| Kinds of Sealants Rubber, sealing compound, and special seals are the three kinds of sealants generally used in Army aviation. The applicable technical manual for the aircraft being worked on must be consulted for details on sealer application. The paragraphs that follow describe each kind. Rubber Seals. Rubber seals are used at all points where the seal is broken frequently for necessary repairs. Examples of such locations are canopies and access doors. Because the seal must be continuous around the joint, it cannot be repaired. Therefore, anytime a rubber seal is damaged or broken for repairs, it must be replaced. Sealing Compounds. Sealing compounds are used at points where the seal is seldom broken except for structural maintenance or part replacement, as with riveted lap and butt seams and joints. They can also be used to fill gaps or holes up to 1/16 inch in width. Special Seals. Special seals are required to pass cables, tubing, mechanical linkages, and wires into and out of sealed areas. Wires and tubing are passed through sealed-area bulkheads by using such bulkhead fittings as cannon plugs for wiring and couplings for tubing. These fittings are sealed to the bulkhead, and the wires and tubes are fastened to them from each side. All seals of moving components, such as flight controls, are subject to wear. Therefore, care must be taken when they are installed, and they must be inspected regularly.
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