SURVIVOR'S SLING

The survivor's sling is a buoyant device consisting of a kapok filling encased in a bright yellow waterproof cover to make it highly visible during rescue operations. Webbing, reeved through the cover with both ends terminating in two V-rings, is used to attach the sling to the helicopter rescue hook. Two retainer straps, one long with a quick-ejector snap and one short with a V-ring, are fastened to the webbing of the sling and are enclosed in slide fastener-secured envelopes. Refer to figures 5-13 and 5-14.

The survivor's sling (also known as the "horse collar" and rescue sling) is used to assist personnel performing rescue work from a helicopter over water or land. The survivor's sling is lowered on a hoist cable from a helicopter to the rescue swimmer and survivor. The sling is designed to accommodate one survivor at a time.

Figure 5-13.-Survivor's sling.

Figure 5-14.-Survivor's sling retainer straps pulled out.

Maintenance

The aircrewman's responsibility y for maintenance of the survivor's sling is limited to a freshwater wash. Repairs or other actions are

performed by organizational-level maintenance or above.

All survivor's slings are subject to a calendar inspection upon issue and at intervals not to exceed 225 days. All survivor's slings are subject to a preflight inspection also. This action is performed by the aircrewman before each flight and at least every 14 days. This inspection consists of a visual inspection outlined in the calendar inspection procedures.

Calendar Inspections

The calendar inspection consists of a visual inspection and a proof load test. To perform the visual inspection, proceed as follows:

1. Inspect all fabric for cuts, deterioration, and abrasion.

2. Inspect seams for proper adhesion and stitching.

3. Inspect the retainer straps for security of attachment and wear.

4. Inspect all hardware for security of attachment, corrosion, damage, wear, and, if applicable, ease of operation.

5. Inspect all markings. If the markings are faded or incorrect, they must be corrected by using black washproof ink.

The proof load test is performed on the survivor's sling during the calendar inspection and after each flight in which saltwater immersion has occurred. To perform a proof load test, proceed as follows:

1. Allow the sling to dry completely.

2. Inspect for damage to webbing of survivor's sling. Damage other than frayed or separated stitches is cause for replacement.

3. Place the survivor's sling in a webbing testing machine.

NOTE: If a webbing testing machine is not available, refer to NAVAIR 13-1-6.5 for a suitable alternate testing method.

4. Apply a load of 500 pounds at a rate of 1 inch per minute.

5. Again, inspect for any damage to the webbing of the survivor's sling. Damage other than frayed or separated stitches is cause for replacement.

6. Remove the sling from the webbing testing machine. ,

The survivor's sling must be cleaned after every immersion in salt water. To clean the survivor's sling, proceed as follows:

1. Clean the sling and its cover with a mild soap and water solution. Rinse well with fresh water.

2. Dry the sling and its cover with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth.