AD/BAL/25 Cameron Balloons Inlet Self-Seal Valves (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998.  The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

Hot Air Balloons

AD/BAL/25 Cameron Balloons Inlet Self-Seal Valves 4/2008 TX

Applicability:

All Cameron Balloons fitted with gas cylinders supplied by CBL balloons which have a CB-0824-0001 Rego Type Cylinder Liquid Valve fitted which is date stamped between 12/05 and 08/06.

Requirement:

1.    Inspect the balloons’ cylinder to identify whether the Cylinder Liquid Valve is from the affected batch of valves. CBL Service Bulletin No. 17 provides information on how to identify the affected valves.

2.    Replace the self-seal valve in accordance with CBL Service Bulletins 16 and 17.

3.    Any cylinder from the affected batch, which is installed in a multi cylinder balloon, if it is to be used on a hopper balloon, must be modified in accordance with CBL Service Bulletins 16 and 17.

4.    Other cylinders from the affected batch, which are used on multi- cylinder balloons, may remain in service.

Note 1:  It is recommended the self-seal valve is also replaced on cylinders from the affected batch which are used on multi cylinder balloons. This should be done in accordance with CBL Service Bulletin 16.

Note 2:  UK CAA Emergency AD G-2008-0002 dated 14 January 2008 refers.

Compliance:

1.    Before further flight after the effective date of this AD.

2.    Before using a cylinder that is from the affected batch in a single cylinder balloon.

3.    Before further flight after the effective date of this AD.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 11 February 2008.

Background: Defective inlet self-seal valves have been identified. Detachment of a seal inside the valve could result in partial or complete blockage of the burner supply.  On a hopper balloon this failure would result in an uncontrolled descent.  In some circumstances this could result in serious injury.

David Punshon
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

6 February 2008