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THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, AUGUST 11, 1939.
(b) The construction of the flare brackets and their posi- tion on the wing of the aircraft must be such as to prevent the flame from the flare overheating the wing or aileron fabric when the aircraft is in flight or standing on the ground. If necessary, wing or aileron fabric in the vicinity of the burning end of the flare should be protected from overheating by metal sheeting. Provision must also be made to ensure that the light from the flare cannot dazzle the pilot by reflection from the windscreen.
(c) The practice of carrying an unused and unprotected flare in its bracket under a plane for any considerable period of time is strongly to be deprecated. The effects of damp atmosphere or rain, especially under flying conditions, are harmful and cumulative, and in an extreme case may result in irregular burning of the flare or even total failure to ignite.
(d) Flares should not be fitted to the aircraft until im- mediately before the particular flight during which there is a reasonable expectation of their being required. On each occasion when the flares are fitted, they should be carefully re-inspected. Such re-inspection should be as follows:-
(1) A visual examination of the flares to confirm that there has been no apparent swelling of the content, no apparent deterioration of the outer case, and no apparent entry of water or any foreign substance through the sealing compound of the igniter element at the top of the flare.
(i) An electrical continuity test to ensure that the igniter is intact. Whilst there should be no danger of the flare igniting if this test is properly carried out, the possibility of accidental ignition must be realized and due caution observed. The flare should be tested in the open, away from all inflam- mable materials and in such a position that it is pointing away from the operator, who should be shielded from the flare. The test should be carried out using a 2-volt battery and 1,100 chm earphones. These should be connected in series with one terminal of the flare, and when contact is made with the other flare terminal, a "click" will be heard in the phones if the igniter is intact. A flash lamp and battery should not
igniters.
be used for testing flare
(e) When not in use flares should be stored under such conditions that they are protected from dampness and undue heat. Before a flare which has been carried in an aircraft is returned to store, it should be wiped with a dry cloth.
(f) Flares or igniters must not be used after the date specified thereon.
In this
5. Aircraft owners are reminded that the fitting of land- ing lights to an aircraft may affect the airworthiness of the aircraft, and they should therefore ensure that the modifica- tion has received prior approval from the Director of Air Services before being embodied in the aircraft. connexion it should be noted that electric wiring for landing lights on civil aircraft must conform to the requirements of paragraphs 3 and 11, Design Leaflet E.2 of Volume I of Air Publication 1208.
G. F. HOLE, Director of Air Services.
8th August, 1939.