RIPCORD PULL TEST

Parachutes must be given a ripcord pull test before being unpacked for inspection. The maximum pull force that you may use is 27 pounds. If you go over 27 pounds, the ripcord pins, cones, and grommets must be checked for bends, dents, and roughness, and make sure that the ripcord cable moves freely in the housing. Inspect the housing for sharp bends or dents and replace any damaged parts. Silicone spray may be sparingly applied to ripcord parts. Make sure that ripcord pins are properly positioned before testing. All assemblies with metal ripcord handle clips require an additional test. To do this, use a straight pull to remove the handle from the clip; this will require 10 to 20 pounds of force. If not within limits, use pliers to adjust the clip.

SERVICE LIFE CHECKS

Testing the ripcord opens the container. If the assembly includes explosive devices, they must be deactivated at this time. The canopy is then placed on the table with the nameplate up. If the parachute is being placed in service, the date is stenciled on the parachute canopy on the nameplate gore directly below the nameplate.

For a periodic inspection, you should verify the nameplate data against the Parachute Configuration, Inspection, and History Record, or "History Card." If the service life dates listed on the history card are in accordance with the Maintenance Requirement Cards, NAVAIR 13-600-4-6-3, check their expiration dates against the current date of inspection. Items that have reached service life limits must be replaced. Items that will become overage after the assembly is repacked may remain in service until the next inspection date of the complete assembly. An exception to this are the explosive devices, which must be replaced if their expiration date will be reached before the next inspection.

REPLACEMENT OF PARACHUTE ASSEMBLIES AND SUBASSEMBLIES

Not all the components of a parachute assembly come to the end of their service lives at the same time. After a parachute has been in service for some time, some of the components or subassemblies will have to be replaced in the course of the periodic inspections.

If you find an assembly or subassembly that has reached the service/total life limit, it should be returned to supply for appropriate disposition according to current supply instructions. Before turning an overage assembly in to supply, you should remove all serviceable ready for issue (RFI) subassemblies. You should carefully inspect all nylon webbing and cloth on items to be salvaged. Dirt, oil and grease greatly weaken these materials. All fabric items salvaged must have date of manufacture and date placed into service markings verified prior to disassembly. Cartridges used on cartridge-actuated parachutes are to be handled, shipped, stored or disposed of in accordance with NAVAIR 11-100-1. When an inservice parachute does not have a start of service date, the service life from date of manufacture expires as follows: in 7 years for emergency use parachute assemblies; in 10 years for troop and training assemblies.

CONTAMINATION INSPECTION

Contamination of a parachute canopy or an assembly could result in the malfunction of the complete assembly. It is very important that you be able to recognize a harmful stain. All parachute assemblies must be carefully inspected for the following types of contamination:

1. Acid/alkaline

2. Salt water

3. Perspiration

4. Freshwater

5. Mildew/fungus

_6. Fire-fighting agent

7. Petroleum products

8. Bloodstains

9. Mud/dirt/sand/trash

Acid and Alkaline Contamination

If a parachute assembly is suspected of having acid or alkaline contamination, it must be tested with a pH test paper. A pH reading of 5.0 to 9.0 is in the safe zone. Readings below 5.0 indicate excess acidity, and readings above 9.0 indicate excess alkalinity. By following the steps listed below, you will be able to conduct a proper inspection to determine if a stain is acid or alkaline. You need to have distilled water and a

pH test paper kit (full range and short range).

CAUTION

MAKE SURE THAT THE TESTING AREA IS FREE OF CONTAMINANTS TO AVOID FALSE READINGS OR DAMAGE TO THE ASSEMBLY.

To perform an acid and alkaline contaminant inspection properly, you should take the following steps:

1. First, dampen the suspected area with distilled water.

2. Place a piece of full-range test paper (0.0 to 14.0 pH) on the dampened area. Compare the color of the paper with the chart samples to determine the approximate pH and which specific short-range test paper to use.

3. Place the short-range test paper indicated by step 2 on the dampened area. The color the paper changes to will indicate the pH factor of the affected area. By matching the test strip with the applicable range color chart supplied with the pH indicator kit, you can determine the strength of the acid or alkaline present.

NOTE: You must be careful not to let the suspected contaminated area come into contact with any other area, as this could spread the damage.

4. Treat contaminated areas of the parachute assembly in accordance with NAVAIR 13-1-6.2.

Other Contaminations

Those stains caused by contact with acid, oil, and salt water are the most harmful to nylon and should be removed as quickly as possible to prevent further deterioration of the material. Although sun rays do not stain, they are most harmful to nylon. Parachutes and components must be kept out of the direct sunlight.

INSPECTING FOR WEAR AND PHYSICAL DEFECTS

Wear in a parachute is not difficult to detect. Chafing at the comers or on outside surfaces is where the most wear occurs. Parts of parachutes and related equipment showing excessive wear should be replaced or repaired, the work to be accomplished at the lowest maintenance level capable of performing the task.

PILOT PARACHUTE INSPECTION

Inspect the fabric drag surfaces, rib pockets, lift webs, seams, and suspension lines for signs of contamination, cuts, tears, burns, fraying, and loose or missing stitches. Inspect the vane material for defects and deterioration. Inspect for seam separation along the seam area where the vane attaches to the cone and suspension lines. Yarn separation is acceptable; however, replace the pilot chute if the vane material contains holes, rips or tears. Inspect the spring assembly for sufficient tension and bends. Replace ail loose or broken tackings. There is little that you can repair on a pilot parachute. If any damage is found, you must replace the pilot parachute in accordance with NAVAIR 13-1-6.2.