Periodic Inspections
Malfunctions
Prior to the first launching of each day’s operations,
execute the PMS preoperational inspection according to
the MRCs.
After each day’s operation, perform the PMS
postoperational inspection according to the MRCs.
Other inspections must be conducted in addition to
preoperational and postoperational. These inspections
are also accomplished through the use of MRCs.
Prior to conducting an inspection or maintenance on
catapult equipment where an injury could occur from
careless operation, make sure the following safety
precautions have been accomplished in the order
indicated:
1. Disconnect the grab from the shuttle and move
it fully aft.
2. Close the main steam supply to the steam
receivers.
3. Reduce steam pressure in the receivers to
atmospheric pressure.
4. Open the retraction-engine accumulator blow-
down valve.
5. Station a safety person at the control console
and deckedge control manning sound-powered tele-
phones to prevent tampering with catapult controls.
6. Station a safety person at the retraction engine
and the water-brake tank, manning sound-powered
telephones.
7. Tag steam-smothering valve “out of service.”
8. Station a safety person on the flight deck (in
the shuttle area) to prevent accidental movement of the
shuttle while personnel are in the water-brake tank.
The preceding safety instructions must be strictly
followed. Under any conditions when inspection of the
water brakes area is undertaken, it is imperative that the
control console remain in a SAFE position (exhaust
valve open, grab aft).
This section provides operating personnel with a
guide to assist in analyzing some of the catapult
malfunctions. During a sequence of launchings,
malfunctions may remove the catapult from operation.
When a malfunction occurs, the catapult officer and
operating personnel should be able to recognize the
trouble and immediately initiate the proper repair
procedures. In addition to equipment repairs, the cause
of the malfunction should be determined and corrective
action taken before returning the catapult to operational
status.
The following general items must be checked
whenever a malfunction occurs:
WARNING
When a malfunction occurs, the catapult
must be put in a SAFE condition before
corrective action is attempted, to prevent
accidental launching of aircraft or injury to
personnel. Before repairing the retraction
engine or drive system, blow down the
retraction-engine accumulator and associated
piping.
1. Check that gauges indicate proper pressures and
that valves are set according to status of valves.
2. Check that hydraulic lines are not broken,
leaking, or clogged.
3. Check that electrical wires and terminals are
not disconnected, broken, or shorted.
4. Visually inspect the catapult for any abnormal
condition.
All preoperational and postoperational inspection
procedures that apply to a specific system or station of
the catapult are to be conducted and completed by the
person or persons assigned the duty. For detailed
inspection procedures, the ABE must consult the
applicable MRCs.
Reeving Advance and Retract Cables
Reeving the cable drive system of the retraction
engine, like any other maintenance performed on the
catapult, comes under the PMS (Planned Maintenance
System) and has an MRC that gives a step-by-step
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