aircrewman are discussed in the following text. The ones that are not covered in this chapter are described in the NAVAIR 13-1-6.5 manual.

SIGNALING EQUIPMENT AND DEVICES

The following items are used to attract the attention of a rescue team. With the proper knowledge, ability, and caution, these items can provide invaluable assistance in a survival situation.

DYE MARKER

The dye marker (fig. 5-1) is an aniline dye powder in a sealed container. When placed in the water, it produces a bright color that appears orange or fluorescent green-depending on how the light strikes it. It is used to attract the attention of rescue aircraft. The dye is exhausted from the package in 20 to 30 minutes and ceases to be a good target after 1 hour. The dye-exposed water

Figure 5-1.-Dye marker.

area is visible at an approximate distance of 10 miles from an altitude of 3,000 feet. If rapid dispersion of the dye is desired, agitate the packet of dye vigorously in the water.