particular attention to this information because some
of these units move extremely fast with terrific power.
Seat Ejection Mechanisms
You must strictly observe all safety precautions
when working around an aircraft equipped with an
ejection seat. These safety precautions cannot be
overemphasized because accidental actuation of the
firing mechanism can result in death or serious injury
to anyone in the cockpit area.
Each ejection seat has several ground safety pins;
the exact number depends upon the type of seat. These
safety pins are provided on red-flagged lanyards for
use at every point of potential danger. They must be
installed when the aircraft is on the ground or deck,
and must never be removed until the aircraft is ready
for flight.
Always keep in mind the following general
precautions when you are working on or around
ejection seats:
Treat ejection seats with the same respect as a
loaded gun.
Always consider an ejection seat system loaded
and armed.
Before entering a cockpit, know where the
ejection seat safety pins are and be certain they
are installed.
Only authorized personnel may work on ejection
seats and components and only in an authorized
area.
Overheated Wheel Brakes
If an aircraft has been subjected to excessive
braking, the wheels may be heated to the point there is
danger of a blowout or fire.
NOTE: Excessive brake heating weakens the tire
and wheel structure, increases tire pressure, and
creates the possibility of fire in magnesium wheels.
When the brakes on an aircraft have been used
excessively, the fire department should be notified
immediately. All unnecessary personnel should leave
the immediate area.
If blowout screens, such as the one shown in figure
5-14, are available, they should be placed around both
Figure 5-14.—Blowout screen for overheated brakes.
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