Table 6-2.—Example of Temperature and Barometric
Pressure Check
.
Table 6-3.—Temperature Conversion Chart
After 15 minutes, adjust the air pressure if
necessary. At this time you must record the
temperature and barometric pressure. This is done
because any drop or rise in temperature or
pressure affects the pressure within the flotation
tube. Allow the raft to remain undisturbed for
a minimum of 4 hours. At the end of 4 hours,
check and record the test pressure and again
record the temperature and barometric pressure.
See table 6-2 for an example. By using the
conversion charts in tables 6-3 and 6-4, you can
determine the correct reading for your raft. If
your test pressure is within limits, you are ready
to deflate the raft and repack the assembly. If the
raft should fail this test, you must determine the
cause. Information on testing for leaks can be
found in chapter 2 of NAVAIR 13-1-6.1.
CLEANING
As you work on survival equipment you find
that cleanliness is very important. It gives the
equipment a longer service life, and it reassures
the aircrewman that he is using an operational
piece of equipment. If he sees a dirty life raft, he
may think it is old and that it might leak. To clean
life rafts, prepare a solution of cleaning
compound (MIL-C-25769) consisting of one part
compound and three parts water. Apply the
cleaning solution to soiled area with a spray or
sponge. Allow the solution to remain on the
surface for several minutes, then rub with a soft
brush or rag. Rinse the surface thoroughly with
water and wipe with a cloth or sponge. Repeat
this application until the surface is free from all
solution. Dry the raft with a lint-free cloth, and
apply a light coating of talcum powder.
HYDROSTATIC TEST OF CO2
CYLINDERS
Every 5 years you must hydrostatically test the
carbon dioxide cylinders used on multiplace life
rafts. However, fully charged cylinders are
considered serviceable regardless of the last
hydrostatic test date. If a cylinder is both due for
a test and discharged, disconnect it from the raft.
Obtain a new cylinder from supply as a re-
placement. Forward the old cylinder to supply.
(Cylinders must be empty before forwarding to
supply.) Before installing the new cylinder,
perform the following tasks:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Gently tap the inverted cylinder with a
small piece of wood. If any rust or other
contamination falls from the cylinder, do
not use it. Draw another from supply and
repeat the contamination check.
Ensure that a siphon tube is installed on
all multiplace life raft cylinders.
Replace the stem in the inflation assembly
valve.
Install a new sealing washer. Refer to
NAVAIR 13-1-6.1.
6-4
