CharlieLifeSupport

I still think there was a TCTO modification to the orange knob.

Pacer Crag modification deleted the NAV position.

I hope your parachute jump was not like this: https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/734951_478271838901545_320813600_n.jpg?dl=1

I was assigned to a SAC tanker wing in mid-1974. Then to AWACS in 1978. I remember the orange knobs on the BA-18/22 chutes. There was hole in the bottom of that knob. I think there was a TCTO that removed something. Giz, Was there a cable that reeled out of the knob ?

Giz, I borrowed that picture from the Facebook page: Aircrew Life Support. Maybe you can go there and get an answer.

Giz, Look familiar? https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/64551_10151460437860813_1196416748_n.jpg?dl=1

The automatic opener changed over the years. The one you remember mechanical. It was set by the riggers ,and checked by L.S. with a tool similar to a skate key. They later changed to an actuator with an explosive charge and a booster. Basically a 38 special blank, the booster changing it to 357. To check the pins you had to unsnap the comfort cushion. The pins and the nylon loop held the chute closed. The pins were pulled when either the manual release was pulled or when you got to the altitude the auto actuator was set to after bailout. i don't know why, but something was removed from the orange knob you remember. It may have been a TCTO to remove an unsafe feature. The red loops in the risers were used to make the four line cut. It was supposed to give you improved control during your descent. The shroud line knife was in the riser in case the loop cutter failed, or you had an older canopy without the red loop mod. What I don't understand is when troop drops were being done, the Army jump master wore one of these chutes, not the chute the jumpers were using.

That monthly inspection by Life Support was basically a visual inspection. The missing minimum survival kit would have been discovered when the chute was broken down for repack. By tampering you took government property, and placed an aircrew member at risk in the event the chute was needed. On some versions of the chute, a ELT beacon was also in the risers. That could have been activated as well.

I still contend that every C-130 unit from all services in CONUS should have MAFFS. It should have been part of the Clinton Peace Dividend.

Shortly after I joined the ANG, I got a few drops of super glue on one of my hands. The boss said to go to the clinic. The nurse handed me a bottle, and said try this. It turned out to be surgical glue, not acetone. Then she said to try washing it off with lava. Both hands were a green mess. It had to wear off.

moved

Jane Fonda urinal stickers.

Thru out my career in Life Support I was assigned duties making the custom fit foam liners for aircrew helmets. The chemicals contained isocyanates. ( Same as the early spray foam insulation for building construction. ) The aircrew members had limited exposure, but the LS tech's were exposed to 2 to 5 or more pours in a day. Biomedical always claimed the was no hazard.

i was TDY to the 301st ARW at Rickenbacker in the mid 1970's. The Reserve there had the C-123's. The reserve ART for Life Support answered to the AD Life Support Branch Chief. Could it be possible that exposure to the ART put me at risk? He was on those birds frequently.

Dan meant Grissom JARB, IN. It is between Peru and Kokomo.