binations of types). These types are wire rope, fabric or
Q13-12. What size is the water tank quick-fill connec-
webbing, structural steel or aluminum, and chain. A
tion on the A/S32P-25?
typical aircraft crash sling is shown in figure 13-7.
1.
1
inch
2.
1 1/2 inch
STORAGE OF LIFTING SLINGS
3.
2
inch
4.
2 1/2 inch
Whenever possible, aircraft slings should be stored
indoors in a clean, dry, well-ventilated area so as to be
protected from moisture, salt atmosphere, and acids.
AIRCRAFT LIFTING SLINGS
Where practical, slings should be hung or secured in a
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Identify the
storage rig to prevent damage from shifting and
purpose for aircraft lifting slings. Identify the
banging while underway. (Keep in mind that these
components of aircraft lifting slings. Identify
slings must be available for immediate use on deck
procedures for troubleshooting and mainte-
should an emergency arise.) An ideal storage procedure
nance of aircraft lifting slings.
and location must also allow for periodic inspections
Aircraft lifting slings are specialized items of
and availability to reapply proper protective coatings.
support equipment whose function is to facilitate the
INSPECTION OF LIFTING SLINGS
hoisting of aircraft and aircraft components. Slings are
used to hoist aircraft from the pier to carrier decks, clear
The inspection of lifting slings falls into two
crash-damaged aircraft, and remove and install wings
general categories--preinstallation inspections and
and other major components during maintenance
qualification inspections. These inspections are
operations.
discussed in great depth in Inspection and Proofload
Aircraft lifting slings are constructed in accordance
Testing of Lifting Slings and Restraining Devices for
with Military Specification MIL-S-5944 and can be
Aircraft and Related Components, NAVAIR 17-1-114.
classified under four types of construction (or com-
Preinstallation Inspections
HOISTING
Prior to each use, or at least once a month, a com-
RING
plete visual inspection is performed and documented as
follows:
PLATES
Wire rope cables are visually inspected for
knots, fraying, stretching, abrasions, broken wires,
BOLTS
severe corrosion, or other signs of failure. Of particular
TEST / INSP
TAG
importance is the detection of a cable in which a kink
has been pulled through in order to straighten the cable
(commonly called a bird cage) (fig. 13-8). Any
TERMINALS
birdcage on a lifting cable is cause for rejection no
matter where it is located.
WIRE
ROPE
The maximum number of broken wires allowed
in a cable is three per inch, and the broken wires must
be distributed randomly. No two broken wires may be
next to each other. No strand may have more than one
broken wire per pitch length, and no broken wires are
SAFETY
STRAP
permitted within five times the cable diameter of an end
PINS
fitting.
BUCKLES
Fabric straps should be visually inspected for
cuts, holes, severe abrasions, mildew, dry rot, broken
stitches, and frays. They should also be inspected for
SLING HOOK
deterioration due to contact with foreign materials,
ASf13007
such as oils, greases, fuels, and caustic cleaners.
Figure 13-7.--A typical aircraft hoisting sling.
13-14
