Figure 7-15.--Tire storage rack (varied size tires).
small amount of suitable leak detection solution
based on age from the date of manufacture so the older
(Leaktec) or soapy water on the end of the valve and
tires will be used first. This procedure helps to prevent
watch for bubbles. Replace the valve core if it is
the chance of deterioration of the older tires in stock.
leaking. If no bubbles appear, it is an indication that the
TIRE INSPECTION
inner tube (or tire) has a leak. When the tire and wheel
assembly shows repeated pressure loss exceeding 5
There are two types of inspections conducted on
percent of the correct operating inflation pressure, it
tires. One is conducted with the tire mounted on the
should be removed from the aircraft and sent to the
wheel. The other inspection is conducted with the tire
AIMD or IMA.
dismounted.
Mounted Inspection
WARNING
During each daily or special inspection, tires must
Overinflation or underinflation can cause
be inspected for correct pressure, tire slippage on the
catastrophic failure of aircraft tire and wheel
wheel (tube tires), cuts, wear, and general condition.
assemblies. This could result in injury or death to
Tires must also be inspected before each flight for
personnel, and damage to aircraft or other equipment.
obvious damage that may have been caused during or
after the previous flight.
After making a pressure check, you should always
Maintaining the correct inflation pressure in an
replace the valve cap. Be sure that it is screwed on
aircraft tire is essential to safety and to obtain its
fingertight. The cap prevents moisture, salt, oil, and dirt
maximum service life. Military aircraft inner tubes and
from entering the valve stem and damaging the valve
tubeless tire liners are made of natural rubber to satisfy
core. It also acts as a secondary seal if a leak develops in
extreme low-temperature performance requirements.
the valve core.
Natural rubber is a relatively poor air retainer. This
Tires that are equipped with inner tubes, and
accounts for the daily inflation pressure loss and the
operate with less than 150 psi, and all helicopter tube
need for frequent pressure checks. If this check
tires must use tire slippage marks. The slippage mark is
discloses more than a normal loss of pressure, you
a red paint stripe 1 inch wide and 2 inches long. It
should check the valve core for leakage by putting a
extends equally across the tire sidewall and the wheel
7-13
