SERIES-S

PART 1 Subject : Storage conditions and storage/service life of Rubber parts and aircraft
components containing rubber parts.

*)Tyres should be stored vertically in racks having support tubes.The

tyres should be turned to a new position every three months or so.

1.Temperature : The storage temperature should be between 50 deg. F and 70 deg. F

and the distance between the stored articles and the source of heat should be more than 3
feet.

2. Humidity : The relative humidity in the store room should be around 65 per cent.

3. Light : Rubber parts should not be exposed to strong light e.g. direct rays of sun. The
store rooms should be kept as dark as practicable.

4. Oxygen : Isolation from atmospheric oxygen greatly increases the storage limiting
period of rubber parts. Where possible parts should be racked in airtight containers, or
wrappings and liberal use of talc or french chalk is also recommended.

5. Ozone : Storage rooms should not contain any apparatus that is capable of generating
ozone, such as high voltage electrical equipment, electric motors or other plant which may
give rise to electric sparks.

6. Deformation : Rubber parts should, wherever possible, be stored in a 'relaxed'

position free from compression or distortion, and in all cases with the least possible
deformation, since deformation greatly aggravates the action

7. Contamination : Rubber parts should not come in contact with liquids or vapour
concentrations of any kind during storage even though they may be subsequently used in
contact with a similar fluid. Contact with copper, brass or rusty iron, or with any compounds
of manganese, should be avoided.

1)Into how many groups hoses are classifies?

The hoses have been classified in two groups :

GROUP A : Fuel, Oil, pneumatic and hydraulic pressure hoses.

GROUP B : All other hoses like hydraulic return line and instruments hoses etc.
Shelf life:
*) The total storage/shelf life of both types of hoses shall be limited to 10 years from the cure
date of manufacture provided they are stored under standard conditions of storage
*)During storage, periodic inspection should be carried out once a year for signs of
deterioration, weather cracks, signs of corrosion on end fittings etc. and hose pressure
tested to 1-1/2 times the working pressure every two years.
*)Before installation on aircraft pressure test should be carried out at 1-1/2 times the
working pressure.

Service life:
*)In the absence of information initial life of hoses should not exceed 4 years to start with
for Group A hoses and 6 years for Group B hoses. Thereafter the service life of the hoses can
be developed to 6 years for Group A hoses and 8 years for Group B hoses with the prior
concurrence of the Regional/Sub-Regional Airworthiness Office.

*)pneumatic components shall be limited to 6 years

Rubber and seals shall be limited to 4 years

PART 2 Subject: Fixation of Calendar period, for determining overhaul life of reciprocating
engines.

Prolonged storage or very irregular and low utilisation may lead to internal deterioration of
engines even when preserved under recommended conditions. Hence an indefinite lapsed
period between overhaul of such engines may not always ensure adequate safety during
subsequent operation.

It is therefore stipulated that all reciprocating engines must be completely stripped, thoroughly
inspected, reassembled and tested at least once in ten years, irrespective of the operation life,
if the engines are otherwise not due for complete overhaul. Any extension of calendar period,
beyond ten years, will not be normally considered.

Note: However, if the manufacturer has laid down overhaul periodicity on calendar basis
between two consecutive overhauls, the manufacturer's requirement prevails.