TM 1-1500-204-23-1
(5) Keep parachute pack flaps sealed and
covered when not in use. Seals must be removed
before takeoff.
(6) Inspect and clean flags, control hinges
pulleys, bearings, worm gears, cowl slides, landing gear,
and tail wheel assemblies regularly to arrest corrosive
action.
(7) Inspect aircraft regularly for adequate
lubrication,
leakage,
contaminated
hydraulic
fluid,
specific cable tension, and condition of materials, such
as rubber and hydraulic equipment. Excess lubricant
must be wiped off all exposed bearing surfaces, joints,
fittings, components, and fuselage.
(8) Carefully smooth pitted propellers (if not
beyond permissible limits) with a fine file and emery
cloth. Remove all rough burrs and ragged edges around
pits at frequent intervals.
(9) Inspect dead air spaces in wings,
fuselage, and tail group at regular intervals for
accumulation of sand. Remove accumulated sand to
prevent a weight and balance change of aircraft.
(10) Clean engines, where possible, with a
highpressure spray gun filled with appropriate cleaning
fluid.
(11) Clean instrument filters thoroughly at
regular intervals. Replace wornout filters promptly
(12)
Clean
oil
and
gasoline
tanks
periodically, as sand accumulates in corners, seams,
and bottom of tanks.
(13) Clean metal parts not In use carefully,
cover with grease, and either wrap or store away from
sand and dust.
(14) Clean Plexiglas surfaces with clean
water. Do not rub Plexiglas surfaces during cleaning nor
use Plexiglas cleaning kit.
d. Preventive Maintenance. Accomplish the
following preventive maintenance procedures:
(1) Protect aircraft from excessive surface
temperatures by covering with canvas or native matting.
Use protective covers as soon as possible prior to
operation. Covers over Plexiglas should be installed so
that they do not touch the surface of the glass. Barrier
material may be installed for this purpose.
NOTE
Ensure that all weather stripping on
doors,
panels,
covers,
etc,
is
serviceable and that these items are
adjusted to make proper contact with
sealing surface
(2) Leave canopy partly open, except
during dust or rain storms, to permit circulation of air
within the flight compartment.
NOTE
Ensure that sealant Installed around
windows, seams, chin bubbles, and
sheet metal repairs is serviceable.
(3) Install protective covers and dust
excluder plugs on all engine openings, vents, air
intakes, exhaust outlets, breathers, propeller hubs and
feathering domes, cowls, and other vital openings to
prevent entry of sand and dust. Keep aircraft pointed
into wind when not being serviced or prepared for flight.
(4) Run up engine on a hard surface, as
shown In figure 10-3, such as a landing mat, or sand
and dust-free area, to prevent sand blasting, rotor blade,
propeller, fuselage, and tail surfaces. Landing/taxi area
should be located as far as possible from maintenance
area and allow as much space between aircraft as
tactically feasible.
(5) Never taxi aircraft under its own power
unless necessary. This will aid preventing pitting of the
rotor blade, propeller, fuselage, and tail surfaces Tow
aircraft, using proper tow fittings. Do not move aircraft
over desert crust or hardpan any more than necessary.
(6) Keep pitot heads and gyro Instrument
venturi covered when not in use.
(7) Make all possible ground checks before
starting engine. Inspect controls for freedom of
movement to ensure no binding is caused by sand.
(8) Do not run up aircraft in such a manner
as to damage other aircraft or injure personnel by blown
sand. Engine should never be run on ground longer
than necessary. Use ground guides to prevent landing
gear from resting on sharp rocks while parking aircraft.
(9) Do all shop (bench) repairs in enclosed
shelter. Never use sand-encrusted tools on aircraft.
10-8
