Aircraft emergency equipment

Aircraft liferaft repair and overhaul

Inflatable liferafts are subject to general deterioration due to aging. Experience has indicated that such equipment may be in need of replacement at the end of 5 years due to porosity of the rubber-coated material. Wear of such equipment is accelerated when stowed on board aircraft because of vibration which causes chafing of the rubberized fabric. This ultimately results in localized leakage. Leakage is also likely to occur where the fabric is folded because sharp corners are formed. When these corners are in contact with the carrying cases or with adjacent parts of the rubberized fabric, they tend to wear through due to vibration.

a. When accomplishing aircraft liferaft repair, maintenance and inspection of unpacked rafts, personnel should not step on any part of the raft or flotation tubes while wearing shoes. Aircraft liferafts should not be thrown or dropped, since damage to the raft or accessories may result. Particular care should be exercised at all times to prevent snagging, cutting, and contact with gasoline, acids, oils, and grease. High standards of performance for proper maintenance, inspection, and repair cannot be overemphasized, since the lives of passengers could be involved.

b. Inspection and inflation tests, when applicable, will be accomplished during storage and after installation in an aircraft in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and/or FAA-approved procedures. Accessory items will be installed during these inspections. A raft knife will be attached by a 24-inch nylon lanyard to the mooring eye located above the Co2 cylinder case to enable rapid cutting of the mooring line.

Aircraft liferaft inspection

Inspection of aircraft liferafts should be performed in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. General inspection procedures to be performed on most liferafts are as follows.

CAUTION: Areas where liferafts are inspected or tested must be smooth, free of splinters, sharp projections, and oil stains. Floors with abrasive characteristics, such as concrete or rough wood, will be covered with untreated tarpaulins or heavy clean paper.

a. Inspect liferafts for cuts, tears, or other damage to the rubberized material. If the raft is found to be in good condition, remove the Co2 bottle(s) and inflate the raft with air to a pressure of 2 psi. The air should be introduced at the fitting normally connected to the Co2 bottle(s). After at least 1 hour, to allow for the air within the raft to adjust itself to the ambient temperature, check pressure and adjust, if necessary, to 2 psi and allow the raft to stand for 24 hours. If, after 24 hours, the pressure is less than 1 psi, examine the raft for leakage by using soapy water.

In order to eliminate pressure variations due to temperature differences at the time the initial and final reading are taken, test the raft in a room where the temperature is fairly constant. If the pressure drop is satisfactory, the raft should be considered as being in an airworthy condition and returned to service after being fitted with correctly charged Co2 bottles as determined by weighing them.   

Rafts more than 5 years old are likely to be unairworthy due to deterioration. It is suggested that serviceable liferafts be marked to indicate the date of inspection and that soapstone be used when folding them preparatory to insertion into the carrying case. Take care to see that all of the raft's required equipment is on board and properly stowed. If the raft lanyard, used to prevent the raft from floating away from the aircraft, is in need of replacement, use a lanyard not less than 20 feet long and having a breaking strength of about 75 pounds.

b.  It is recommended that this procedure be repeated every 18 months using the Co2 bottle(s) for inflation. If a single bottle is used for inflating both compartments, it should be noted whether the inflation is proceeding equally to both compartments. Occasionally, the formation of "carbon-dioxide snow" may occur in one passage of the distribution manifold and divert a larger volume of gas to one compartment, which may burst if the mattress valve is not open to relieve the pressure. If the pressure is satisfactory, return the raft to service in accordance with the procedure outlined.

c. Inspect the Co2 cylinder for evidence of cross-threading or stripping.

d.  Inspect the Co2 bottle inflation valve cable rigging as follows.

(1) Remove the screws that attach the cover plate to the valve and remove the cover plate.

(2) Inspect the firing line cable ball swage for engagement in the correct recess for either "Upward Pull" or "Downward Pull." The cable will be wrapped around the sheave approximately 270 degrees.

(3) Reposition the cable ball swage as required.

(4) Replace the cover plate. The green dot on the sheave should be visible through the window in the cover plate, indicating a charged cylinder.

e.  Check the Co2 cylinder release cable and housing for condition and security.

f.   Make sure the safety deflector is removed from the cylinder outlet before connecting the cylinder to the raft.

g.   Stencil the liferaft's inspection date on the raft.

Aircraft survival kits inspection.

a.   Survival Kit Contents. Each raft accommodating passengers or crew members should contain, as a minimum, the following:

Hand Pump (if required) Desalting Kit, First-Aid Kit Mirror/Reflector Emergency Rations Tarpaulins Fishing Kit Raft Knife Compass Protective Ointment (Sunburn) Oars Emergency Water Containers Repair Kits Signal Flares Carrying Case Locator Beacon and Battery Lines and Anchor Police Whistle Flashlight Thermal Protective Aid Light-sticks Solar Still Kit Survival Manual Duct Tape Plastic Trash Bags Accessory Containers - Bailing Bucket -Sponge Dye Marker

b.  Exposure Suits. Quick-donning exposure suits should be provided in sufficient quantity to accommodate the passengers and crew on extended over-water missions whenever any of the following conditions exist.

c.  Physical Inspection. Make a physical inspection of the life raft's accessories and/or contents, in accordance with manufacturer's specifications, to ascertain that all items required are in a serviceable condition.