Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17824 · Time limits/maintenance checks
Ballonbau Wörner GmbH Balloons
This AD applies to Ballonbau Wörner GmbH Model NL-280/STU, NL-380/STU, NL-510/STU, NL-640/STU, NL-840/STU, and NL-1000/STU balloons, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Ballonbau W[ouml]rner GmbH Models NL-280/STU, NL-380/STU, NL-510/STU, NL-640/STU, NL-840/STU, and NL-1000/STU 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 current inspection intervals are no longer adequate to ensure timely detection of deterioration or damage. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Unless already done, do the actions in paragraphs (f)(1) through (f)(4) of this AD:
(1) Before further flight after May 27, 2014 (the effective date of this AD), complete all inspections and maintenance tasks described in the Chapter 5, Annual Inspection, in the Ballonbau Wörner GmbH Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, Gas Balloon Model NL-STU, Issue 1, pages 44 through 53 and 55 through 69, dated November 2013, and page 54 dated December 2013.
(2) If any discrepancies are found during the inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further flight, repair as applicable following Chapter 6, Standard Repair Procedures, in the Ballonbau Wörner GmbH Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, Gas Balloon Model NL-STU, Issue 1, dated November 2013.
(3) If on May 27, 2014 (the effective date of this AD), a balloon has already exceeded the threshold compliance time for the porosity test as defined in Sections 5.1.1.4, 5.1.2.4 and 5.1.3.4 of Chapter 5 in Ballonbau Wörner GmbH Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, Gas Balloon Model NL-STU, Issue 1, pages 44 through 53 and 55 through 69, dated November 2013, and page 54 dated December 2013, within 3 months after May 27, 2014 (the effective date of this AD), conduct the porosity test following Sections 5.1.1.4, 5.1.2.4 and 5.1.3.4 of Chapter 5 in Ballonbau Wörner GmbH Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, Gas Balloon Model NL-STU, Issue 1, pages 44 through 53 and 55 through 69, dated November 2013, and page 54 dated December 2013.
(4) After May 27, 2014 (the effective date of this AD), do all inspections and necessary repairs following Technische Mitteilung (English translation: Technical Note) Ballonbau Wörner GmbH EASA.BA.009-6, dated November 7, 2013; and Ballonbau Wörner GmbH Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, Gas Balloon Model NL-STU, Issue 1, pages 1 through 6, 8 through 16, 18, 20 through 34, 36 through 40, 42 through 53, and 55 through 82, dated November 2013; and pages 7, 17, 19, 35, 41, and 54, dated December 2013.
Note 1 to paragraph (f) of this AD: Pilots may only accomplish preventative maintenance limited to those items identified in 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix A.
