INSPECTIONS
There are two inspections that are performed
on the MA-2 torso harness—the preflight check
and the calendar or initial issue inspection. The
MA-2 preflight check is done before each flight
and at intervals not to exceed 2 weeks. This check
is to be performed by the aircrew member. The
other inspection is a calendar or initial issue
inspection. The MA-2 torso harness must be
inspected upon initial issue and at intervals
coinciding with inspection of personal issue
protective equipment (i.e., life preserver, helmet,
etc.). These inspections consist of the following:
NOTE: Before you perform any inspection
on the torso harness, you must determine
if the harness is overaged. You would be
wasting your time to perform an inspection
and then find out that the harness isn’t fit
for service because of being overaged.
1. Check the harness for its service life by first
checking the date of its manufacture. This date
is located on the inside of the right front leg strap.
The service/total life of the torso harness is 12
years from when it was placed in service, or 15
years from the date of manufacture, whichever
occurs first. When an assembly reaches its service
life limit, remove it from service and forward it
to supply for disposition. If the torso harness
hasn’t reached 15 years from date of manufacture,
you still have to check the service life. The date
the torso harness was placed into service is
stenciled in the center of the lap belt strap on the
outer surface. Whenever an in-service MA-2 lacks
the stenciled start of service date, its service life
expires 12 years from its date of manufacture.
Now you are ready to perform a calendar
inspection.
2. Check the chest strap friction adapter for
corrosion, distortion, cracks, presence of the
locking bar, sharp edges, and security of the
attachment.
3. Inspect the shoulder canopy release fittings
for corrosion, distortion, presence of the locking
bar, absence of sharp edges, proper routing of the
webbing, and security of the pin and locking
screw. Ensure that the slot head screw is installed
and the red lacquer tamper dot is intact.
4. Inspect the lap belt quick-release adapter
for corrosion, distortion, sharp edges, and
security of attachment.
5. Check the adjustable links located at the
rear inside of the suit for corrosion, distortion,
cracks, and sharp edges. Ensure that the chest
strap webbing is routed through these links.
6. Check the entrance slide fastener for
corrosion, missing teeth, presence of sliders (single
slider on the MA-2 cutaway modified), security
of attachment, and ease of operation.
7. Inspect the eyes and hooks at the entrance
for damage and security of attachment.
8. Inspect the gated D-ring or V-ring at the
right shoulder for corrosion, distortion, cracks,
and sharp edges.
9. Check the life preserver retention strap for
cuts, rips, frayed or weakened webbing, security
of stitching, and presence and condition of snap
fasteners.
10. Inspect the fabric panels for cuts, tears,
fraying, deterioration, and security of stitching.
11. Inspect the harness webbing for cuts,
tears, fraying, deterioration, and security of
stitching.
12. Repair any discrepancies and update the
MA-2 configuration in accordance with
procedures outlined in NAVAIR 13-1-6.2.
General repair on the MA-2 consists of
replacement of the hardware and repair of cloth.
Do not replace any hardware that requires
restitching of the harness webbing. Harnesses that
are damaged must be discarded.
For more detailed information concerning
repairs and modification to the MA-2 and
cutaway modified torso harness suits, refer to
NAVAIR 13-6-1.2.
HELMETS
The wearing of protective helmets while flying
in Navy aircraft depends upon the designation of
the aircraft. You will find that aircraft such as
fighters, attack planes, and helicopters usually
require aircrew members to wear a protective
helmet during takeoff, in flight, and landing.
Other aircraft may require that the helmet be worn
only during takeoff and landing.
The Navy headgear for an aircrew member is
considered to be a pilot’s protective equipment.
Maintenance and upkeep is the responsibility of
the Aircrew Survival Equipmentman.
There are a number of different types of
headgear. Each has its own specific function. As
you work with the different types, you’ll find that
with very little effort, you can change their basic
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