Final answer:
An AFE specialist determines an aneroid is leaking if it cannot maintain the specified pressure level, indicating a leak that compromises the Scot release mechanism.
Step-by-step explanation:
An AFE (Aircrew Flight Equipment) specialist determines if the aneroid of the Scot release is leaking if the pressure within the device fails to maintain the specified level after being set. The aneroid, which is a key component in various types of barometric equipment including the Scot release mechanisms in aviation survival gear, must hold a vacuum or pressure to function properly. If the aneroid cannot maintain the appropriate pressure, this indicates a leak which can compromise the reliability and effectiveness of the Scot release.
Diagnosing a leak typically involves using diagnostic tools or equipment to test the integrity of the aneroid capsule. An aneroid that is not functioning correctly due to a leak may result in an emergency system, such as a life raft inflation mechanism, to operate improperly, which is a critical safety issue. Therefore, detecting and repairing any leaks in the aneroid is a top priority for AFE specialists.