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 | 9-43. Life Preservers
AC 43.13-1B
9/8/98
(e) The inside patch should be ce-
mented simultaneously with the application of
cement to the inside of the raft. Apply the
same number of coats as directed in para-
graph 9 42b(2)(d) to the side of the patch that
is applied to the injured fabric of the raft. En-
sure that each coat is thoroughly dry before
applying the next coat.
(f) To aid in adhesion, prior to ap-
plying the patch, the inside area to be repaired
and cemented surface of the patch should be
cleaned with a cloth moistened with rubber
solvent. The cement will then become tacky.
(g) Apply the patch. Fold the patch
lengthwise in the shape of the letter “U” and
insert the patch between the torn edges of the
injury on the life rafts. Position the patch so
that the fabric at the end of the tear will coin-
cide with a cross line and the center line on the
patch follows one edge of the torn fabric. At-
tach one edge of the torn fabric along the cen-
ter line on the patch.
(h) Inspect the repair for wrinkles.
Working from the attached edge of the fabric
to the edge of the patch, remove the wrinkles
with a stitcher. Lay the opposite edge of the
torn fabric on the patch so that it butts the edge
of the torn fabric that has already been applied
to the patch. Remove the wrinkles. Thor-
oughly roll the patch with a 2 inch rubber
roller.
NOTE: The surface under the patch
should be as smooth as possible so that
the torn edge of the fabric may be at-
tached to the patch instead of at-
tempting to attach the patch to the
fabric.
(i) Scatter the handful of talc that was
placed inside the tube by grasping the sides of
the flotation tube and pulling them apart.
(j) Prepare and attach the outside
patch as outlined in “OUTSIDE PATCHES,”
sub-paragraphs 9-42b(1)(a)-(e).
(k) Allow to cure for at least
60 hours before performing leak tests and
storing.
(3) Seams and Tapes.
(a) Remove all old or dead cement
from the area that will require recementing.
Dampen the repair area with a solvent-
moistened cloth; then roll or rub off the old
cement.
(b) Apply cement to the surface as
outlined in “OUTSIDE PATCHES,” sub-
paragraph 9-42b(1)(a)-(e).
(c) Roll thoroughly with a roller to
ensure that all air pockets are removed and a
firm bond is secured.
(d) Allow to dry and apply talc over
the seam as previously outlined.
(e) Allow to cure for at least 60 hours
before performing leak tests and storing.
9-43. LIFE PRESERVERS. Inflatable life
preservers are subject to general deterioration
due to aging. Experience has indicated that
such equipment may be in need of replacement
at the end of 5 years due to porosity of the rub-
ber-coated material. Wear of such equipment
is accelerated when stowed on board aircraft
because of vibration which causes chafing of
the rubberized fabric. This ultimately results
in localized leakage. Leakage is also likely to
occur where the fabric is folded because sharp
corners are formed. When these corners are in
contact with the carrying cases, or with adja-
cent parts of the rubberized fabric, they tend to
wear through due to vibration.
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Par 9-42