TM 10-1670-298-20&P
2.11 SHAKEOUT AND AIRING.
a. Shakeout of Other Airdrop Equipment. To shakeout airdrop equipment other than parachutes, perform the
following:
(1) Lay the applicable assembly or related components on a clean level surface.
(2) Remove all debris from the airdrop item(s) by vigorous shaking or by brushing with a dry soft-bristle brush. A
compressed air hose may be used to remove foreign material from inaccessible areas.
b. Airing. Under certain conditons, parachutes and other airdrop equipment will be aired to prevent discoloration,
mildew, and deterioration. Where dampness and mildew are prevalent, airdrop equipment will be aired at frequent
intervals according to the severity of the prevailing conditions Parachutes that have been previously packed or are
unpacked, which have been subjected to conditions of dampness or mildew, will be aired for a period of at least 6 hours
prior to being repacked. Airdrop items may be aired either indoors or outdoors in dry weather However, fabric items will
not be aired in direct sunlight. Airing may be accomplished by suspending or elevating the applicable item(s) in a manner
which would allow entire exposure to the circulation of air. Outside facilities used for the shakeout of parachutes may be
used for the airing of airdrop equipment if weather conditions permit. If the shakeout facilities are inadequate for airing,
the applicable item(s) may be suspended or elevated at several points or by draping over suitable type objects which
would not inflict damage.
2.12 CLEANING AND DRYING.
Airdrop equipment will be inspected after each use for dampness, dirt or other foreign material Subsequent cleaning and
drying of the equipment may be required to prevent a possible malfunction or deterioration of the item(s). Equipment that
has been immersed in water will be processed as outlined in paragraph 2.13 The cleaning and drying of airdrop
equipment will be accomplished as follows.
a. Cleaning. The practice of cleaning airdrop items should be held to a minimum and performed only when it is
necessary to eliminate a malfunction potential or the possibility of material deterioration. The method of cleaning to be
used must be compatible with the type of material to be cleaned and the nature of the substance to be removed. In
addition, the cleaning process should be limited to the soiled area only. The cleaning of airdrop equipment will be
performed using the following procedures, as applicable:
(1) Shaking and Brushing. Most airdrop equipment assemblies and associated components should be cleaned by
shaking or gently brushing with a dry soft-bristle brush A dry stiff-bristle brush may be used on airdrop items constructed
of canvas, metal, or wood.
(2) Spot-Cleaning. A soiled area on a fabric airdrop item which cannot be cleaned by shaking or brushing will be
spot-cleaned as follows:
WARNING
Due to flammable properties and nylon-damaging substances, cleaning
solvents other than tetrachloroethylene will not be used in the spot-
cleaning of airdrop equipment. Tetrachloroethylene will only be used in
areas where substantial ventilation is available Repeated or prolonged
inhalation of the solvent vapors can be detrimental to human health In
addition, avoid prolonged or repeated contact of the solvent fluid with
areas of the skin. Tetrachloroethylene must not be taken internally
(a) Cotton item. Spot-clean a cotton item by rubbing the soiled area with a clean cloth dampened with
tetrachloroethylene. Once the foreign substance has been removed, rinse the cleaned area by repeating the rubbing
process with clean portion of the cloth which has been dampened with the cleaning solvent. Do not wring out the rinsed
area If an undue amount of cleaning solvent is applied Allow the applicable item to dry thoroughly
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