Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17345 · Hardware
Lindstrand Hot Air Balloons Ltd Appliances
This AD applies to all hot air balloons, certificated in any category, equipped with Lindstrand Hot Air Balloons Ltd female ACME threaded hose connectors, part numbers (P/Ns) HS6139 and HS6144, all serial numbers.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Lindstrand Hot Air Balloons Ltd female ACME threaded hose connectors, part numbers HS6139 and HS6144, installed on balloons. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as insufficient tightness of the threaded hose connector in the assembly area that could result in fuel leakage. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Unless already done, do the following actions:
(1) Within the next 60 days after March 19, 2013 (the effective date of this AD), inspect the female ACME threaded hose connectors, (P/Ns) HS6139 and HS6144, for leaking following the Accomplishment Instructions of Lindstrand Hot Air Balloons Ltd Service Bulletin No. 12, Issue 2, dated May 10, 2012.
(2) If fuel leakage is detected in the inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further flight, tighten the threaded hose connector to the correct torque following Lindstrand Hot Air Balloons Ltd Service Bulletin No. 12, Issue 2, dated May 10, 2012.
(3) If, after March 19, 2013 (the effective date of this AD), you install on any balloon an ACME threaded hose connector, (P/Ns) HS6139 or HS6144, manufactured by Lindstrand Hot Air Balloons Ltd and supplied as a spare part between January 1, 2011, and September 1, 2011, before further flight, you must comply with the actions of this AD.
(4) Although the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) MCAI allows the pilot-owner to do the inspection and correction required in paragraphs (f)(1), (f)(2), and (f)(3) of this AD, the U.S. regulatory system requires all actions of this AD be done by a certified mechanic.
