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 | 9-44. Life Preserver Inspection
9/8/98
AC 43.13-1B
Life preservers should be inspected in accor-
dance with the manufacturer’s specification,
unless climate, storage, or operational condi-
tions indicate the need for more frequent in-
spections (Ref: TSO-C13).
9-44. LIFE PRESERVER INSPECTION.
Life preservers should be inspected at
12-month intervals for cuts, tears, or other
damage to the rubberized material. Check the
mouth valves and tubing for leakage, corro-
sion, and deterioration. Remove the CO2 cyl-
inder and check the discharge mechanism by
operating the lever to ascertain that the pin op-
erates freely. Check the gaskets and valve
cores of the cylinder container and the pull
cord for deterioration. If no defects are found,
inflate the preserver with air to a 2 psi pressure
and allow to stand for 12 hours. If the pre-
server still has adequate rigidity at the end of
that time, deflate and fit with CO2 cylinders
having weights not less than that indicated on
them by the manufacturer. All cylinders made
in accordance with joint Army/Navy Specifi-
cation MIL-C-00601D are so stamped and
have a minimum permissible weight stamped
on them. The use of such CO2 cylinders is
recommended. Having fitted the preserver
with an adequately-charged cylinder, mark the
preserver to indicate the date of inspection and
patch it to the container. It is recommended
that the aforementioned procedure be repeated
every 12-month period, utilizing the CO2 car-
tridge for inflation. Carbon dioxide permeates
the rubberized fabric at a faster rate than air
and will indicate if the porosity of the material
is excessive. The following checks and in-
spections should be completed:
a. Check for abrasions, chafing, and
soiling across folded cell areas and around
metal parts. Condemn the life preserver when
unsuitable conditions are found.
b. Check for separation of cell fabric and
loose attachments along the edges of patches
and sealing tapes. Repair if practicable.
c. Check for deterioration in areas where
oil and grease are noted. Condemn deterio-
rated cells. If deterioration is not noted, clean
the areas with mild soap and water and rinse
with clear water.
d. Inspect the snaps and/or buckles to
ensure proper operation.
e. Inspect the instruction panel for read-
ability.
f. Inspect all stitching for gaps, pulls, and
tears.
g. Visually inspect the cell containers for
snags, cuts, loose stitching, and oil and grease
spots. Repair or replace as necessary.
h. Inspect the hardware for rusted or
broken parts and cotter pins for damage. En-
sure that pins are smooth and free of burrs.
i. Check the inflator discharge lever for
proper operation. Move the inflator dis-
charge lever slowly through a normal cycle of
operation to ensure freedom of operation and
to make certain that the piercing pin has suffi-
cient movement to discharge the CO2 cylinder.
The point of the pin should move past the sur-
face of the gasket in the inflator. In the un-
operated position, the end point should be
slightly below the gasket surface.
j. Check the installation of the inflator
stem gaskets and check the stem caps for
tightness. Ensure that the inflator is centered
on the stem.
k. Check rescue light. Inspect and test.
Par 9-43
Page 9-35