## UNIT MAINTENANCE MC-4 RAM AIR FREE-FALL PERSONNEL PARACHUTE SYSTEM GENERAL REPAIR PROCEDURES 

## THIS TASK COVERS: 

• Basting and Temporary Tacking 

• Stitching and Restitching 

• Darning 

## INITIAL SETUP: 

## Equipment Condition 

Unpacked. Canopy with defects recorded. Clean. 

## Tools 

Specified in paragraph applicable to the item being repaired. 

## BASTING AND TEMPORARY TACKING 

Sewing requirements will vary according to the type of item being repaired and the type of repair being made. The type of sewing machine, type of thread, the stitch range, and the stitch pattern (if applicable) required to accomplish a sewing procedure will be specified in the paragraph applicable to the item being repaired. Immediately after the accomplishment of a machine sewing procedure, trim thread ends to a point as close as possible to the material that has been sewn. 

Repair and replacement of parachute components is performed in accordance with the repair instruction in this section and in specific paragraphs applicable to the item being repaired. 

## NOTE 

## NOTE 

• Zig-Zag Sewing 

• Patching 

## Personnel Required 

92R(10) Parachute Rigger 

## Materials/ Parts 

Specified in paragraph applicable to the item being repaired. 

Basting and temporary tacking are hand-sewing methods used to temporarily hold layers of cloth fabric together while a repair is being performed. The following is a list of procedures that apply to basting and temporary tacking actions: 

1. Basting and temporary tacking should be made using thread that is of a contrasting color to the material being worked. 

2. Basting and temporary tacking will be performed using a single strand of size A, nylon thread, or ticket No. 24/4 cotton thread. 

3. When basting, do not tie knots at any point in the thread length. Also, the sewing should be made with two stitches per inch. 

4. Immediately upon completion of a repair, remove previously made basting or temporary tacking. 

