AD/BAL/11 Amdt 1 - Aft Suspension Cables

COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY

SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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Hot Air Balloons

AD/BAL/11

Amdt 1

Aft Suspension Cables 2/93

Applicability: AerostarModels RX-6, RX-7, RX-8, S-49A, S-50A, S-52A, S-55A, S-57A, S-60A, S-

66A and S-77A Balloons all serial numbers; equipped with Advanced Fiber Technology (AFT) suspension cables.

Requirement: Action in accordance with the technical requirements of FAA Emergency Airworthiness Directive 90-25-09, which requires the following:

On Models S-66A and S-77A Balloons replace all AFT suspension cables with stainless/galvanized steel suspension cables in accordance with the instructions in Aerostar International Inc. SB No. 129 dated 28 November 1990.

B. On all model Balloons other than Models S-66A and S-77A with less than 100 hours time-in-service on the AFT suspension cables; inspect all AFT suspension cables for degradation in accordance with the instructions in Aerostar International Inc. SB No. 129.

If signs of degradation are found, prior to further flight replace the AFT suspension cables with stainless/galvanized steel suspension cables in accordance with instructions in Aerostar International Inc. SB No. 129.

2. If no signs of degradation are found return the balloon to service and reinspect until the accumulation of 100 hours time-in-service on the AFT suspension cables at which time paragraph C. of this AD must be accomplished.

3. The AFT suspension cables may be replaced if no signs of degradation are found as terminating action for the inspection requirements of this AD.

C. On all model balloons other than Models S-66A and S-77A with 100 hours or more time-in-service on the AFT suspension cables; replace the AFT suspension cables with stainless/galvanized steel suspension cables in accordance with the instructions in Aerostar International Inc. SB No. 129.

Note: Operators who do not have records of hours time-in-service on individual AFT suspension cables may substitute balloon hours time-in-service in lieu thereof.

Compliance: A. Before further flight after 14 December 1990.

B. (1) Before further flight & thereafter before each flight after 14 December 1990.

B. (2) Before each flight after 14 December 1990.

C. Before further flight after 14 December 1990 unless already accomplished per Requirement paragraph B.(1) or B.(3).

The compliance of the previous issue of this Directive remains unchanged.

COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY

SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

This Amendment is effective from 4 February 1993.

Background: Recently there was an incident involving an Aerostar Model S-77A Balloon where the envelope separated from the basket prior to the launch. Examination of the cables on this balloon revealed serious strength degradation and heat exposure. Analysis of AFT suspension cables on other model balloons have also shown strength loss but not to the extent of the affected Model S-77A Balloon. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent cable degradation and possible loss of the balloon.

Amendment 1 is issued to correct a typographical error with regard to the acronym used for the Balloon manufacturers name, which was printed in lower case lettering and had caused some confusion with the word ‘aft’.