Maintenance
The aircrewman’s responsibility y for mainte-
nance of the survivor’s sling is limited to a fresh-
water wash. Repairs or other actions are
performed by organizational-level maintenance or
above.
All survivor’s slings are subject to a calendar
inspection upon issue and at intervals not to
exceed 225 days. All survivor’s slings are subject
to a preflight inspection also. This action is
performed by the aircrewman before each flight
and at least every 14 days. This inspection consists
of a visual inspection outlined in the calendar
inspection procedures.
Calendar Inspections
The calendar inspection consists of a visual
inspection and a proof load test.
To perform the visual inspection, proceed as
follows:
1. Inspect all fabric for cuts, deterioration,
and abrasion.
2. Inspect seams for proper adhesion and
stitching.
3. Inspect the retainer straps for security of
attachment and wear.
4. Inspect all hardware for security of
attachment, corrosion, damage, wear, and, if
applicable, ease of operation.
5. Inspect all markings. If the markings are
faded or incorrect, they must be corrected by
using black washproof ink.
The proof load test is performed on the
survivor’s sling during the calendar inspection and
after each flight in which saltwater immersion has
occurred. To perform a proof load test, proceed
as follows:
1. Allow the sling to dry completely.
2. Inspect for damage to webbing of
survivor’s sling. Damage other than frayed or
separated stitches is cause for replacement.
3. Place the survivor’s sling in a webbing
testing machine.
NOTE: If a webbing testing machine is not
available, refer to NAVAIR 13-1-6.5 for
a suitable alternate testing method.
4. Apply a load of 500 pounds at a rate of
1 inch per minute.
5. Again, inspect for any damage to the
webbing of the survivor’s sling. Damage other
than frayed or separated stitches is cause for
replacement.
6. Remove the sling from the webbing testing
machine.
,
The survivor’s sling must be cleaned after
every immersion in salt water. To clean the
survivor’s sling, proceed as follows:
1. Clean the sling and its cover with a mild
soap and water solution. Rinse well with fresh
water.
2. Dry the sling and its cover with a clean, dry,
lint-free cloth.
RESCUE SEAT
The rescue seat is a buoyant aluminum device
consisting of a hollow flotation chamber and a
three-pronged seat, with prongs 120 degrees apart
(fig. 5-15). Lead is inserted in the base of the
239.405
Figure 5-15.—Helicopter rescue seat.
5-14
