Cartridges and Cartridge-Actuated Devices

The parachute in the example uses a cartridgeactuated device, so you must fill out the appropriate columns on the history card. If the parachute does not use the devices listed, you must use the letters N/A (not applicable) in the column(s). Enter the part number, type of cartridge being used, the time delay of the cartridge, lot number, and the expiration date of the cartridge.

Technical Directives

Since you are placing the parachute into service, you must update its history of technical directives with prescribed changes and modifications that were previously incorporated. The codes used to properly fill out this part of the history card can be found in appendix K of OPNAVINST 4790.2 (series). You also need to use NAVAIR 13-1-6.2 to find a listing of all technical directives that apply to this equipment.

Miscellaneous History

If applicable, you should enter the results of the ripcord pin pull force check for both disassembly and assembly. Notice the quality assurance inspector's initials are entered below each recorded measurement. The inspector's initials must also be placed in the space following the Suspension Line Mandatory Inspection Point (SLMIP). If applicable, the automatic parachute ripcord release firing altitude and the results of the spreading gun firing pin pull force check are logged in the proper location. If these checks do not apply, you should enter N/A. You should enter the Julian date of the last complete inspection and repack, if applicable. If you find these actions are not applicable, enter N/A. Indicate whether or not a canopy damage chart is attached by checking the appropriate box.

Configuration Verification (A list of each item that has a service life)

All parachute components other than cartridges and cartridge-actuated devices with assigned service life must be entered in the Configuration Verification Section of the history record. Service life items can be identified by referring to the Illustrated Parts Breakdown Numerical Index of the applicable parachute assembly work package. Enter the nomenclature, part number, contract number, manufactured date (month and year), placed-in-service date, and the expiration date for each component with a service life. Obtain the date of manufacture and contract number from the component label. The placed-in-service date is from the date the shipping container seal is broken. If the service life has been extended for a particular component, enter the issuing authority and the date-time group of the authorizing message in the Remarks column. If the contract number is not known or cannot be determined, enter UNK in the appropriate block.

After the parachute assembly has been repaired, inspected, and repacked, and the packer and inspector are satisfied the parachute assembly is ready for flight, the packer and quality assurance inspector must legibly sign their full names and rates, QA stamp in the inspector block, and enter the date and 3-M organization code of the IMA at the bottom of the history record. The stamp must not obscure the signatures.

Procedures

Upon transferor the parachute, the current hardback copy and all original (flimsy) copies in the permanent file are forwarded to the new custodian to provide a complete history of the entire service life of the assembly.

When a parachute has been involved in an aircraft accident, the record is forwarded in accordance with OPNAVINST 3750.6.

Figure 1-15.-Canopy damage chart for 28-foot diameter canopy (page 1). 1-20

When a parachute (canopy) has been retired because its total service life has expired, the record may be destroyed. Subassemblies for which the total service life has not expired may be salvaged for future use. Appropriate service life information is transcribed to an Aircraft Equipment Condition Tag (NAVAIR-2650) and attached to the salvaged items if they are to be reused. Under no circumstances should a salvaged item be reused if its previous history cannot be firmly established.

CANOPY DAMAGE CHARTS

Whenever a canopy is inspected and found to need repairs, an appropriate Canopy Damage Chart must be filled out. An example of this chart is shown in figure 1-15. The symbols to be used are shown on one side of the chart. As each defect is repaired, you write the letters "OK" in the section representing the respective gore. If repairs cannot be made locally, the chart goes with the

Figure 1-15.-Canopy damage chart for 28-foot diameter canopy (page 2). 1-21

canopy to the next higher level maintenance activity. This form must not be discarded. When the repairs are done, the Canopy Damage Chart is attached to the Parachute Configuration, Inspection, and History Record.

NAVAL AVIATION MAINTENANCE PROGRAM FORMS

The following forms used in the Naval Aviation Maintenance Program (NAMP) are applicable to parachute maintenance: VIDS/MAF Form, Support Action Form, and DoD Single Line Requisition System Document. Proper completion of documents is essential to the function of the program. Detailed instructions on their use may be found in the Naval Aviation Maintenance Program Manual, OPNAVINST 4790.2 (series).