84-15-01 AVIAN BALLOON: Amendment 39-4954. Applies to Avian Balloon Models Sparrow, Falcon II, and Skyhawk, serial numbers 1 through 120, 413, and 810. Compliance required as indicated, unless previously accomplished. To prevent possible separation of the basket from the envelope, accomplish the following:
A. Before further flight, install a placard using white lettering at least 2/10 inches high on a red background in full view of the pilot stating that "TETHERED FLIGHT IS PROHIBITED," and
B. Before further flight, to ensure the structural integrity of the basket suspension cables on balloons which have been used for tethered flight, accomplish the following:
1. For early production series baskets, which may be identified by the presence of a nico-press sleeve on each cable where it enters the top of the basket handrail, replace the two basket suspension cables with new 5/32-inch diameter stainless steel cables meeting the Mil-W-83402B specification in accordancewith Advisory Circular (AC) 43.13-1A, paragraph 196(b).
2. For later production baskets, which may be identified by a cable load plate on the bottom of the basket, inspect each of the four basket suspension cables from two inches above the top of the basket handrail to two inches below the handrail for broken strands, deformation and kinking. Any damaged or kinked cables must be replaced with new 5/32-inch diameter stainless steel cables meeting Mil-W-83402B specification in accordance with AC 43.13-1A paragraph 196(b).
C. No later than August 30, 1984, accomplish the following modification in accordance with Avian Service Bulletin No. 5, dated June 26, 1984:
1. Modify early production series baskets by replacing and relocating the basket suspension cables, replacing the basket skid plates, and adding the steel load plate.
2. Modify later production baskets by replacing and relocating the basket suspension cables.
D. Accomplishment of paragraph C., above,eliminates the need to accomplish Paragraphs A. and B., allows the removal of the required placard, and permits tethered flight.
E. Alternate means of compliance which provide an equivalent level of safety may be used when approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Northwest Mountain Region.
All persons affected by this directive who have not already received the appropriate service bulletins from the manufacturer may obtain copies upon request to the Avian Balloon Company, South 3722 Ridgeview Drive, Spokane, Washington 99026. These documents also may be examined at the FAA, Northwest Mountain Region, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 9010 East Marginal Way South, Seattle, Washington.
This amendment becomes effective November 26, 1984, and was effective earlier to those recipients of priority letter AD 84-15-01 dated July 31, 1984.