Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22777 · Balloon reports
Lindstrand Balloons Ltd. Hot Air Balloons
This AD applies to Lindstrand Balloons Ltd. Model 42A, 56A, 60A, 69A, 77A, 90A, 105A, 120A, 150A, 180A, 210A, 240A, 260A, 310A, 69B, 77B, 90B, 105B, and Drinks Can hot air balloons, certificated in any category, having a date of manufacture after March 2017 and fitted with Aramid (Kevlar) load tapes.
Note 1 to paragraph (c): United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA) Emergency AD G-2024-0001-E, dated April 30, 2024, includes figures that aid in the identification of Aramid (Kevlar) load tapes.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Lindstrand Balloons Ltd. Model 42A, 56A, 60A, 69A, 77A, 90A, 105A, 120A, 150A, 180A, 210A, 240A, 260A, 310A, 69B, 77B, 90B, 105B, and Drinks Can hot air balloons. This AD was prompted by a report of degraded polyester filled Aramid (Kevlar) load tapes where the Kevlar core was exposed to ultraviolet light, which could compromise the residual strength of the tapes and the structural integrity of the hot air balloon envelope. This AD requires repetitively checking the hot air balloon envelope for damage (degraded, stretched, or frayed load tapes or exposed Kevlar core) and removing any damaged hot air balloon envelope from service. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
(1) Before each flight, do a visual check of the hot air balloon envelope Aramid (Kevlar) load tapes for damage (degraded, stretched, or frayed load tapes or an exposed Kevlar core).
(2) If damage is found during any check required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, before further flight, remove the hot air balloon envelope from service.
(3) The visual checks required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
