PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-730

PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly

ISSUE 730

SEPTEMBER 2013
PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-730 - Page 14 of 33
25
PS 730
SEP 13
M
echanics, there’s a lot of chatter about
whether or not load testing is required for
the low-level maintenance platform, NSN
Some say it’s required, while others say it’s not.
Here’s the final answer from the aviation ground
support equipment (AGSE) headshed that puts this
issue to rest: Load test certification
is
required by
Para 3 and 4 of TB 43-0142 for all maintenance
platforms. Make sure you keep a record of
maintenance inspections on a DD Form 314.
The bottom line is that lifting devices like
maintenance platforms must have an initial load
test certification document from the manufacturer
or one from a repair activity when the equipment
is new, extensively repaired or altered.
The low-level maintenance platform does not have TM support, so if you need to do
repairs you can check out Page 22 of PS 709 (Dec 11) for all the parts:
As part of your PM, make sure you stencil MAX WEIGHT FOLDED 500 LBS and 750 LBS MAX
WEIGHT UNFOLDED on the sides of the platform. Put reflective tape on the platform so it can
be seen during night maintenance.
If you have questions about AGSE equipment, you can contact their help ticket website:
You can also get additional information about ground support and aviation assets from:
We told you on Page 26 of PS 705 (Aug 11) that safety is the first priority when using
maintenance platforms. Check out the article for a quick refresher:
If you need to duck under the tail boom, stay clear of the identiFcation friend or
foe (I±±) antenna. If your helmet smacks into the antenna, your Kiowa could be
unidentiFable.
The I±± antenna can be easily damaged or broken if you bend or bump it. That
makes your aircraft partially mission capable. It may be OK for ²ying under normal
circumstances at home base, but not for tactical situations. In a hostile environment,
the aircraft is NMC until the I±± antenna gets repaired.
As part of your pre-²ight checks,
place
your
hand
on
the
bottom
near the antenna to block yourself
from bumping into it as your duck
underneath the tail boom.
Think of it this way: ducking under
the tail boom near the antenna is a
good way to practice your limbo skills.
Just stay under the tail boom and out
of the antenna’s way.
AGSE…
How Much
Can the
Platform
Stand?!
OH-58D…
Heads Up on IFF Antenna
Low-level
platform has no TM
support but must be load tested
Steer helmet clear
of IFF antenna when
ducking under tail boom
Pilots, if you’re
wearing your hgu-56/p
helmet as you walk
around your kiowa
warrior performing a
pre-flight inspection…
…watch
where
you’re
goin’!
hey! watch
that
Iff
antenna!
you know
what happened
last time.
aw,
don’t
worry.
I’ve got
mad
limbo
skills now.
c’mon, pack it in
guys, we’ve got
load testing
to do.
yeah, let’s
put some
weight
on it.
730 24-25.indd
1-2
7/30/13
1:57 PM
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