COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Hot Air Balloons
AD/BAL/12 Fuel Hose 11/93 TX
Applicability: Aerostar International (Raven), Models RS-6, RX-7, RX-8, RXS-8, S-40A, S-49A, S- 50A, S-52A, S-55A, S-57A, S-57S, S-60S, S-60A, S-66A, S-71, S-77A, 78C, 90C,
QUBE-80, CTS, W100LB, 110P, and SPII; all serial numbers, that are equipped with hoses identified with one of the following:
Aeroquip FC321-06 UL 5/16 LP-GAS Hose 350 Max Operating PSI 1Q92, Aeroquip FC321-06 UL 5/16 LP-GAS Hose 350 Max Operating PSI 2Q92, Aeroquip FC321-06 UL 5/16 LP-GAS Hose 350 Max Operating PSI 3Q92, Aeroquip FC321-06 UL 5/16 LP-GAS Hose 350 Max Operating PSI 4Q92, or, If hose identification is not legible.
Requirement: 1. a. Remove each fuel hose from the leather sleeve and at system pressure, sniff test the entire length of the hose for signs of leakage. These signs could include frosting or chilling. If any sign of fuel leakage is found, replace the entire fuel hose/manifold assembly with an approved assembly that includes hoses with markings different than that specified in the Applicability of this Directive.
- b. If no sign of fuel leakage is found, repeat the fuel leakage test at the intervals specified in the Compliance of this Directive.
2. Replace the entire fuel hose/manifold assembly with an approved assembly that includes hoses with markings different than that specified in the Applicability of this Directive.
Note: FAA Priority Letter AD 93-16-13 and Aerostar SB 132 refer.
Compliance: 1. a. Prior to further flight.
- b. Prior to each flight, until replacement in accordance with Requirement 2 of this Directive.
2. Unless already accomplished, within 10 hours time in service after 24 August 1993.
Background: The FAA has received a report of a fuel hose leaking propane. An investigation revealed a manufacturing deficiency with certain hose assemblies. The hoses included in these assemblies are susceptible to splitting, which will result in fuel leakage. The inspection and replacement of hoses is necessary to prevent an uncontained fire in the balloon basket.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the legislative instrument F2006B03550, were enacted to enhance aviation safety and address specific issues identified in hot air balloon operations. This legislation was introduced by the Australian Government through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to address a significant safety concern regarding the fuel hoses used in Aerostar International hot air balloons. The problem it aimed to resolve was the susceptibility of certain fuel hoses to splitting, which could lead to fuel leakage and potentially catastrophic in-flight incidents. The policy objective is to ensure the airworthiness of these balloons by mandating the inspection and replacement of specified fuel hoses to prevent fuel leakage and associated hazards.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, apply to all hot air balloons manufactured by Aerostar International, specifically the models RS-6, RX-7, RX-8, RXS-8, S-40A, S-49A, S-50A, S-52A, S-55A, S-57A, S-57S, S-60S, S-60A, S-66A, S-71, S-77A, 78C, 90C, QUBE-80, CTS, W100LB, 110P, and SPII, if they are equipped with certain specified fuel hoses. This regulation mandates that each fuel hose must be inspected for signs of leakage, such as frosting or chilling, and if any leakage is detected, the entire fuel hose/manifold assembly must be replaced with an approved assembly that includes hoses with different markings. If no signs of leakage are found, the inspection must be repeated at specified intervals until the hoses are replaced. The replacement must occur within 10 hours of time in service after 24 August 1993, unless already completed. This directive is issued to address a manufacturing deficiency that has led to reports of fuel hoses leaking propane, which poses a risk of uncontained fire in the balloon basket.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 – 105, mandate the maintenance and inspection of fuel hoses on certain hot air balloons. According to section 1 of AD/BAL/12, the fuel hoses in question must be removed from their leather sleeves and tested for leaks at system pressure. If any signs of leakage are detected, the entire fuel hose/manifold assembly must be replaced with an approved assembly that includes hoses with different markings (section 1(a)). If no leaks are found, the inspection must be repeated at intervals specified in the compliance section of this directive (section 1(b)). Furthermore, section 2 of the directive requires that the entire fuel hose/manifold assembly must be replaced unless this has already been accomplished within 10 hours of time in service after 24 August 1993.
The obligations imposed by this directive are clear and stringent. Operators of the affected hot air balloons must ensure that the fuel hoses are inspected and tested for leaks at system pressure. If any signs of leakage are detected, the entire fuel hose/manifold assembly must be replaced with an approved assembly, ensuring that the new hoses have different markings. This replacement must occur within 10 hours of time in service after the specified date, unless it has already been completed. The inspections must continue at intervals as outlined in the compliance section until the replacement is made.
Failure to comply with these provisions can result in serious consequences. Although the specific penalties are not outlined in the legislative instrument, non-compliance with airworthiness directives in Australian aviation law can lead to severe civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties may include fines up to several thousand dollars per offence, while criminal penalties can include imprisonment for up to five years. These penalties underscore the importance of adhering to the directive to ensure the safety of passengers and crew aboard the hot air balloons.