Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22121 · Powerplant system
Cameron Balloons Ltd. Burner Assemblies
(1) This AD applies to hot air balloons, certificated in any category, with a Cameron Balloons Ltd. Stratus double burner assembly part number (P/N) CB8720 or P/N CB8721 installed.
(2) The affected burner assemblies may be installed on hot air balloon models including, but not limited to, those of the following design approval holders:
(i) Aerostar International, Inc.;
(ii) Ballonbau Worner GmbH;
(iii) Balóny Kubíček spol. s.r.o.;
(iv) Cameron Balloons Ltd.;
(v) Eagle Balloons Corp.;
(vi) JR Aerosports, Ltd (type certificate previously held by Sundance Balloons (US));
(vii) Lindstrand Balloons Ltd.; and
(viii) Michael D. McGrath (type certificate subsequently transferred to Andrew Philip Richardson, Adams Aerostats LLC).
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Cameron Balloons Ltd. (Cameron) Stratus double burner assemblies installed on hot air balloons. This AD was prompted by reports from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI identifies the unsafe condition as fatigue cracking of the weld on Stratus double burner hangers. This AD requires repetitively inspecting certain Stratus double burner hangers and replacing certain Stratus double burners, and prohibits installing certain parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
(1) For purposes of this AD, an “affected part A” is a Stratus double burner hanger P/N CB8504, Issue A, Issue B, or Issue C, except those installed on a Stratus double burner P/N CB8720 or P/N CB8721 with a doubler plate reinforcing the central part of the hanger bracket, as shown in figure 2 of Cameron Balloons Service Bulletin 28, Revision 3, dated February 3, 2021.
(2) For purposes of this AD, an “affected part B” is a Stratus double burner P/N CB8720 or P/N CB8721 with a doubler plate reinforcing the central part of the hanger bracket, as shown in figure 2 of Cameron Balloons Service Bulletin 28, Revision 3, dated February 3, 2021.
(3) For purposes of this AD, a “serviceable part” is a Stratus double burner hanger P/N CB8504, Issue D or later.
(1) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 30 days, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD, inspect the weld of each affected part A for cracks in accordance with paragraphs 3.1.2 through 3.1.4 and Figure 6 of Cameron Balloons SB28: Accomplishment Instructions, Stratus Double Burner; Mounting Hanger Inspection, CBL/TN/DCB/3191, Issue B, dated February 4, 2020.
(i) If there are no cracks, repeat the inspection in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 12 months.
(ii) If there is a crack, before further flight, remove the affected part A from service and install a serviceable part. Installation of a serviceable part on a Stratus double burner assembly constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD for that Stratus double burner assembly.
(2) Within 30 days or 10 hours TIS, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD, remove each affected part B from service and install a serviceable part.
(3) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install on any hot air balloon an affected part A.
(4) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install on any hot air balloon an affected part B, unless it is equipped with a serviceable part.
