These systems may be powered by the aircraft
power or aircraft utility hydraulic systems. Some units
receive power throughout the flight, while others are
isolated from system pressure to prevent unnecessary
loss of hydraulic fluid caused by damage or system
malfunction.
The systems discussed here are representative of
those with which you will most likely be working. In
parts of the discussion, values such as tolerances,
pressures, and temperatures are given to provide detail
in the coverage. You should bear in mind that changes
in these values are sometimes necessary because of
experience and data gathered from fleet use. When
actually performing the maintenance procedures
discussed, you should consult the current applicable
technical publications for the latest information and
exact values to be used.
ARRESTING GEAR SYSTEM
The arresting gear system controls operation of the
arresting hook and the supplementary equipment
required to lower and raise the hook for carrier
operation. At organizational maintenance levels,
maintenance of the arresting gear system consists of
servicing the snubber-actuator and bumper assemblies,
operational checks, troubleshooting, rigging and
adjusting the system, and removal and installation of
components within the system.
WARNING
Before operating the arresting gear, make
sure all personnel and equipment are clear of
the area through which the gear moves.
When checking arresting gear operation,
always provide suitable protection for the
arresting hook point. Place a sandbag or
padding on the deck. Failure to observe
proper maintenance procedures could result
in damage to aircraft and injury to
personnel.
Arresting Hook Assembly Inspection
The periodic maintenance information cards for
each aircraft and MIM provide detailed information on
the inspection, replacement, and disposition of arresting
hook assemblies. This information is based on a
specified number of arrested landings. The inspection
and replacement interval is dependent on the type of
hook.
There are currently three types of arresting hooks.
Type I integral type arresting hook is highly heat-treated
with an uncoated hook point. Type II integral type has
a Metco-coated hook point. Type III detachable hook
point is heat-treated, stainless steel or alloy, and coated
with Colmony or Metco. As an example, the conditional
maintenance requirements cards for a representative
aircraft with a type II hook assembly requires inspection
of the arresting hook stinger and centering block after
10 recorded arrestments. The inspection consists of the
following:
1. Checking the hook shank, centering block and
truss members for cracks, misalignment, and obvious
damage
2. Checking the stinger (I-beam and hook point)
for transverse cracks in the Metco coating, extending to
the base metal
3. Chipping or gouging in the cable contact groove
4. Cracks or defective bonding of the Metco
coating
Any of these conditions are cause for rejection and
replacement of the assembly.
Following inspection or installation of a new
arresting gear assembly, apply grease conforming to that
recommended by the applicable MRC and/or the MIM
to the cable groove area.
Whenever the arresting hook experiences a double
wire engagement, strikes the ramp or a deck protrusion,
or approaches but does not exceed 100 arrestments,
replace designated parts of the complete arresting gear
mechanism. The removed parts are forwarded to the
designated depot-level maintenance activity for test and
overhaul. Include the total number of arrestments on the
screening and ready-for-issue tags. This number is
necessary so that an accurate account of the total number
of arrestments of each assembly can be maintained.
Detachable hook points that are removed for
inspection after 10 arrestments are reinstalled or
replaced with new attaching hardware (nut, bolt,
washer, etc.). Install the bolt with the head down and the
nut on top. In all cases, periodic maintenance of the
arresting hook assemblies should be in accordance with
the applicable MIM and/or maintenance requirements
cards.
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