repair. Identification of these conditions and rigger-applied repairs determine their effect on the airworthiness of the parachute assembly. 

## Acid Contamination 

Nylon that has been contaminated by acid may have irregular shaped spots of gray or dead white color. The acid-contaminated fabric may also become powdery when scraped lightly. Parachute components suspected of acid contamination may be tested with blue litmus paper. Dampen the suspect area with distilled water. Then lay the litmus paper on the area in question. If the paper turns pink, acid is present. Be careful not to touch the litmus paper, as touching the paper can cause an erroneous response. 

## Action 

If an area tests positive for acid and the effected area is known to be localized, that area should be neutralized with a solution of distilled water and ammonia. Household ammonia works. Ammonia does not damage nylon or hardware. The damaged area should be removed and the resulting hole should be patched. If the extent of contamination cannot be determined or if it effects large portions of the parachute, the parachute should be first destroyed, then disposed of. 

## Salt Water Contamination 

Crystals of dry salt and the presence of pale brown circular stains are often evidence of salt-water exposure. If the parachute is allowed to dry after salt-water immersion without being rinsed in fresh water, salt crystals form causing damage to the fabric and suspension lines. 

## Action 

Parachutes exposed to salt water should be rinsed out several times in warm fresh water in a smooth tub. Use of a water softener is recommended. Hang assembly in drying tower in accordance with the section within this chapter titled, Drying a Parachute. The maximum complete salt-water immersion limits for the parachute are listed below. The parachute assembly should be cleaned within 8 hours of immersion. Remove from service any parachute assembly or sub-assembly for any of the following conditions: 

1. Immersion in salt water for more than 6 hours if the parachute contains cadmium plated parts. 

2. Immersion in salt water for more than 24 hours if the parachute contains stainless steel parts (i.e., slider stops). 

3. Immersion in salt water and cannot be cleaned for 36 hours. 

## Removal of Perspiration 

Perspiration causes damage to the parachute much like salt water does. Small amounts are not significant and may be ignored. For larger areas heavily contaminated, clean the parachute in accordance with the Removal of Salt Water Contamination section above. 

## Removal of Fresh Water 

Dry parachute assembly in accordance with the section titled, Drying a Parachute. 

## Removal of Mildew 

The following steps should be taken when removing mildew from the parachute: 

1. Wash affected area with mild soap and water solution. 

2. Rinse affected area thoroughly with fresh, clear water. 

3. Hang assembly in drying tower in accordance with the section titled, Drying a Parachute. 

## Removal of Petroleum Products 

Hydrocarbons usually do not harm nylon. Petroleum products, such as oil or grease, have a greenish or brownish appearance. Wash the affected area by repeated applications of mild soap and water solution until the affected area is clean. Each application shall be followed by a rinse in clean fresh water. Once complete, hang assembly in drying tower in accordance with the section titled, Drying a Parachute. 

## Removal of Bloodstains 

The following steps should be taken when removing bloodstains from the parachute: 

1. Soak the stained area in cold water. 

2. Hand wash affected area with mild soap and water solution. 

3. Rinse affected area thoroughly with fresh clean water. 

4. Hang assembly in drying tower in accordance with the section titled Drying a Parachute. 

## Removal of Soil 

The following steps should be taken when removing soil from the parachute: 

1. Hang the parachute and shake to remove most of the dirt and sand. 

2. Brush lightly with a soft-bristled brush. 

3. If the assembly is extremely contaminated, perform the following: 

