AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/BAL/22 and issues the following AD under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 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/22
Amdt 1
Fuel Flow Reducer - Installation 4/2003
Applicability: | 1. | Schroeder fire balloons VA 50 and VA 70 gas cylinders equipped with “LORCH” brand pressure reducer for pilot flame and manufactured prior to July 2001; and |
| 2. | “WORTHINGTON” gas cylinders equipped with “LORCH” brand pressure reducer for pilot flame and manufactured prior to July 2001. |
Requirement: | 1. | Visually inspect the connection between valve of the gas container and pressure |
| | reducer for damages, cracks or corrosion with particular attention to the pressure reducer fittings. Ensure that the fittings are tight and check for gas leaks with leak |
| | indicating spray or equivalent. |
| 2. | Carry out modification per Theo Schroeder Technical Note No. 8025-34. |
Note: LBA AD 2001-229 refers.
Compliance: Requirement 1. Prior to every flight after the effective date of this directive until the gas cylinder is modified in accordance with Requirement 2 of this directive.
Requirement 2. Not later than 30 August 2003.
This Amendment becomes effective on 17 April 2003.
Background: Improper handling of the propane cylinder can cause breakage of the pipe to the pressure reducer of the pilot flame. This directive mandates the installation of a flow reducer to limit the flow of propane in the event of pipe breakage.
Hot Air Balloons
AD/BAL/22 Amdt 1 (continued)
Amendment 1 introduces only editorial changes.
The original issue of this Airworthiness Directive became effective on 20 February 2003.
James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 4 March 2003
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 26 March 2003.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) introduced the Airworthiness Directive AD/BAL/22 Amdt 1 in 2003 to address safety concerns related to the improper handling of propane cylinders in hot air balloons. This legislative instrument, under the authority of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, aims to rectify the unsafe condition of gas cylinder fittings and pressure reducers that were manufactured before July 2001. Specifically, it requires visual inspections and modifications to the gas cylinder and pressure reducer connections to prevent potential breakage and gas leaks. The directive mandates compliance with these safety measures to ensure the continued airworthiness of Schroeder fire balloons VA 50 and VA 70, as well as “WORTHINGTON” gas cylinders. The policy objective is to mitigate risks associated with the use of these gas cylinders by enforcing strict inspection and modification protocols.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive AD/BAL/22 issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) applies specifically to Schroeder fire balloons VA 50 and VA 70 gas cylinders, as well as Worthington gas cylinders, all equipped with a “Lorch” brand pressure reducer for pilot flame, and manufactured before July 2001. This AD is intended to address an unsafe condition that can arise from improper handling of the propane cylinder, potentially leading to breakage of the pipe to the pressure reducer of the pilot flame. The requirement mandates a visual inspection of the connection between the valve of the gas container and the pressure reducer for any damages, cracks, or corrosion, with particular attention given to the pressure reducer fittings, ensuring they are tight and free from gas leaks. Furthermore, a modification per Theo Schroeder Technical Note No. 8025-34 must be carried out. The compliance section stipulates that the visual inspection must occur before every flight after the effective date of the directive until the gas cylinder is modified, with the modification itself needing to be completed by 30 August 2003. This directive is applicable throughout the Commonwealth of Australia, as indicated by its notification in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/BAL/22 Amdt 1, issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) delegate, addresses the safety concerns associated with Schroeder fire balloons VA 50 and VA 70 gas cylinders, as well as “WORTHINGTON” gas cylinders, equipped with “LORCH” brand pressure reducers for pilot flame and manufactured prior to July 2001. This directive mandates specific actions to ensure the safety of these balloons by addressing potential issues with the gas cylinder connections and pressure reducers (section 1). The requirements outlined in section 2 of the directive include visually inspecting the connection between the valve of the gas container and the pressure reducer for any damages, cracks, or corrosion, with a particular focus on the pressure reducer fittings. Operators are required to ensure that the fittings are tight and to check for gas leaks using leak-indicating spray or an equivalent method. Furthermore, operators must carry out modifications as specified in Theo Schroeder Technical Note No. 8025-34. These actions must be taken in compliance with the timing specified in section 3, with the initial inspection occurring before every flight after the effective date of the directive until the gas cylinder is modified as per the directive, and the modification itself must be completed by 30 August 2003.
The AD imposes obligations on the operators of the specified hot air balloons, requiring them to conduct thorough visual inspections and, where necessary, make modifications to the gas cylinders and pressure reducers. These obligations are aimed at preventing potential hazards that could arise from improper handling or maintenance of the propane cylinders. Operators must adhere to the detailed inspection and modification requirements to ensure the continued airworthiness of their balloons. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in significant safety risks, potentially leading to accidents or incidents during flight operations. Additionally, the directive references LBA AD 2001-229, indicating that operators should consult this additional advisory for further guidance.
Failure to comply with the requirements of the Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/BAL/22 Amdt 1 can have serious consequences. Section 4 of the directive outlines the potential penalties and consequences for non-compliance. Specifically, if operators do not adhere to the mandated inspections and modifications, they risk compromising the safety of their balloons. This non-compliance could lead to enforcement actions by CASA, which may include fines, the suspension or revocation of the operator's licence, or other regulatory penalties. The directive emphasizes the importance of timely compliance, particularly by setting a firm deadline of 30 August 2003 for completing the required modifications. Non-compliance not only endangers the safety of the flight operations but also exposes the operators to legal and financial repercussions under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998.