TM 10-1670-287-23&P
0007 00
MC-4 RAM AIR FREE-FALL PERSONNEL PARACHUTE SYSTEM
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE CHECKS AND SERVICES (PMCS), INTRODUCTION
0007 00-1/(2 Blank)
GENERAL
The following describe PMCS procedures on the unit and direct support levels. The PMCS table has
been provided to ensure the MC-4 parachute is in proper operating condition, and ready for its primary
mission.
SCOPE
The following work packages (WP 0015 00 through WP 0059 00) contain maintenance procedures that
are the responsibility of the specified technician, as authorized by the Maintenance Allocation Chart
(MAC), and the Source, Maintenance, and Recoverability (SMR) coded items that are identified in the
Repair Parts and Special Tools List (RPSTL).
MAINTENANCE FUNCTIONS/PROCEDURES
Each of the mentioned work packages above identifies a maintenance function specified in the MAC. All
maintenance procedures required to complete a maintenance function are identified under THIS TASK
COVERS: in the order in which the work is most logically accomplished.
PARACHUTE REPACK INTERVAL
The MC-4 parachute will be repacked at a scheduled interval to insure airworthiness. When necessitated
by climate/storage/use condition, the local airdrop equipment maintenance officer may require more
frequent repack intervals. In this regard, a major concern would be rapid fluctuations of temperature
(fluctuations around 32 degrees Fahrenheit, freezing point) sustained high or low temperature, or high
humidity and heavily polluted atmosphere. The MC-4 Ram Air Personnel Parachute System will be
repacked at a 120-day interval (both main and reserve).
DROP TESTING CRITERIA
Drop testing of the MC-4 Ram Air Personnel Parachute System consist of physically airdropping an item
from an aircraft in flight. The drop-test is used as a means of proving the serviceability of an item or
checking parachute rigger proficiency, and will only be performed under the supervision of qualified
parachute rigger personnel who satisfy the supervisory requirements outlined in AR 750-32 and TM 10-
1670-201-23. Drop testing will usually be conducted by an activity responsible for the inspection and
maintenance of airdrop equipment, which includes either parachute packing or airdrop load rigging. The
criteria required to accomplish a drop test is as follows:
1. To drop-test a troop-type personnel parachute, a qualified parachute rigger will jump the
parachute and the applicable type parachute will be released under conditions that are consistent
with the requirements for a personnel jump or equipment drop.
2. During the drop-test of any type parachute, the deployment of the parachute will be thoroughly
monitored and observed to detect any indication of malfunction or defect. A subsequent record of
the applicable parachute log record will be entered into the applicable log record using
procedures outline in WP 0004 00.
3. Any type of airdrop equipment that indicates evidence of malfunction/defect during, or after, a
drop-test will be disposed of as prescribed in WP 0011 00.
4. A personnel parachute that is considered to have contributed to the injury of an individual
parachutist (critical or fatal) will be disposed of in accordance with WP 0011 00, Equipment
Disposition.
5. Airdrop equipment that does not reflect evidence of malfunction or defect upon completion of a
drop-test will be administered a technical/rigger-type inspection as outlined in WP 0011 00. If
serviceable, the item(s) may then remain in use.
END OF WORK PACKAGE
