characters identify a particular TM and are divided into three groups. The first group (TM acronym) consists of three letters or numbers that identify the type of manual; for example, in figure 2-17, the TM acronym NFM identifies the manual as a NATOPS flight manual supplement. Numerically, they can identify the first three digits of a particular Work Unit Code; for example, 520 is an autopilot. In some instances of Work Unit Codes, such as support equipment (SE), a combination of a letter and two numbers are used for the TM acronym; for example, S14 is an air compressor. The second group of the TM identifier (TM serial number) is made up of two numbers. It is used to identify different volumes, parts, and changes to specific TMs. For NAVAIR TMs, these numbers range from 00 through 99. In the example shown in figure 2-17, the TM serial number is 50. This stands for a Pilots Pocket Checklist. The third group of the TM identifier is the TM issue, and is either a number (0 to 9) or a single letter. The number 0 indicates the TM is a basic issue or superseding revision. The letters A through Z (except I and 0) designate (in alphabetical sequence) permanent changes or rapid action changes (RACs). PI SUFFIX COMPOSITION.—The PI suffix has a variable composition, depending upon whether or not the TM has a security classification. For classified TMs, the PI suffix is always used, and the security classification indicator forms the first component of the suffix. The security classification indicator is always three characters (a letter enclosed in parentheses). The entire suffix can contain up to 17 characters, if required. In figure 2-17, you can see that the PI suffix is not required. Therefore, the TMINS number A1-F18AC-NFM-500 stands for the initial or revised edition of a Pilots Pocket Checklist supplement to the NATOPS manual of an F/A-18 aircraft. In-depth information can be found in the OPNAV N0000-00-IDX-000/TMINS publication. Q16. Q17. Q18. How many numbering systems are currently in use by NAVAIR and what are they? What part of the NAVAIR numbering system can the category of the publication be found? The standard TMINS number is made up of how many distinct parts and what are they? Q19. The two-digit subject serial number is what group of the PI? Q20. What are the last six positions in the publication identifier (PI) called? USING TECHNICAL MANUALS LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Recognize the procedures for using maintenance instruction manuals (MIMs) and illustrated parts breakdowns (IPBs). Technical manuals help ensure proper maintenance. In today’s Navy, the equipment is complex and you must use technical manuals at all levels of servicing and repair. The purpose of this section is to introduce you, the worker, to the content of technical manuals. MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTION MANUAL (MIM) As discussed earlier, the Maintenance Instruction Manual (MIM) is identified by the number 2 in part III of the NAVAIR publication number. For example, the first numeral 2 in NAVAIR 01-75PAA-2-2.3 identifies the MIM for the P-3A aircraft. The MIM is made up from a number of individual publications. Each publication deals with some portion of the maintenance for the applicable model aircraft. It contains essential information that aircraft maintenance personnel require to service and maintain the complete aircraft. Before you attempt any task on an aircraft, consult the MIM for that particular model of aircraft. By using the MIM properly, you may prevent possible aircraft damage and save time. The recommended maintenance methods provide procedures that can be accomplished by the appropriate maintenance level activity. NOTE: Different aircraft manufacturers may group the material in the various volumes of the MIMs under different titles. For example, the “Survival and Environmental Systems” volume for the older aircraft covers the ejection seat, canopy, liquid oxygen, heating, air conditioning, ventilation, and anti-g systems. Two volumes titled “Personnel Environmental Systems” and “Canopy and Survival Systems” are prepared to cover the same subjects for newer aircraft. The “General Information and Servicing” volume is designed primarily for the plane captain. This 2-17