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Simplex Model 5400 Heli-torch

Safety Precautions

GENERAL CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS

The hardware supplied with this unit is subject to wear, misuse, overloading, corrosion, deformation, intentional alteration and other usage factors which may necessitate a reduction in the products Safe Working Load rating or a reduction in its Safety Factor. Therefore, it is recommended that all hardware be regularly inspected to determine its condition as a basis for desiding if the product may continue to be used at the desired Safe Working Load, a reduced Safe Working Load, a reduced Safety Factor, or removed from service.

1. Any time gasoline or other fuels are being handled; certain precautions need to be taken.
   
   
2. When filling the Heli-torch do so in a well ventilated area to allow any fumes from filling operation to dissipate.
   
   
3. When filling, mixing and dispensing raw or gelled fuel, a ground wire needs to be connected to an earth ground. Close attention must be paid to minimizing all opportunities for sparks. If mixing is done by hand, use a wooden or aluminum paddle.
   
   
4. Proper safety clothing should be worn when using gelled fuel. This includes goggles, dust mask and gloves. A fire extinguisher should be located in the operating area.
   
   
5. Wipe up any gelled fuel spills immediately.
   
   
6. Review and consider all operations/safety guidelines.

OPERATIONS

See test procedures prior to flight operations

MOUNTING AND PREPARATION

1. Review and consider all operations/safety guidelines.
   
   
2. Review all components related to the lifting mechanism torch frame integrity, tank securing, electrical harness and pump/motor assembly for wear or missing components and loosening of bolts and wires. Replace or secure components as necessary prior to operation.
   
   
3. Attach lifting mechanism and connect electrical harness to aircraft connecting points and/or hooks.

OPERATIONS

1. Switch both the pump and ignition switch ON, located on the back of the pump/motor and ignition tip assembly.
   
   
2. Never leave burn area until last drop of gelled fuel is free from the torch.
   
   
3. Drop heights and airspeeds:
   1. Fire on the ground can be obtained from a height of 200 feet at air speeds of 40 Mph. This will produce burning gel/gas particles in the size of golf balls and burn approximately 8-10 minutes.
      
      
   2. At a drop of 150 feet and air speed of 30 "ph burning particles the size of basketballs are produced with a sustained burn time on the ground of 12—17 minutes.
      
      
4. Wind speeds

Operations within prescribed burning wind speed will not affect the drift of gel/gas during ignition.

CALIBRATION

TEST PROCEDURE: PRIOR TO FLIGHT OPERATION

Prior to flying the torch, a ground test operation of the torch should be conducted. Prior to performance of this test all safety precautions should be taken. NOTE: Alert all personnel involved in the burn that the torch test will be taking place.

1. Turn ON the ignition switch located on the back of the pump/motor and ignition tip assembly. making certain that the pump switch is in the OFF position.
   
   
2. With the pilot activating the remote ignition switch on the cyclic control, observe the torch tip to see if there is a blue spark crossing from the ignition rod to the augmented fuel tip.
   
   
3. With the remote switch OFF, open the regulator valve on top of propane bottle so that the pressure gauge reads from 5 to 10 psi.
   
   
4. With the pilot activating the remote ignition switch on the cyclic control, observe the propane being ignited at torch tip. The flame should fill the area around the torch nozzle tip.
   
   
5. With the remote switch OFF, turn the ignition switch OFF, and the pump switch ON, located on the back of the pump/ motor, ignition tip assembly.
   
   
6. Place an empty container under the torch tip.
   
   
7. With the pilot activating the remote ignition switch on the cyclic, there should be thickened fuel flowing from the tip of the torch.
   
   NOTE: In order to bleed all the air from the system, First open the bleed valve located on the tip assembly until air is bled and thickened fuel begins to flow from the valve.
   
   
8. After all tests have been conducted, ensure that the pump and ignition switch are in the OFF position.

MAINTENANCE

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE