RIPCORD ASSEMBLY INSPECTION

The ripcord was inspected before the parachute was unpacked. Now it is inspected again. To inspect the ripcord assembly, examine the following:

1. Inspect the ripcord handle. Examine the cable and locking pins for signs of corrosion, bends, dents, cracks, loose swage joints, and breaks. If damaged, dispose of it locally.

2. Inspect the ripcord housing for signs of corrosion, bends, dents, and for security of attachment. If any damage is found, replace the housing.

3. Inspect the ripcord housing release clamp and baseplate for signs of corrosion, bends, dents, cracks and security of attachment.

4. Inspect the ripcord housing release lanyard and guide for signs of contamination, tears, fraying, loose or broken stitches, cuts, burns, correct length and security of attachment.

5. If you find any loose or damaged tackings, they must be replaced.

Ripcord Handle Pocket Inspection

Inspect the ripcord handle pocket for signs of contamination, cuts, tears, burns, fraying, and loose or broken stitches. If such damage is found, the pocket is replaced. You have an option on how the new pocket can be installed. You may install a new pocket by machine stitching, using nylon thread, size E (V-T-295), or by whip stitching, using waxed nylon 6-cord, type I, doubled, stitches being 3/8-inch apart.

Ripcord Handle Clip Inspection

To inspect the ripcord handle clip, you should do the following:

1. Examine the clip for corrosion, sharp edges, bends, twists, and dents. Examine the webbing for contamination, fraying, loose or broken stitching, cuts and burns. Replace any damaged stitching. If other damage exists, replace webbing and/or clip.

2. If any maintenance is performed on the clip, repeat the pull-force test outlined in NAVAIR 13-600-4-6-3 and described earlier in this chapter.

CONTAINER ASSEMBLY INSPECTION

When you inspect the container assembly, examine all flaps, locking cones, and grommets, spring opening bands, and tackings; checking fabric, seams, reinforcement, and hardware. Check fabric, seams, webbing and reinforcement for holes, cuts, tears, fraying, contamination, and deterioration. Examine hardware for corrosion, bends, dents, nicks, sharp edges, proper function, and security of attachment. Make sure that you keep a record of any damage for later repairs. Repair holes, tears, snags, or rips in container fabric using approved procedures as described in NAVAIR 13-1-6.2.

Some parachute containers use rubber retaining bands to secure the suspension lines. On most assemblies these rubber bands must be replaced at each repack regardless of their condition.

COMPLIANCE WITH CURRENT DIRECTIVES

On parachute repack cycles, or when otherwise directed, inspect the parachute assembly and components for updating according to the latest modifications. For each type of parachute, refer to the Emergency Personnel and Drogue Parachute Systems Manual, NAVAIR 13-1-6.2, and recent Aircrew System bulletins and changes for all current parachute configurations. Do not permit any local modifications without prior approval by proper authority.