United States Army School of Aviation Medicine
Fort Rucker, Alabama
JUNE 1997
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STUDENT HANDOUT
TITLE: AVIATION PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT ORIENTATION
FILE NUMBER: 2/5/9/9E/AA/AC/AD/AE/32
PROPONENT FOR THIS LESSON PLAN IS:
United States Army School of Aviation Medicine
ATTN: MCCS-HAF
Fort Rucker, Alabama 36362-5000
FOREIGN DISCLOSURE RESTRICTIONS: The materials contained in this lesson plan have been
reviewed by the instructor/training developer and determined to be public domain
materials. This product is releasable to military students from all requesting foreign
countries without restrictions.
AVIATION PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (APE)
TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE (TLO): While performing as an air crew member, the student will properly use aviation protective equipment.
ACTION: Properly use aviation protective equipment.
CONDITION: While performing as an aircrew member.
STANDARD: In accordance with AR 95-1, AR 95-3, TM 10-8400-201-23, and TM 10-8400-202-13
A. ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVE (ELO) #1:
ACTION: Identify the safety features provided by aviation protective equipment.
CONDITION: Given a list.
STANDARD: In Accordance With AR 95-1.
a. Aircraft Structural shell (fuselage)
b. Crashworthy seats.
c. Personnel restraint system.
d. Post-crash fire or drowning protection.
B. ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVE (ELO) #2:
ACTION: Select the proper wear of aviation clothing.
CONDITION: Given a list.
STANDARD: In Accordance With AR 95-1.
a. A functional aviation protective equipment ensemble is determined not only by proper care and maintenance techniques, but also by proper wear of the equipment.
(1) Underwear and socks.
(a) Wear issue-type underwear and socks.
(b) 100% cotton, 100% wool, or NOMEX material.
WARNING: Nylon or other synthetic underwear will melt underneath the NOMEX and cause life threatening burns to the trunk and groin. Most synthetic underwear fabrics melt at or below 350 degrees and ingnite at 450 degrees and above.
b. NOMEX flight suit is a nylon impregnated, high temperature resistant, with retardent chemicals that will not support combustion. (Char temperature of NOMEX is 700-800 degrees when free of grease, oil, and POL products.)
(1) Does not melt or drip.
(2) Good chemical Resistance.
(3) NOMEX is more durable than cotton and resists abrasion.
(4) Low fiber shrinkage.
(5) Low thermal conduction.
(6) Comfortable to wear.
(7) Collar is one piece which is worn up while flighing
CAUTION: Burns to the rear of the neck can occur during a flash fire.
(8) Sleeves must be worn down and Velcro tabs secured during flight.
CAUTION: Sleeves must be long enough to compensate for reach. The wrist must remain covered even when the arm is extended, to avoid injury from flash fires or flames.
(9) Uniform should be loose fitting to prevent thermal burns due to tightness. Size and fit should completely cover all skin not covered by gloves, helmet and boots.
c. Identification tags.
(1) ID tags are required when flying.
(2) Avoid plastic covers which could cause burns if the plastic melts.
(3) Wear around the outside of the collar.
d. Boots
(1) Characteristics.
(a) Retention during high G-forces to include crash or ejection.
(b) Stability to prevent ankle and foot injury which could compromise aircraft escape.
(c) Protects feet and ankles from lacerations and other injuries.
(d) Fire retardancy of leather boots is greater than jungle boots.
(2) Proper boot wear.
(a) The boots must be laced up fully to the top.
(b) Avoid boots with zippers, straps and jungle boots. Zippers will transfer heat, straps will give or even break and jungle boots will melt.
e. NOMEX flight gloves.
(1) Flight gloves are designed for comfort, insulation during a fire, and sensitivity to identify an object by touch.
(2) Gloves are to be worn under the sleeves of the NOMEX flight suit.
f. Sound Protective Helmet-4B (SPH4).
(1) Superior to all preceding helmets particularly in noise attenuation.
(2) Custom fit by local ALSE NCO by heating the thermal plastic liner.
(3) Dual visor provides eye and face protection day or night.
(4) Designed to provide better retention with the chin strap and nap strap.
C. ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVE (ELO) #3:
ACTION: Select the proper care of flight clothing.
CONDITION: Given a list.
STANDARD: In Accordance With TM 10-8400-202-13 and TM 10-8400-201-23.
a. Avoid wearing flight suit during routine ground duties due to possible contact with grease, oil, paint, glue, and other combustible materials.
(1) Reduces fire retardancy
(2) Reduces breathing qualities of the garment.
b. Cleaning
(1) Wash on permanent press cycle and rinse completely to remove soap film.
(2) Softeners can be used in the rinse cycle to remove body oils.
(3) Do not use Bleach as it will break down the fire retardency and the fiber.
(4) Do not starch as it destroys the fire retardency of the garment and starch is known to burn.
(5) Drying temperature should not exceed 180 degrees. Use the permanent press setting when drying in a machine.
(6) Ironing on the medium temperature can be done but don not iron the Velcro tabs.
(7) Dry cleaning may be used if regular washing fails to remove POL products. It is recommended for flight jackets.
c. NOMEX flight gloves can be washed with mild soap and water while gloves are on your hands, or in a washer.
(1) Washing temperature should not exceed 140 degrees.
(2) Dry gloves at room temperature or in a dryer but do not exceed 180 degrees.
D. ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVE (ELO) #4:
ACTION: Select the proper wear and maintenance of the SPH-4B.
CONDITION: Given a list.
STANDARD: In Accordance With TM 10-8415-206-12P
a. Proper wear of the SPH-4B Helmet includes:
(1) Ensure that the chin strap and nape strap are tight prior to flight.
(2) Visor should be worn down at all times. (Exception while using Night Vision Goggles.
b. Proper maintenance includes:
(1) Modifications may be made only by ALSE technicians.
(2) Inspect helmet, each time it is used, for loose or worn parts, frayed straps, and cracking of the outer shell.
(3) Change ear cups as needed.
(4) Do not sit on helmet.
(5) Do not place objects in the helmet which can damage the protective qualities of polystyrene lining and TPL.
(6) Avoid the greenhouse effect. Do not store helmet in closed cockpit or automobiles where temperature can exceed 200 degrees on an 85 degree day.
E. ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVE (ELO) #5:
ACTION: Select the miscellaneous apparel that is safe and unsafe.
CONDITION: Given a list.
STANDARD: In Accordance With AR 670-1 and TM 10-8415-206-12P
a. Sunglasses should be worn to protect night vision
b. Metal jewelry and watches can be dangerous when working near battery terminals or exposed wiring connection.
c. Metal insignia can contribute to injuries during a crash sequence or due to electrical short circuits. Foreign objects damage can be caused by the dammit on back of the insignia.