schedules and for properly doing the required inspections. INSPECTION SCHEDULES The frequency and nature of parachute inspections depends on the use of the parachute. Those used regularly for jumping, such as parachutes assigned to SEAL teams, are inspected and repacked after each use; these and others are on a different schedule than those intended for emergency use. Our discussion focuses on emer- gency parachutes to emphasize that although they are rarely used, they may be damaged in handling or exposed to hazards in their environment. Emergency parachutes are assigned to oper- ating units. They may be part of an aircraft inventory or they maybe assigned to a ready issue room. To some extent, the frequency of their inspection depends on the type of aircraft to which they are assigned. Those assigned to attack or fighter aircraft are inspected more frequently than those on the larger patrol, cargo, or other planes where they are not sat upon or otherwise subjected to as many hazards. Major inspections of emergency parachutes are routine when the parachute is first put into service, and then later at intervals to coincide with the time the aircraft is down for major main- tenance. Less extensive inspections that do not involve unpacking the parachute are daily, preflight, postflight, and special. These special inspections are done every 7 days, 10 days, or 14 days, depending on the type of aircraft. Of course, if any damage is found or suspected during these inspections, the assembly is sent to an aviation intermediate maintenance depot (AIMD) for thorough inspection, testing, and possible repair. Several special inspections may also be done. For instance, after a combat mission the parachute assembly is inspected for missile damage from bullets or fragments. After an emergency use the entire parachute is shipped to the Naval Weapons Center, China Lake, Cali- fornia, for a detailed inspection. Other in- spections may be ordered if defects are suspected in a group of parachutes or in association with authorized changes and modifications. 1-16 PARACHUTE MAINTENANCE All parachutes are given periodic main- tenance inspections under the direction and control of the maintenance control officer. Maintenance is to be thorough at all times. No instance of careless treatment or neglect of parachute equipment is to be allowed to pass unnoticed. The vital function of this equipment must be uppermost in the minds of all personnel concerned. SPECIFICATIONS Parachute maintenance and inspection pro- cedures are performed according to the guide- lines set forth in the Emergency Personnel and Drogue Parachute Systems Manual, NAVAIR 13-1-6.2, and the M a i n t e n a n ce Requirements Cards, NAVAIR 13-600-4-6-3. These manuals are continually updated, and when using them, as in using any publica- tion, you must first make sure that the current changes are included. The manuals will list all of the proper steps, procedures, and points to inspect. They also give you information about proper specifications, tech- nical data, and are used to ensure that all steps are followed, all details are in- spected, and that all quality control items are checked at the proper time by a quality assurance inspector (QA). Using these manuals is mandatory and ensures that you are follow- ing the current and approved procedures. Whenever a question on the construction of parachute equipment comes up, you should obtain and study the drawing that applies. Repairs that are difficult should be compared to the drawing to ensure that the finished product is the same as the one in the draw- ing. The drawing number or reference number of a particular piece of parachute equipment can be found in the applicable work package in the Emergency Personnel and Drogue Para- chute Systems Manual, NAVAIR 13-1-6.2. All parachute maintenance is done by the lowest level activity equipped to satis- factorily perform the work. Mission, time, equipment, trained personnel, and operational needs are the basic considerations involved in determining which level performs the work.