81-09-02 PICCARD BALLOON: Amendment 39-4091. Applies to Model Ax-6 Series Balloon, certified in all categories.
Compliance is required as indicated, unless already accomplished.
To prevent inadvertent deflation panel opening in flight, accomplish the following:
(a) Prior to the next inflation, and during each subsequent preflight inspection, after the effective date of this AD:
(1) Check the synthetic fastener tape, known as hook and pile (Velcro), of the deflation panel system for broken hook and pile, or deterioration caused by heat, in accordance with paragraph A of General Balloon Corporation Service Letter Number 7, dated March 17, 1981, (hereafter referred to as General Balloon Letter No. 7).
(2) Repair all areas of hook and pile found to be unserviceable during check (a)(1), in accordance with paragraph G of General Balloon Letter No. 7.
(3) After accomplishment of (a)(1) and (a)(2), conduct a side shear load transfer capability check of thehook and pile, in accordance with paragraph B of General Balloon Letter No. 7. If hook and pile separate, accomplish either (i) or (ii) as follows:
(i) Have the side shear load transfer capability of the hook and pile retested by a rated mechanic or certified repair station, in accordance with paragraph E of General Balloon Letter No. 7, and replace all areas of hook and pile unable to sustain the side shear load with like serviceable fastener tape.
(ii) Have a rated mechanic or certified repair station replace areas of hook and pile that did not pass the side shear load transfer capability check conducted in paragraph (a)(3) with like serviceable fastener tape.
(4) Preflight checks conducted in accordance with Piccard Balloon Ax-6 Balloon Flight Manual (BFM) Revision No. 9, dated April 2, 1981, deletes the requirements for subsequent preflight checks specified in paragraph (a) of this AD.
(b) Prior to next inflation, after the effective date of this AD, install an approved mechanical latch (i.e., a Capewell) at the apex of the balloon envelope, in accordance with the balloon manufacturer's instructions as approved by the FAA.
(c) At intervals not to exceed 100 hours time in service or at each annual inspection after the effective date of this AD, whichever comes first, accomplish side shear load transfer capability test of the hook and pile fastener tape, in accordance with paragraph E of General Balloon Letter No. 7. Replace areas of degraded hook and pile fastener tape with like serviceable fastener tape.
NOTE: The General Balloon Corporation Service Letter Number 7, dated March 17, 1981, is applicable to Piccard Balloon Model Ax-6, since General Balloon Corporation produces the Piccard Balloon Ax-6 under a licensing arrangement with Don Piccard Balloons, Inc., the type certificate holder.
NOTE: Revision 9 to the Piccard Balloon Ax-6 Balloon Flight Manual (BFM), dated April 2, 1981, is being distributed with General Balloon Corporation Service Letter Number 7, dated March 17, 1981, or may be obtained from General Balloon Corporation, P.O. Box 1902, Newport Beach, California 92663.
All repairs, modifications, and inspections stipulated in this AD must be accomplished by a rated mechanic or an FAA certified repair station.
The checks required by this AD constitute preventative maintenance and may be performed by persons authorized to perform preventative maintenance under FAR 43.
The checks required by this AD may be performed by a pilot with a free balloon rating.
Accomplishment of the checks required by this AD are to be recorded in the balloon maintenance records.
Alternative inspections, modifications, or other actions which provide an equivalent level of safety may be used when approved by the Chief, Engineering and Manufacturing Branch, FAA Western Region.
The manufacturer's specifications and procedures identified and described in this directive are incorporated herein and made a part hereof pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(a)(1). All persons affected by this directive who have not already received these documents from the manufacturer may obtain copies upon request to General Balloon Corporation, P.O. Box 1902, Newport Beach, California 92663. These documents may also be examined at Room 6W14, FAA Western Region, 15000 Aviation Boulevard, Hawthorne, California, and at FAA Headquarters, 800 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. A historical file on this AD, which includes the incorporated material in full, is maintained by the FAA at its Headquarters in Washington, D.C., and at FAA Western Region Office, Room 6W14.
This amendment becomes effective April 23, 1981.