While mechanics were being trained on the md-80 tail cone emergency evacuation slide; it was found t...

Narrative:

While being trained on the MD80 tail cone emergency evacuation slide; it was found that a required tool was not being utilized as per the carrier component maintenance manual. It was also found that the previous mechanic who worked the tail cone slides had tried to obtain the tool from the previous lead mechanic and/or supervisor; but to no avail. Advised new lead mechanic and supervisor of its requirement along with quality assurance representatives. Callback conversation with reporter revealed the following information: reporter stated one of the slide manufacturer's representatives who was watching and instructing mechanics on the slide folding procedure; realized mechanics were not using; and did not have; a specific tool. The slide representative told them the tool was required; to properly pack the slide and prevent the shearing off (breaking off) of the slide inflation hose coupling to the slide bottle at the swivel elbow. The slide tool covers and protects the hose at the elbow coupling during the slide folding procedure which compresses the slide pack. The packing tool is removed after the slide buildup is completed. Reporter stated even though his shop lead mechanic had argued for a long time about the need for a slide packing tool; his carrier would not purchase the 80 dollar tool; saying it was only recommended; not required. Reporter stated the inflation hose is a flexible type; but has a hard connection at the coupling and swivel elbow to the bottle. In the past; he has heard hose couplings snap when he was building up slide packs because they did not have the proper equipment. Reporter stated his carrier had a short time to check all their fleet aft tail cone slide packs that were in service; to verify the hose coupling had not been sheared off during the build procedure. Reporter stated he had a lot of pride in doing his job; thinking he was actually helping the safety of passengers by building up a good escape slide. Now he feels he may have; or could have; actually made a slide inoperable; if he or other mechanics were not aware of the hose coupling breaking during their build procedure.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: While mechanics were being trained on the MD-80 Tail Cone Emergency Evacuation slide; it was found that a required tool was not being utilized per the Component Maintenance Manual (CMM).

Narrative: While being trained on the MD80 tail cone emergency evacuation slide; it was found that a required tool was not being utilized as per the carrier Component Maintenance Manual. It was also found that the previous mechanic who worked the tail cone slides had tried to obtain the tool from the previous Lead Mechanic and/or Supervisor; but to no avail. Advised new Lead Mechanic and Supervisor of its requirement along with Quality Assurance representatives. Callback conversation with Reporter revealed the following information: Reporter stated one of the slide manufacturer's representatives who was watching and instructing mechanics on the slide folding procedure; realized mechanics were not using; and did not have; a specific tool. The slide representative told them the tool was required; to properly pack the slide and prevent the shearing off (breaking off) of the slide inflation hose coupling to the slide bottle at the swivel elbow. The slide tool covers and protects the hose at the elbow coupling during the slide folding procedure which compresses the slide pack. The packing tool is removed after the slide buildup is completed. Reporter stated even though his shop Lead Mechanic had argued for a long time about the need for a slide packing tool; his carrier would not purchase the 80 dollar tool; saying it was only recommended; not required. Reporter stated the inflation hose is a flexible type; but has a hard connection at the coupling and swivel elbow to the bottle. In the past; he has heard hose couplings snap when he was building up slide packs because they did not have the proper equipment. Reporter stated his carrier had a short time to check all their fleet Aft Tail Cone slide packs that were in service; to verify the hose coupling had not been sheared off during the build procedure. Reporter stated he had a lot of pride in doing his job; thinking he was actually helping the safety of passengers by building up a good escape slide. Now he feels he may have; or could have; actually made a slide inoperable; if he or other mechanics were not aware of the hose coupling breaking during their build procedure.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.

Attributes
ACN	822336
Time
Date	200901
Local Time Of Day	1201-1800
Place
Locale Reference	ZZZ.Airport
State Reference	US
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	MD-80 Series (DC-9-80) Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Phase	Parked
Component
Aircraft Component	Escape Slide
Person 1
Function	Technician
Events
Anomaly	Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical Deviation - Procedural FAR Deviation - Procedural Maintenance Deviation - Procedural Published Material / Policy

While mechanics were being trained on the md-80 tail cone emergency evacuation slide; it was found that a required tool was not being utilized per the component maintenance manual (cmm).