DOC AIRBUS | AMM A320FFLOATATION AND SURVIVAL EQUIPMENT - DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL
** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL
1. General
The floatation and survival equipment is installed in the aircraft at different locations. It is easy to get access to the equipment, which is kept prepared for immediate use, if an on-board emergency occurs.
** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL The floatation and survival equipment is installed in the aircraft at different locations. It is easy to get access to the equipment, which is kept prepared for immediate use, if an on-board emergency occurs.
2. Component Location
** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL 
Life Vests - Component Location| FIN | FUNCTIONAL DESIGNATION | PANEL | ZONE | ACCESS DOOR | ATA REF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ** ON A/C ALL | |||||
| 7583MM | LIFE VEST,FLIGHT CREW | 200 | 25-10-00 | ||
| 7584MM | LIFE VEST,CABIN CREW | 200 | 25-53-51 | ||
| ** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL | |||||
| 7582MM | LIFE VEST,DEMO | 200 | 25-65-55 | ||
| ** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL | |||||
| 7580MM | LIFE VEST,PAX | 200 | 25-10-00 | ||
| 7581MM | LIFE VEST,INFANT | 200 | 25-53-51 | ||
| 7585MM | LIFE VEST,SPARE | 200 | 25-53-51 | ||
| ** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL | |||||
| 7517MM | LIFE RAFT | 200 | 25-66-41 | ||
| 7518MM | SURVIVAL KIT | 200 | 25-53-51 | ||
| 7518MM1 | SURVIVAL KIT | 200 | 25-53-51 | ||
| 7518MM2 | SURVIVAL KIT | 200 | 25-53-51 | ||
| 7518MM3 | SURVIVAL KIT | 200 | 25-53-51 | ||
| ** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL | |||||
| 7606MM2 | BABY SURVIVAL RAFT | 200 | 25-53-51 | ||
| ** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL | |||||
| 7710MM | LIFELINE | 200 | 25-10-00 | ||
3. Component Description
A. Slide Raft Installation
Slide rafts are installed at the FWD and AFT passenger/crew doors. The slide rafts give flotation aid for passengers and crew members during extended over-water operation (Ref. AMM D/O 25-62-00-00). When you open a passenger/crew door in the emergency mode, the slide raft inflates automatically. When the passengers and crew have boarded a raft, you must cut the raft mooring line to release it from the aircraft girt bar.
Slide rafts are installed at the FWD and AFT passenger/crew doors. The slide rafts give flotation aid for passengers and crew members during extended over-water operation (Ref. AMM D/O 25-62-00-00). When you open a passenger/crew door in the emergency mode, the slide raft inflates automatically. When the passengers and crew have boarded a raft, you must cut the raft mooring line to release it from the aircraft girt bar.
B. Survival Kit
A survival kit is supplied for each escape-slide raft and is kept in a container. The containers are kept in stowage compartments in the cabin, because there is not sufficient space on the FWD/AFT passenger/crew doors. The location of the containers are shown with placards, which are bonded on the outside of the stowage compartments.
The survival kit has:
The canopy gives the passenger/crew members protection against different weather conditions. The canopy is installed manually on the escape-slide raft after it is disengaged from the aircraft. The canopy has a hole to collect rain water, and has a bright orange/yellow color that you can see easily.
The hand pump lets you add more pressure to the inflatable chambers on the escape-slide raft and through the topping-off valves. The topping-off valves are attached to the aspirator assemblies.
The basic module has:
The age-limited module has:
A survival kit is supplied for each escape-slide raft and is kept in a container. The containers are kept in stowage compartments in the cabin, because there is not sufficient space on the FWD/AFT passenger/crew doors. The location of the containers are shown with placards, which are bonded on the outside of the stowage compartments.
The survival kit has:
- A container which includes a canopy
- Canopy support masts
- A hand pump
- A basic module
- An age-limited module
- A maintenance release record
- Glucose toffee tablets (if installed)
- A distress signal (if installed)
- An osmosis pump (if installed)
- Two paddles (if installed).
The canopy gives the passenger/crew members protection against different weather conditions. The canopy is installed manually on the escape-slide raft after it is disengaged from the aircraft. The canopy has a hole to collect rain water, and has a bright orange/yellow color that you can see easily.
The hand pump lets you add more pressure to the inflatable chambers on the escape-slide raft and through the topping-off valves. The topping-off valves are attached to the aspirator assemblies.
The basic module has:
- Band-aid(s) (1x3)
- Compress bandage(s)
- Triangular bandage(s)
- A sponge
- A bailing bucket
- A whistle
- A sea dye marker
- A signaling mirror
- Water bag(s)
- Repair kit(s), packaged
- A utility knife
- Flashlight(s)
- A survival manual.
The age-limited module has:
- Day/night flare(s)
- Water purification tablet(s)
- Ammonia inhalant(s)
- Burn ointment(s)
- Antiseptic swab(s).
C. Supplemental Life Raft/s
The overload capacity for escape slide rafts is 165 persons.
Installation and location of the supplementary life rafts are in accordance with the customer's requirements. Inflation and operating instructions are installed on the life raft cover.
The overload capacity for escape slide rafts is 165 persons.
NOTE: This result accepts that 1 escape slide raft will not inflate because of damage.
For customers with a seat layout capacity of more than 165 persons supplemental life rafts are installed in stowage compartments in the cabin. Installation and location of the supplementary life rafts are in accordance with the customer's requirements. Inflation and operating instructions are installed on the life raft cover.
D. Life Vest
Each life vest has a buoyancy chamber with a waistbelt harness. The harness has attach clips and adjustable buckles.
Life vest components include:
The life vests are kept below the passenger seats, in the cabin attendant's seats and on the rear of each cockpit seat.
NOTE: A small quantity of nonfunctional life vests are kept in the aircraft for cabin crew to give visual instructions to passengers. To prevent errors, the nonfunctional life vests are identified with DEMO in large letters.
Each life vest has a buoyancy chamber with a waistbelt harness. The harness has attach clips and adjustable buckles.
Life vest components include:
- A CO2 gas inflation system
- An oral inflation tube
- A lamp for survivor location in poor visibility or night conditions
- A water activated cell (battery) to bring the lamp on
- A whistle to attract attention.
The life vests are kept below the passenger seats, in the cabin attendant's seats and on the rear of each cockpit seat.
E. Baby Survival Raft
The baby survival raft (referred to as raft) protects a baby from drowning and exposure, and is contained in a sealed valise. The valise/s are kept in stowage compartments in the cabin. The raft can hold babies aged from 0 to 18 months, with these limits:
The raft has a strop, a buoyancy and arch assembly and a restrainer. The restrainer has an integrated floor and cover, which is installed tightly over the buoyancy and arch assembly. The buoyancy and arch assembly and restrainer are made of a polyurethane-coated nylon fabric, which is water resistant. The fabric is 'SPANISH YELLOW' so that you can see it easily.
The baby survival raft (referred to as raft) protects a baby from drowning and exposure, and is contained in a sealed valise. The valise/s are kept in stowage compartments in the cabin. The raft can hold babies aged from 0 to 18 months, with these limits:
- The weight must not be more than 16.0 kg (35.27 lb).
- The length must not be more than 838.0 mm (33.0 in.).
The raft has a strop, a buoyancy and arch assembly and a restrainer. The restrainer has an integrated floor and cover, which is installed tightly over the buoyancy and arch assembly. The buoyancy and arch assembly and restrainer are made of a polyurethane-coated nylon fabric, which is water resistant. The fabric is 'SPANISH YELLOW' so that you can see it easily.
(1) Strop
The strop is made of webbing straps, which are attached to the cover of the restrainer. The straps are used to form a three point lifting device. A 3.0 m (9.84 ft.) tether is stitched to a one of the straps. An ORANGE plastic whistle, is attached by a length of cord to one of the straps.
The strop is made of webbing straps, which are attached to the cover of the restrainer. The straps are used to form a three point lifting device. A 3.0 m (9.84 ft.) tether is stitched to a one of the straps. An ORANGE plastic whistle, is attached by a length of cord to one of the straps.
(2) Buoyancy and Arch Assembly
The Buoyancy and arch assembly is an integrated inflatable unit, and has an oral inflation tube, and an inflation system. The inflation system is a CO2 gas cylinder connected to an operating mechanism. The CO2 cylinder is kept in a cover which is attached to the inner side of the buoyancy. The operating mechanism is welded to the inner side of the buoyancy, and has a RED operating toggle.
The Buoyancy and arch assembly is an integrated inflatable unit, and has an oral inflation tube, and an inflation system. The inflation system is a CO2 gas cylinder connected to an operating mechanism. The CO2 cylinder is kept in a cover which is attached to the inner side of the buoyancy. The operating mechanism is welded to the inner side of the buoyancy, and has a RED operating toggle.
(3) Restrainer
The cover part of the restrainer has two air apertures at one end, and PVC windows on each side. It is opened/closed with a sliding fastener across the middle from one side to the other side. The sliding fastener is covered by strips of clear PVC to make it water resistant.
A battery and lamp assembly are attached to the cover of the restrainer. The lamp is contained in a fabric flap, which is stitched to the apex of the arch assembly near the air aperture end. A cable, which is attached to the cover, connects the lamp to the water-operated battery.
The floor part of the restrainer has an oral inflation tube and a fabric-coated neoprene waistcoat. The waistcoat has an adjustable strap with a buckle. A water pocket is attached to the bottom of the floor, and is has a fluorescent ORANGE color.
The cover part of the restrainer has two air apertures at one end, and PVC windows on each side. It is opened/closed with a sliding fastener across the middle from one side to the other side. The sliding fastener is covered by strips of clear PVC to make it water resistant.
A battery and lamp assembly are attached to the cover of the restrainer. The lamp is contained in a fabric flap, which is stitched to the apex of the arch assembly near the air aperture end. A cable, which is attached to the cover, connects the lamp to the water-operated battery.
The floor part of the restrainer has an oral inflation tube and a fabric-coated neoprene waistcoat. The waistcoat has an adjustable strap with a buckle. A water pocket is attached to the bottom of the floor, and is has a fluorescent ORANGE color.
F. Life Lines
Life lines assist passengers evacuating the aircraft to remain on the wings after ditching. The life lines are installed in the hatracks adjacent the emergency exits (FR 38) left and right. Life line installation points are yellow in color for easy identification and located as follows:
Life lines assist passengers evacuating the aircraft to remain on the wings after ditching. The life lines are installed in the hatracks adjacent the emergency exits (FR 38) left and right. Life line installation points are yellow in color for easy identification and located as follows:
- Inside each emergency exit hatch recess (top forward corner of the FWD exit; top rear corner of the AFT exit) and accessible only after the exit hatch is removed.
- On the upper surface of each wing, approximately above the outer limit of the engine nacelle.
4. Operation/Control and Indicating
A. Survival kits
The survival kits are removed from the stowages and connected to each escape slide raft. They are connected with a snap hook to the survival kit lanyard attach loop. The survival kit lanyard attach loop is attached to the telescopic end fitting of the girt bar. The snap hook is installed on the survival kit container.
The survival kits are removed from the stowages and connected to each escape slide raft. They are connected with a snap hook to the survival kit lanyard attach loop. The survival kit lanyard attach loop is attached to the telescopic end fitting of the girt bar. The snap hook is installed on the survival kit container.
B. Supplemental Life Raft/s
The supplemental life raft is removed from the stowage and put near a fwd/aft passenger/crew door from which an escape slide raft has disengaged. Put the supplemental life raft with the end of the carrying case, that has a red flap marked LANYARD PULL HANDLE, to point inboard. Open the red flap marked LANYARD PULL HANDLE and remove the lanyard pull handle. Attach the lanyard pull handle safely to the door structure to make sure the inflated supplemental life raft does not drift away. The lanyard now operates as a mooring line for the supplemental life raft.
Throw the supplemental life raft on the water away from the heavy landed aircraft. Pull the mooring line from the red flap in the carrying case until the mooring line is fully extended. Apply a hard pull to the mooring line to cause the supplemental life raft to inflate.
After inflation is completed pull the mooring line to put the supplemental life raft near the doorway to let passengers/crew to board. To disengage the supplemental life raft from the aircraft use the raft knife, which is attached to the supplemental life raft to cut the mooring line. Instructions for operation of the supplemental life raft and use of the survival equipment and accessories are contained in the survival manual which is kept in the accessories case.
The supplemental life raft is removed from the stowage and put near a fwd/aft passenger/crew door from which an escape slide raft has disengaged. Put the supplemental life raft with the end of the carrying case, that has a red flap marked LANYARD PULL HANDLE, to point inboard. Open the red flap marked LANYARD PULL HANDLE and remove the lanyard pull handle. Attach the lanyard pull handle safely to the door structure to make sure the inflated supplemental life raft does not drift away. The lanyard now operates as a mooring line for the supplemental life raft.
Throw the supplemental life raft on the water away from the heavy landed aircraft. Pull the mooring line from the red flap in the carrying case until the mooring line is fully extended. Apply a hard pull to the mooring line to cause the supplemental life raft to inflate.
After inflation is completed pull the mooring line to put the supplemental life raft near the doorway to let passengers/crew to board. To disengage the supplemental life raft from the aircraft use the raft knife, which is attached to the supplemental life raft to cut the mooring line. Instructions for operation of the supplemental life raft and use of the survival equipment and accessories are contained in the survival manual which is kept in the accessories case.
C. Life Vests
The 'Instructions for Use' are clearly printed on each life vest. When you pull the 'JERK TO INFLATE' handle, you release the gas in the CO2 cylinder and the bouyancy chamber inflates. If the primary system (CO2 gas cylinder) fails, you can inflate the bouyancy chamber with the oral inflation tube (or if additional pressure in the life vest becomes necessary).
The 'Instructions for Use' are clearly printed on each life vest. When you pull the 'JERK TO INFLATE' handle, you release the gas in the CO2 cylinder and the bouyancy chamber inflates. If the primary system (CO2 gas cylinder) fails, you can inflate the bouyancy chamber with the oral inflation tube (or if additional pressure in the life vest becomes necessary).
D. Baby Survival Rafts
Remove the valise from the stowage compartment, and put it the cabin floor near to an exit. Pull the rip strip to open the valise and remove the raft. Unfold the raft and get access to the inflation system. Make a sudden pull of the RED toggle, to release the gas from the CO2 cylinder. If the inflation system does not function you can use the oral inflation tube to inflate the raft. You can also inflate the floor with the attached oral inflation tube, to give the baby more protection from the outside environment.
Lay the baby on its side with its head at the air aperture end, and close the waistcoat. Carefully tighten the adjustable strap and close the buckle. Close the cover of the restrainer with the sliding fastener.
Use the strop to carry the raft by hand or over the shoulder, to keep your hands free. Carry the raft to the exit and use the tether to lower the raft into the water. You can also tie the tether around the waist of an adult as a life line to the raft.
When the raft is in the water the battery hangs below the water line and operates the lamp. The water pocket fills with water to help give the raft more stability.
Remove the valise from the stowage compartment, and put it the cabin floor near to an exit. Pull the rip strip to open the valise and remove the raft. Unfold the raft and get access to the inflation system. Make a sudden pull of the RED toggle, to release the gas from the CO2 cylinder. If the inflation system does not function you can use the oral inflation tube to inflate the raft. You can also inflate the floor with the attached oral inflation tube, to give the baby more protection from the outside environment.
Lay the baby on its side with its head at the air aperture end, and close the waistcoat. Carefully tighten the adjustable strap and close the buckle. Close the cover of the restrainer with the sliding fastener.
Use the strop to carry the raft by hand or over the shoulder, to keep your hands free. Carry the raft to the exit and use the tether to lower the raft into the water. You can also tie the tether around the waist of an adult as a life line to the raft.
When the raft is in the water the battery hangs below the water line and operates the lamp. The water pocket fills with water to help give the raft more stability.
E. Life Lines
If an emergency occurs and the aircraft ditches, you must remove the exit hatches and install the life lines. Snap hooks connect the lines to the installation points, they are located at each end of the life lines. You can tighten the life lines after installation when you pull on the tabs at the two sliding buckles.
If an emergency occurs and the aircraft ditches, you must remove the exit hatches and install the life lines. Snap hooks connect the lines to the installation points, they are located at each end of the life lines. You can tighten the life lines after installation when you pull on the tabs at the two sliding buckles.