COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Hot Air Balloons
AD/BAL/4
Amdt 1
Flexible Hose Assemblies 6/86
Applicability: All flexible hose assemblies.
Requirement: Hose and hose assemblies are to conform to the requirements of Australian Standard 1869; British Standards 3212 and 4089; International Standard Organisation 2928; American National Standard ANS1/UL21-1980 and ANS1/NFPA58-1983 or other specification acceptable to the Secretary in which the material is suitable for use with LPG and meets the proof test pressure as required by the appropriate balloon design standard as specified in ANO 101.54. Hose assemblies shall be clearly and permanently marked with the following information:
Maximum working pressure Month and year of manufacture Name or identification of the manufacturer, or
in accordance with the appropriate standard as applicable.
Compliance: Prior to issue of certificate of airworthiness.
Background: This Directive has been issued to provide a standard for flexible hoses fitted to Hot Air Balloons.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105, addresses the safety and operational standards for civil aircraft in Australia. One such regulation, AD/BAL/4 Amendment 1, pertains to the airworthiness of flexible hose assemblies used in hot air balloons. Enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, this regulation was introduced to ensure that flexible hose assemblies used in hot air balloons meet specific safety and performance standards. The policy objective is to maintain the structural integrity and safety of hot air balloons by ensuring that hose assemblies conform to recognised standards, thus preventing accidents related to hose failures. Compliance with these standards is mandatory before issuing a certificate of airworthiness, underscoring the importance of adhering to stringent safety protocols in the aviation industry.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, applies to all flexible hose assemblies used in hot air balloons operating within the Australian airspace. This legislation mandates that hoses and hose assemblies must meet stringent safety standards, including Australian Standard 1869, British Standards 3212 and 4089, International Standard Organisation 2928, and American National Standards ANS1/UL21-1980 and ANS1/NFPA58-1983, or any other specifications approved by the Secretary that ensure the materials are suitable for use with LPG and meet the proof test pressure as required by the appropriate balloon design standard specified in ANO 101.54. These hoses must also be clearly and permanently marked with their maximum working pressure, month and year of manufacture, and the name or identification of the manufacturer, in line with the relevant standards. Compliance with these standards is mandatory prior to the issuance of a certificate of airworthiness, underscoring the importance of stringent safety measures in the aviation industry. The application of these regulations is overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and extends to all relevant entities and individuals operating within the scope of civil aviation in Australia.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105, detail the requirements for the airworthiness of hot air balloons, with a focus on flexible hose assemblies in section AD/BAL/4 Amendment 1. This amendment mandates that all flexible hose assemblies used in hot air balloons must comply with specified standards, including Australian Standard 1869, British Standards 3212 and 4089, International Standard Organisation 2928, and American National Standards ANS1/UL21-1980 and ANS1/NFPA58-1983. Alternatively, they may adhere to any other specification acceptable to the Secretary that ensures the material is suitable for use with LPG and meets the proof test pressure as outlined in ANO 101.54. Additionally, hose assemblies must be clearly and permanently marked with information such as maximum working pressure, month and year of manufacture, and the name or identification of the manufacturer, in accordance with the appropriate standard.
Under these regulations, it is mandatory for all entities involved in the manufacture, maintenance, and operation of hot air balloons to ensure that the flexible hose assemblies meet the outlined standards. This includes certifying that the hose assemblies are manufactured according to the specified standards, are appropriately marked, and are fit for use in hot air balloons. Compliance with these requirements is necessary prior to the issuance of a certificate of airworthiness for the balloon, ensuring that safety standards are upheld before the balloon is permitted to operate.
Failure to comply with the provisions set forth in section AD/BAL/4 Amendment 1 can result in serious consequences. Offences under these regulations can lead to civil and criminal penalties. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the excerpt, it is common for breaches of civil aviation regulations to incur fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity and impact of the non-compliance. The exact penalties would be determined by the relevant authorities based on the specific circumstances of each case, but they are likely to be significant given the critical nature of safety in aviation.