<div class=WordSection1>



Department of Transportation <br />
Federal Aviation Administration <br />
Aircraft Certification Service<br />
Washington, DC<br /><br />


4/13/84<br /><br />



<p class=MsoNormal><b>Subject:</b> TSO-C70a, LIFERAFTS (REVERSIBLE AND

NONREVERSIBLE)</p>



<p class=MsoNormal> </p>



<p class=MsoNormal><b>Technical Standard Order </b></p>



<p class=MsoNormal>a. <u>Applicability</u>. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>(1) <u>Minimum Performance Standards</u>. This Technical

Standard Order (TSO) prescribes the minimum performance standards that

liferafts combinations must meet to be identified with the applicable TSO

marking. This TSO has been prepared in accordance with the procedural rules set

forth in Subpart O of the Federal Aviation Regulations Part 21. New models of

liferafts that are to be so identified and that are manufactured on or after

the effective date of this TSO must meet the standards set forth in Appendix 1,

“Federal Aviation Administration Standard for Liferaftsâ€ of this TSO. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>(2) <u>Environmental Standard</u>. None. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>(3) <u>Test Methods</u>. This TSO references Federal Test

Method Standard No. 191A dated 7/20/78. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>b. <u>Marking</u>. In addition to the marking required in

Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) § 21.607(d) (14 CFR 21.607), the part

number, serial number and date of manufacture, weight and rated and overload

capacities of the liferaft must be shown also. The weight of the liferaft

includes any accessories required in this TSO. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>c. <u>Data Requirements</u>. In accordance with FAR §

21.605, (14 CFR 21.605), each manufacturer shall furnish the Manager, Aircraft

Certification Office (ACO), Federal Aviation Administration, having

geographical purview of the manufacturer’s facilities, one copy each of the

following technical data: </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>(1) Operating instructions. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>(2) Packing instructions. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>(3) A complete description of the device, including detailed

drawings, materials identification and specifications, and installation

procedures. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>DISTRIBUTION: ZVS-326; A-W(WS)-3; A-X(FS)-3; A-X(CD)-4; A-FFS-1,2,7,8(LTD);

A-FAC-0(MAX); AVN-1(2 cys) TSO-C70a 4/13/84 </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>(4) Manufacturer’s TSO qualification test report. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>(5) Applicable installation limitations, including stowage

area temperatures. The manufacturer shall also provide the purchaser with such

limitations. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>(6) Maintenance instructions, including instructions

regarding inspection, repair, and stowage of materials. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>(7) The functional test specification to be used to test

each production article to ensure compliance with this TSO. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>d. <u>Availability of Referenced Documents</u>. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>(1) Appendix 1, “Federal Aviation Administration Standards

for Liferafts,â€ of this TSO specifies certain test methods that are contained

in Federal Test Method Standard No. 191A unless otherwise noted. Federal Test

Method Standard No. 191A may be examined at the FAA Headquarters in the Office

of Airworthiness, Aircraft Engineering Division (AWS-110), and at all Aircraft

Certification Offices, and may be obtained (or purchased) from the General

Services Administration, Business Service Center, Region 3, 7th and D Streets,

S.W., Washington, D.C. 20407. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>(2) Federal Aviation Regulations Part 21, Subpart O and

Advisory Circular 20-110, Index of Aviation Technical Standard Orders may be

reviewed at the FAA Headquarters in the Office of Airworthiness, Aircraft

Engineering Division (AWS-110), and at all regional Aircraft Certification

Offices. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>/S/ J. A. Pontecorvo </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>Acting Director of Airworthiness </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>Page 2 4/13/84 TSO-C70a Appendix 1 </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>APPENDIX 1. FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION STANDARD FOR LIFERAFTS

</p>



<p class=MsoNormal>1. <u>Purpose</u>. This standard provides the minimum

performance standards for liferafts. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>2. <u>Scope</u>. This standard covers the following types of

liferafts: </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>TYPE I - For use in any category aircraft. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>TYPE II - For use in nontransport category aircraft. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>3. <u>Material and Workmanship</u>. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>3.1 <u>Nonmetallic Materials</u>. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>3.1.1 The finished device must be clean and free from any

defects that might affect its function. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>3.1.2 Coated fabrics and other items, such as webbing,

subject to deterioration must have been manufactured not more than 18 months

prior to the date of delivery of the finished product. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>3.1.3 The materials must not support fungus growth. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>3.1.4 <u>Coated fabrics - General. </u>Coated fabrics,

including seams, subject to deterioration used in the manufacture of the

devices must possess at least 90 percent of their original physical properties

after these fabrics have been subjected to the accelerated ageing test

specified in paragraph 6.1 of this standard. Material used in the construction

of flotation chambers and decks must be capable of withstanding the detrimental

effects of exposure to fuels, oils and hydraulic fluids. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>3.1.4.1 <u>Strength</u>. Coated fabrics used for these

applications must conform to the following minimum strengths after ageing: </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>Tensile Strength (Grab Test) </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>Warp 190 pounds/inch </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>Fill 190 pounds/inch </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>Tear Strength </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>Trapezoid Test: 13 X 13 pounds/inch (minimum); or </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>Tongue Test: 13 X 13 pounds/inch (minimum) </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>3.1.4.2 <u>Adhesion</u>. In addition to the requirements of

3.1.4.1, coated fabrics must meet the following minimum strengths after ageing:

</p>



<p class=MsoNormal>Page 1 TSO-C70a 4/13/84 Appendix 1 </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>Ply Adhesion - </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>5 pounds/inch width at 70 ± 2 degrees F at a pull of 2.0 to

2.5 inches/minute </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>Coat Adhesion - </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>5 pounds/inch width at 70 ± 2 degrees F at 2.0 to 2.5

inches/minute </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>3.1.4.3 <u>Permeability</u>. For coated fabrics used in the

manufacture of inflation chambers, the maximum permeability to helium

(Permeability Test Method) may not exceed 10 liters per square meter in 24

hours at 77 degrees F, or its equivalent using hydrogen. The permeameter must

be calibrated for the gas used. In lieu of this permeability test, an alternate

test may be used provided the alternate test has been approved as an equivalent

to this permeability test by the manager of the FAA office to which this TSO

data is to be submitted, as required in Paragraph c., Data Requirements. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>3.1.5 <u>Seam Strength and Adhesives</u>. Cemented or heat

sealable seams used in the manufacture of the device must meet the following

minimum strength requirements: </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>Shear Strength (Seam Shear Test Method) - 175 pounds/inch

width at 75 degrees F; </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>40 pounds/inch width at 140 degrees F </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>Peel Strength (Peel Test Method) - </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>5 pounds/inch width at 70 degrees F </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>3.1.6 <u>Seam Tape</u>. If tape is used for seam

reinforcement or abrasion protection of seams or both, the tape must have

minimum breaking strength (Grab Test Method) of 40 pounds/inch width in both

the warp and fill directions. When applied to the seam area, the adhesion

strength characteristics must meet the seam strength requirements in paragraph

3.1.5. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>3.1.7 <u>Canopy</u>. Fabrics used for this purpose must be

waterproof and resistant to sun penetration, and must not affect the potability

of collected water, and must meet the following minimum requirements in the

applicable tests prescribed in paragraph 6.1 of this standard, except that in

lieu of meeting the tensile strength requirements, a fabricated canopy may be

demonstrated to withstand 35-knot winds and 52-knot gusts: </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>Tensile Strength (Grab Test) </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>Warp 75 pounds/inch </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>Fill 75 pounds/inch </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>Tear Strength </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>Trapezoid Test: 4 x 4 pounds/inch; or </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>Tongue Test: 4 x 4 pounds/inch </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>Coat Adhesion of Coated Fabrics </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>3.5 pounds/inch width at 70 ± 2 degrees F at a separation rate

of 2.0 to 2.5 inches/minute </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>Page 2 4/13/84 TSO-C70a Appendix 1 </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>3.1.8 <u>Flammability</u>. The device (including carrying

case or stowage container) must be constructed of materials which meet FAR §

25.853 (14 CFR 25.853) in effect on May 1, 1972, as follows: Type I rafts must

meet § 25.853 (b) and Type II rafts must meet § 25.853 (b-3). </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>3.2 <u>Metallic Parts</u>. All metallic parts must be made

of corrosion-resistant material or must be suitably protected against

corrosion. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>3.3 <u>Protection</u>. All inflation chambers and load

carrying fabrics must be protected in such a manner that nonfabric parts do not

cause chafing or abrasion of the material in either the packed or the inflated

condition. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>4. <u>Design and Construction</u>. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>4.1 <u>Capacity</u>. The rated and overload capacities of a

life raft must be based on not less than the following usable sitting areas on

the deck of the life raft: </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>Rated Capacity 3.6 feet<sup>2</sup>/person </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>Overload Capacity 2.4 feet<sup>2</sup>/person </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>4.1.1 <u>Capacity, Alternate Rating Methods</u>. In lieu of

the rated capacity as determined by paragraph 4.1 of this standard, one of the

following methods may be used: </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>4.1.1.1 The rated capacity of a Type I or Type II liferaft

may be determined by the number of occupant seating spaces which can be

accommodated within the occupiable area exclusive of the perimeter structure

(such as buoyancy tubes) without overlapping of the occupant seating spaces and

with the occupant seating spaces located to provide each occupant with a back

support of not less than 8 inches high. The occupant seating spaces may not be

less than the following size: </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>39.4 inches </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>BACK SUPPORT </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>ALONG </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>THIS 14.7 inches 7.2 inches </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>SIDE. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>4.1.1.2 The rated capacity of a Type I or Type II liferaft

may be determined on the basis of a controlled pool or fresh water

demonstration which includes conditions prescribed under paragraph 6.2.3 of

this standard and the following: </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>4.1.1.2.1 The sitting area on the liferaft deck may not be

less than 3 square feet per person. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>4.1.1.2.2 The liferaft must have a back support for each

occupant of not less than 14.7 inches wide and 8 inches high. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>Page 3 TSO-C70a 4/13/84 Appendix 1 </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>4.1.1.2.3 At least 30 percent but no more than 50 percent of

the participants must be female. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>4.1.1.2.4 Except as provided below, all participants must

select their sitting space without outside placement assistance. Instructions,

either identified on the raft or announced prior to the demonstration, may be

used informing that each participant should have a back support. A raft

commander, acting in the capacity of a crewmember, may direct occupant seating

to the extent necessary to achieve reasonable weight distribution within the

raft. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>4.1.1.2.5 All participants must not have practiced,

rehearsed, or have had the demonstration procedures described to them within

the past 6 months. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>4.2 <u>Buoyancy</u>. An average occupant weight of not less

than 170 pounds must be used in all applicable calculations and tests specified

herein. In tests, ballast in the form of sand bags or equivalent may be used to

achieve the 170 pound average, provided the appropriate weight distribution

within the raft is maintained. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>4.2.1 <u>Type I Liferaft</u>. Buoyancy must be provided by

two independent buoyancy tubes each of which, including the raft floor, must be

capable of supporting the rated and overload capacities in fresh water if the

other tube is deflated. The liferaft loaded to its rated capacity must have a

freeboard of at least 12 inches with both buoyancy tubes at minimum operating

pressure. The liferaft loaded to its rated capacity with the critical tube

deflated and the remaining tube at minimum operating pressure must have a

freeboard of at least 6 inches. The liferaft loaded to its overload capacity

with the critical tube deflated must have a measurable freeboard. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>4.2.2 <u>Type II Liferaft</u>. When single tube construction

is used to provide the buoyancy, internal bulkheads must divide the flotation

tube into at least two separate chambers such that the liferaft will be capable

of supporting the rated number of occupants out of fresh water in the event

that one chamber is deflated. The complete liferaft loaded to its rated

capacity must have a freeboard of at least 6 inches. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>4.3 <u>Inflation</u>. The inflation system must be arranged

so that failure of one inflatable chamber or manifold will not result in loss

of gas from the other chambers. The inflation equipment must be located so as

not to interfere with boarding operation. Components of the inflation system

must meet Department of Transportation Specification 3AA (49 CFR 178.37) or

Specification 3HT (49 CFR 178.44) in effect May 30, 1976, as applicable, or an

equivalent approved by the manager of the FAA office to which this TSO data is

to be submitted, as required in paragraph c., Data Requirements. The inflation

system must be constructed to minimize leakage due to back pressure after

inflation. If an air aspirator system is used, the system must be constructed

either to prevent the ingestion of foreign objects or to prevent failure or

malfunction as a result of ingestion of small foreign objects. For Type I

liferafts, there must be an independent inflation source for each primary

flotation tube, except that there may be a single inflation source for all

flotation tubes if data substantiating the reliability of the single </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>Page 4 4/13/84 TSO-C70a Appendix 1 </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>inflation source is approved by the manager of the FAA

office to which this TSO data is to be submitted, as required in Paragraph c.,

Data Requirements. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>4.4 <u>Liferaft Canopy</u>. A canopy must be packed with or

attached to the raft. The erected canopy must be capable of withstanding

35-knot winds and 52-knot gusts in open water. The canopy must provide adequate

headroom and must have provision for openings 180 degrees apart. Means must be

provided to make the openings weathertight. If the canopy is not integral with

the raft, it must be capable of being erected by occupants following

conspicuously posted, simple instructions. It must be capable of being erected

by one occupant of an otherwise empty raft and by occupants of a raft filled to

rated capacity. For a reversible raft, attachment provisions must be installed

to permit the canopy to be installed on either side of the raft. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>4.5 <u>Capsize Resistance</u>. There must be water pockets

or other means to provide capsize resistance for an empty or lightly loaded

raft. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>4.6 <u>Boarding Aids</u>. For Type I liferafts, boarding

aids must be provided at two opposing positions on the raft. One boarding aid

is sufficient for a Type II liferaft. Boarding aids must permit unassisted

entry from the water into the unoccupied raft and must not at any time impair

either the rigidity or the inflation characteristics of the raft. Puncturing of

inflatable boarding aids must not affect the buoyancy of the raft buoyancy

chambers. Boarding handles and/or stirrups used in conjunction with the

boarding aids must withstand a pull of 500 pounds. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>4.7 <u>Righting Aids</u>. Means must be provided to right a

nonreversible liferaft if it inflates in an inverted position. The means

provided for righting must be such that they may be used by one person in the

water. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>4.8 <u>Lifeline</u>. A nonrotting lifeline of contrasting

color and at least 3/8-inch diameter or 3/4-inch width must encircle the

liferaft on the outside periphery so that it can be easily grasped by persons

in the water. The lifeline and its attachments must be capable of withstanding

a minimum load of 500 pounds and must not interfere with the liferaft

inflation. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>4.9 <u>Grasp Line</u>. A grasp line, meeting the size and

strength requirements for the lifeline, must be provided with sufficient slack

for use by liferaft occupants to steady themselves when seated on the liferaft

deck with their backs to the main flotation tube(s). </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>4.10 <u>Color</u>. The color of the liferaft’s surfaces,

including the canopy surface, visible from the air must be an International

Orange-Yellow or an equivalent high visibility color. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>4.11 <u>Placards</u>. Suitable placarding must be provided

in contrasting colors in waterproof paint which is not detrimental to the

fabric, that denotes use and location of the inflation systems, raft equipment,

boarding aids, and righting aids. For reversible rafts, placement of the

placarding must take into account usage of either side of the raft. The letters

used for such placarding must be at least 2 inches high except that details and

miscellaneous instructions may be of smaller lettering. Applicable placarding

must take into account persons boarding or righting the raft form the water. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>Page 5 TSO-C70a 4/13/84 Appendix 1 </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>4.12 <u>Lights</u>. One or more survivor locator lights must

be provided that are approved under TSO-C85. The lights must be automatically

activated upon raft inflation in the water, and visible from any direction by

persons in the water. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>4. 13 <u>Raft Sea Performance</u>. The raft must meet the

seaworthiness requirements in 6.2.3.2 and must be capable with its equipment of

withstanding a saltwater marine environment for a period of at least 15 days. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>5. <u>Liferaft Equipment</u>. All lines must be suitably stowed

and secured to prevent entanglement during launching/inflation of a liferaft. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>5.1 <u>Mooring Line</u>. A nonrotting mooring line at least

20 feet in length must be attached at one end to the raft, with the remainder

of the line held flaked to the carrying case (See 5.2). The mooring line must

be capable of keeping the raft, loaded to maximum rated capacity, attached to a

floating aircraft, and not endanger the raft or cause the raft to spill

occupants if the aircraft sinks. The line may be equipped with a mechanical

release linkage. The breaking strength of the line must be at least 500 pounds,

or 40 times the rated capacity of the raft, whichever is greater, but need not

exceed 1,000 pounds. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>5.2 <u>Liferaft Launching Equipment</u>. A parachute ripcord

grip and retaining pocket must form the primary inflation control. The ripcord

grip or the attached static mooring line must be provided with means for

attachment to the aircraft. If the ripcord grip is designed to attach to the

aircraft, its strength may not be less than that of the static mooring line.

The position of the ripcord grip must be standardized. When facing the release

end of the carrying case, the center line of the ripcord grip retaining pocket

must lie at 45 degrees in the right upper quadrant of the end section. The

outermost extremity of the ripcord grip may not extend beyond the outer margin

of the carrying case. The line attached to the ripcord grip must serve both to

retain the liferaft and to actuate the gas release(s). The tension required to withdraw

the static mooring line and to actuate the gas release mechanism(s) must be

between 20 and 30 pounds. The strength of the gas release mechanism(s), its

fittings, and its attachments may not be less than 100 pounds. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>5.3 <u>Sea Anchor</u>. A sea anchor, or anchors, or other

equivalent means must be provided to maintain the raft, with rated capacity and

canopy installed, on a substantially constant heading relative to the wind and

have the ability to reduce the drift to 2 knots in 17 to 27-knot winds. Unless analysis

and/or test data substantiating the adequacy of a lower breaking strength is

approved by the manager of the FAA office to which this TSO data is to be

submitted as required in paragraph c., Data Requirements, the line securing a

sea anchor to the raft must have a breaking strength of 500 pounds or 40 pounds

time the rated capacity of the raft, whichever is greater. The attachment of

the line to the raft must be capable of withstanding a load of 1.5 times the

line-rated strength without damaging the raft. The line must be at least 25

feet in length and must be protected to prevent it from being cut inadvertently

by raft occupants. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>5.4 <u>Heaving-Trailing Line</u>. At least one floating

heaving-trailing line not less than 75 feet in length for Type I rafts and not

less than 35 feet in length for Type II rafts, and at least 250 pounds

strength, must be located on the main flotation tube near the sea anchor

attachment. The </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>Page 6 4/13/84 TSO-C70a Appendix 1 </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>attach point of the line must withstand a pull of not less

than 1.5 times the line rated strength without damage to the raft. A

heaving-trailing line must be accessible in any inflated position of a

reversible liferaft. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>5.5 <u>Emergency Inflation</u>. Means readily accessible to

occupants of the raft, and having a displacement of at least 32 cubic inches

per full stroke, must be provided to manually inflate and maintain chambers at

minimum operating pressure. Manual inflation valves, with a nonreturn opening

adequate for the size and capacity of the inflation means, must be located to

permit inflation of all chambers. The location must take into consideration

occupancy of each side of reversible raft. The inflation means and valves must

have provisions to prevent inadvertent removal and loss when either stowed or in

use. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>5.6 <u>Accessory Case Tiedowns</u>. Provisions must be made

for tiedowns to hold any accessory case. Each accessory case tiedown must

withstand a pull of 250 pounds. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>5.7 <u>Carrying Case</u>. A carrying case which meets the

flammability requirement of this standard and which properly fits the packed

liferaft must be provided. Carrying case materials must be of a highly visible

color, be fungus proof, and be resistant to aircraft fuels and other fluids.

The carrying case must provide chafe protection to the liferaft. The carrying

case must be provided with easily distinguishable handles so that it may be

carried by one person, carried by two persons in tandem, or dragged by either

end; none of these carrying operations must tend to pull the carrying case

open. Each handle must be easily grasped and its strength must be at least four

time the total weight of the liferaft and case. Conventional zippers may not be

employed for closure. Location of and instructions for use of the inflation

handle must be clearly identified and marked on the carrying case surface. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>5.8 <u>Knife</u>. A hook type knife secured by a retaining

line must be sheathed and attached to the raft adjacent to the point of mooring

line attachment. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>6 <u>Tests</u>. </p>



<table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0

 style='border-collapse:collapse;border:none'>

 <tr style='height:7.85pt'>

  <td width=601 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:450.9pt;border:none;

  padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.85pt'>

  <p class=MsoNormal>6.1 <u>Material Tests</u>. The material tests required in

  paragraph 3.0 of this standard must be determined in accordance with the

  following test method or other approved equivalent methods: <u>Test Method </u></p>

  </td>

 </tr>

 <tr style='height:14.85pt'>

  <td width=200 valign=top style='width:150.3pt;border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;

  height:14.85pt'>

  <p class=MsoNormal><u>Tests Required</u></p>

  </td>

  <td width=200 colspan=2 valign=top style='width:150.3pt;border:none;

  padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.85pt'>

  <p class=MsoNormal>Federal Test Method Standard No. l91A <u>dated July 20,

  1978 </u></p>

  </td>

  <td width=200 valign=top style='width:150.3pt;border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;

  height:14.85pt'>

  <p class=MsoNormal><u>Notes </u></p>

  </td>

 </tr>

 <tr style='height:7.85pt'>

  <td width=200 valign=top style='width:150.3pt;border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;

  height:7.85pt'>

  <p class=MsoNormal>Accelerated Age </p>

  </td>

  <td width=200 colspan=2 valign=top style='width:150.3pt;border:none;

  padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.85pt'>

  <p class=MsoNormal>Method 5850 </p>

  </td>

  <td width=200 valign=top style='width:150.3pt;border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;

  height:7.85pt'>

  <p class=MsoNormal>Per Note (1) </p>

  </td>

 </tr>

 <tr style='height:7.85pt'>

  <td width=301 colspan=2 valign=top style='width:225.45pt;border:none;

  padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.85pt'>

  <p class=MsoNormal>Tensile Strength (Grab Test) </p>

  </td>

  <td width=301 colspan=2 valign=top style='width:225.45pt;border:none;

  padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.85pt'>

  <p class=MsoNormal>Method 5100 </p>

  </td>

 </tr>

 <tr style='height:7.85pt'>

  <td width=301 colspan=2 valign=top style='width:225.45pt;border:none;

  padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.85pt'>

  <p class=MsoNormal>Tear Strength(Trapezoid Test) </p>

  </td>

  <td width=301 colspan=2 valign=top style='width:225.45pt;border:none;

  padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.85pt'>

  <p class=MsoNormal>Method 5136 (4) </p>

  </td>

 </tr>

 <tr style='height:14.85pt'>

  <td width=301 colspan=2 valign=top style='width:225.45pt;border:none;

  padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.85pt'>

  <p class=MsoNormal>Tear Strength (Tongue Test) </p>

  </td>

  <td width=301 colspan=2 valign=top style='width:225.45pt;border:none;

  padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.85pt'>

  <p class=MsoNormal>Method 5134 </p>

  <p class=MsoNormal>(Alternate to Trapezoid Test See 3.1.4.1) </p>

  </td>

 </tr>

 <tr style='height:7.85pt'>

  <td width=301 colspan=2 valign=top style='width:225.45pt;border:none;

  padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.85pt'>

  <p class=MsoNormal>Ply Adhesion </p>

  </td>

  <td width=301 colspan=2 valign=top style='width:225.45pt;border:none;

  padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.85pt'>

  <p class=MsoNormal>Method 5960 </p>

  </td>

 </tr>

 <tr style='height:7.85pt'>

  <td width=301 colspan=2 valign=top style='width:225.45pt;border:none;

  padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.85pt'>

  <p class=MsoNormal>Coat Adhesion </p>

  </td>

  <td width=301 colspan=2 valign=top style='width:225.45pt;border:none;

  padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.85pt'>

  <p class=MsoNormal>Method 5970 </p>

  </td>

 </tr>

 <tr height=0>

  <td width=200 style='border:none'></td>

  <td width=100 style='border:none'></td>

  <td width=100 style='border:none'></td>

  <td width=200 style='border:none'></td>

 </tr>

</table>



<p class=MsoNormal><u><span style='text-decoration:none'> </span></u></p>



<p class=MsoNormal><u>NOTES</u>: </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>(1) Samples for the accelerated aging tests must be exposed

to a temperature of 158 ± 5 degrees Fahrenheit for not less than 168 hours.

After exposure, the samples must be allowed to cool to 70 ± 2 degrees

Fahrenheit for neither less than 16 hours nor more than 96 hours before

determining their physical properties in accordance with 3.1 of this standard. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>(2) Each sample shall consist of two strips 2 inches maximum

width by 5 inches maximum length bonded together with an overlap 3/4 inches

maximum. The free ends must be placed in the testing machine described in

Method 5100 and separated at a rate of 12 ± 0.5 inches per minute. The average

value of two samples must be reported. Samples may be multilayered as required

to provide adequate strength to ensure against premature material failure. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>(3) Separation rate must be 2.0 to 2.5 inches per minute. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>(4) Federal Test Method Standard No. 191 in effect December

31, 1968. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>6.2 <u>Liferaft Tests</u>. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>6.2.1 <u>Pressure Retention</u>. Under static conditions and

when inflated and stabilized at the nominal operating pressure, the pressure in

each inflatable chamber must not fall below the minimum operating pressure in

less than 24 hours. The minimum operating pressure is the pressure required to

meet the minimum design buoyancy requirements of paragraph 4.2 of this

standard. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>6.2.2 <u>Overpressure Tests</u>. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>6.2.2.1 The device must be shown by test to withstand a

pressure at least 1.5 times the maximum operating pressure for at least 5

minutes without sustaining damage. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>6.2.2.2 At least one specimen of the inflatable device model

must be shown by test to withstand a pressure at least 2 times the maximum

operating pressure without failure. Devices so tested must be clearly

identified. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal> </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>6.2.3 <u>Functional Tests</u>. Each liferaft model must pass

the following tests: </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>Page 8 4/13/84 TSO-C70a Appendix 1 </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>6.2.3.1 <u>Water Tests</u>. In either a controlled pool or

fresh water, the liferaft capacity and buoyancy must be demonstrated as

follows: </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>6.2.3.1.1 Both rated and overload capacities established in

accordance with the requirements of paragraph 4.1 of this standard must be

demonstrated with inflation tubes at minimum operating pressure and with the

critical buoyancy chamber deflated. The resultant freeboard in each case must

meet the requirements of paragraph 4.2 of this standard. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>6.2.3.1.2 Persons used in the demonstration must have an

average weight of not less than 170 pounds. Ballast in the form of sand bags or

equivalent may be used to achieve proper loading provided the appropriate

weight distribution within the raft is maintained. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>6.2.3.1.3 Persons used in the demonstration must wear life

preservers with at least one chamber inflated. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>6.2.3.1.4 The required liferaft equipment, including one

emergency locator transmitter or a weight simulating a transmitter, must be

aboard the liferaft. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>6.2.3.1.5 It must be demonstrated that the raft is

self-righting, or can be righted by one person in water, or while inverted can

be boarded and provide flotation for the normal rated capacity. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>6.2.3.1.6 It must be demonstrated that the boarding aids are

adequate for the purpose intended and that it is possible for an adult wearing

an inflated life preserver to board the raft unassisted. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>6.2.3.2 <u>Sea Trials</u>. The liferaft must be demonstrated

by tests or analysis, or a combination of both, to be seaworthy in an open sea

condition of 17 to 27-knot winds and waves of 6 to 10 feet. In tests, ballast

in the form of sand bags or equivalent may be used to achieve proper loading

provided the appropriate weight distribution within the raft is maintained. If

analysis is used, the analysis must be approved by the manager of the FAA

office to which the TSO data is to be submitted as required in paragraph c.,

Data Requirements. For this seaworthiness demonstration, the following apply: </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>6.2.3.2.1 The liferaft must be deployed to simulate

deployment from an aircraft under the most adverse wind direction and wave

condition. If the liferaft is an aspirated inflated type, it must be

demonstrated that water ingested during inflation will not cause the raft to

fail to meet the requirement for buoyancy under rated capacity in 4.2. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>6.2.3.2.2 All required equipment must be aboard and the

proper functioning of each item of equipment must be demonstrated. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>6.2.3.2.3 The canopy must be erected for a sufficient time

to assess its resistance to tearing and the protection it affords. The method

of erection must be </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>Page 9 TSO-C70a 4/13/84 Appendix 1 </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>shown to be accomplished by one occupant of an otherwise

empty raft, and by occupants of a raft filled to rated capacity. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>6.2.3.2.4 The stability of the raft must be demonstrated when

occupied at normal rated capacity and at 50 percent rated capacity. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>6.2.3.3 <u>Liferaft Drop Test</u>. A complete liferaft

package must be dropped or thrown from a height of 5 feet onto a hard surface

floor after which it must be inflated and meet the pressure retention

requirements of paragraph 6.2.1 of this standard. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>6.2.3.4 <u>Portability Test</u>. If the liferaft is to be

manually deployed, it must be demonstrated that the complete liferaft package

can be moved from a typical stowage installation by no more that two persons

and then deployed at another suitable exit. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>6.2.3.5 <u>Carrying Case</u>. It must be demonstrated at

least 10 times that the carrying case will open satisfactorily and cause no

delay in the deployment and inflation of the liferaft. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>6.2.3.6 <u>Gas Cylinder Releases</u>. It must be

demonstrated that pulling the ripcord grip from any position will actuate the

primary gas release(s). </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>6.2.5 <u>Temperature Exposure and Inflation</u>. The

manufacturer shall determine the minimum temperature at which the complete

liferaft assembly with its inflation bottles, will be “rounded outâ€ (i.e.,

attain its design shape and approximate dimension) so that the liferaft will be

able to receive and to support the first occupant within one minute after the

start of inflation. Thereafter, the rate of inflation must progress in such a

manner and rate as to ensure a serviceable and rigid liferaft for boarding by

the remainder of the occupants. Similarly, a maximum environmental temperature

to which the liferaft assembly may be exposed and still remain in a seaworthy

condition upon inflation must be determined. The temperature limitations must

be submitted to the FAA and liferaft purchaser in accordance with the data

requirements of this TSO. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>6.2.5.1 <u>Test Procedure</u>. The packed liferaft assembly

with its inflation bottles installed must be exposed to each of the above

temperatures for not less than 24 hours and must be inflated within 5 minutes

after removal from such temperatures. The liferaft must be allowed to return to

a temperature of approximately 70 ± 5 degrees Fahrenheit before being deflated,

repacked, and subjected to a second exposure. After the above tests have been

completed, the liferaft must be able to pass tests required by paragraphs 6.2.1

and 6.2.2 of this standard. </p>



<p class=MsoNormal>Page 10</p>



<p class=MsoNormal> </p>



</div>