FAA Advisory Circular 43.13-1B
Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices
Aircraft Inspection and Repair
AC 43.13-1B | 9. Aircraft Systems and Components | 3. Emergency Equipment | 9-42. Raft Repairs
AC 43.13-1B
9/8/98
of the life rafts, regardless of the last date of
inspection, if it is considered that another in-
spection is warranted.
9-41. INSPECTION RECORD. The date
the inspection was completed will be stenciled
on the flotation tube at the left of the cylinder.
The size of lettering will not be less than
1/4-inch or greater than 1/2-inch in height.
Previous inspection dates will not be removed
or obliterated, but will be arranged in columnar
form with the latest date at the top. After the
inspection is completed, fill out the raft’s in-
spection record in accordance with part 43 sec-
tion 43.9, and attach the parts tag to the survival
equipment. The date on the tag will reflect the
same date as stenciled on the flotation tube and
will be used to determine the next due date of
inspection and test.
9-42. RAFT REPAIRS.
a. Repairs. The service life for flotation
equipment will be determined by condition
rather than age. Equipment passing tests and
inspections may remain in service indefinitely
since the inflation tests and material inspec-
tions will identify and condemn equipment
having more than minor installation defects.
However, the service life for life rafts operat-
ing under normal usage and environmental
conditions is anticipated by the manufacturers
to be 8 to 10 years, and it is appropriate to base
life raft’s parts replacement programs upon this
estimate. It is not considered advisable or eco-
nomical to perform major repairs on life rafts.
(2) A rip or tear across an air retaining
seam.
(3) Rafts on which oil, grease, or any
other foreign substance has caused a deteriora-
tion of the rubberized fabric.
(4) Rafts on which a heavy mildew
condition has caused deterioration of the rub-
berized fabric.
(5) Rafts on which porous flotation
tubes allow diffusion of air. A porous area is
located by a soap test on the inflated raft.
Higher diffusion is indicated by the excessive
loss of pressure after a soap test has failed to
locate a specific area of injury on the raft.
(6) Rafts requiring internal repair or
opening of air retaining seams for repair.
(7) Rafts with an excessive number of
injuries that would not, in the judgment of
competent inspectors, justify repair.
c. Patches. Holes or abrasions which are
2 inches or less, in diameter (in air retaining
chambers) will be repaired by the application
of an outside patch. Holes exceeding 2 inches
in length or diameter, will require an inside
patch as well as an outside patch. Inside and
outside patches should be round or rectangular
and manufactured of fabric (specification
MIL-C-6819). Cement should conform to
Class 1 of specification MIL-C-5539. Patch as
follows:
b. Life Rafts. Life rafts with any of the
following conditions should be condemned
rather than repaired:
(1) Life rafts over 3-1/2 years of age
and requiring major repair or more than two
minor repairs.
(1) Outside patches.
(a) With a rubber solvent thoroughly
clean the area to be patched.
(b) From the material referenced,
fabricate a patch as shown in figure 9-13.
Page 9-32
Par 9-40