Proposed Rule2022-09077
Airworthiness Directives; Cameron Balloons Ltd. Burner Assemblies
Primary source
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Published
May 5, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Cameron Balloons Ltd. (Cameron) Stratus double burner assemblies installed on hot air balloons. This proposed 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 proposed AD would require repetitively inspecting certain Stratus double burner hangers and replacing certain Stratus double burners, and would prohibit installing certain parts. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 87 (Thursday, May 5, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 87 (Thursday, May 5, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 26699-26702]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-09077]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0469; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00124-Q]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Cameron Balloons Ltd. Burner Assemblies
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Cameron Balloons Ltd. (Cameron) Stratus double burner
assemblies installed on hot air balloons. This proposed 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 proposed AD would require repetitively inspecting
certain Stratus double burner hangers and replacing certain Stratus
double burners, and would prohibit installing certain parts. The FAA is
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 21,
2022.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
<bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Cameron Balloons Ltd., St Johns Street, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 4NH,
United Kingdom; phone: +44 0 117 9637216; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9ce8f9fff4f2f5fffdf0dcfffdf1f9eef3f2fefdf0f0f3f3f2efb2fff3b2e9f7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b7c3d2d4dfd9ded4d6dbf7d4d6dad2c5d8d9d5d6dbdbd8d8d9c499d4d899c2dc">[email protected]</span></a>; website: <a href="https://www.cameronballoons.co.uk">https://www.cameronballoons.co.uk</a>. You may view this service information at the
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901
[[Page 26700]]
Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0469; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, the MCAI,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Kiesov, Aviation Safety Engineer,
General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch,
FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106; phone: (816) 329-
4144; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e98480828cc782808c9a869fa98f8888c78e869f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b5d8dcded09bdedcd0c6dac3f5d3d4d49bd2dac3">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2022-0469;
Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00124-Q'' at the beginning of your
comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the
proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include
supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend this proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Mike
Kiesov, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft
Section, International Validation Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas
City, MO 64106. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for
this rulemaking.
Background
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued
EASA AD 2021-0042, dated January 29, 2021 (referred to after this as
``the MCAI''), to address an unsafe condition on all hot air balloons.
The MCAI states:
An occurrence was been reported of a Stratus burner hanger,
[part number] P/N CB8504, failing after landing, leaving one burner
unit detached from the load frame. Investigation revealed a limited
number of similar failures. Comparable issues have been experienced
with other parts of the Stratus product line (see Australian [Civil
Aviation Safety Authority] CASA AWB 14-001 [Airworthiness Bulletin
AWB 14-001, Issue 3, dated February 5, 2021]). The suspected cause
is fatigue cracking of the weld, caused mainly during ground
transportation with the burner erect, combined with an overload
event.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to
burner falling on the balloon occupant's head, resulting in injury
to balloon occupants. It could also lead to an uncontrolled cold
descent and hard landing, possibly resulting in injury to balloon
occupants and persons on the ground.
To address this potential unsafe condition, Cameron Balloons
issued the SB [Service Bulletin No. 28, Revision 3, dated February
3, 2021], providing inspection and replacement instructions. It was
determined that some burner hangers cannot be inspected as they are
covered with a doubler plate to reinforce the central part of the
hanger bracket.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires
repetitive detailed inspections (DET) of the affected parts A and,
depending on findings, replacement with a serviceable part. This
[EASA] AD also requires direct replacement of the burner hanger
installed on affected parts B.
You may view the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-
0469.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Cameron Balloons Service Bulletin 28, Revision 3,
dated February 3, 2021. The service information specifies identifying
the Stratus double burner hanger, inspecting it in accordance with
Cameron Balloons SB28: Accomplishment Instructions CBL/TN/DCB/3191,
Issue B, dated February 4, 2020 (CBL/TN/DCB/3191 Issue B), and
replacing it if there are any cracks.
The FAA also reviewed CBL/TN/DCB/3191 Issue B, which contains
procedures for identifying and inspecting affected Stratus double
burner hangers.
This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority,
it has notified the agency of the unsafe condition described in the
MCAI and service information referenced above. The FAA is issuing this
NPRM after determining that the unsafe condition described previously
is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type
design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in the service information already described, except as discussed under
``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the MCAI.''
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI
The MCAI requires reporting information to Cameron Balloons, and
this proposed AD would not.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 220 burner assemblies that have been produced worldwide. The FAA
has no way of knowing how many of these burner assemblies are installed
on hot air balloons of U.S. Registry. Therefore, for the purposes of
this proposed AD, the FAA is basing the fleet cost estimate on the
maximum number of 220 burner assemblies.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
[[Page 26701]]
Estimated Costs
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Cost per hot air Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost balloon operators
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Inspect burner hangers........ 1 work-hour x $85 Not applicable.......... $85 per $18,700 per
per hour = $85. inspection cycle. inspection
cycle.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to replace a cracked burner
hanger or a burner that has a doubler plate. The FAA has no way of
determining the number of hot air balloons that would need this action.
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per hot
Action Labor cost Parts cost air balloon
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Replace with a serviceable part............... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85 $250 $335
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Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
(1) Would not be a ``significant regulatory action'' under
Executive Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
Cameron Balloons Ltd.: Docket No. FAA-2022-0469; Project Identifier
MCAI-2021-00124-Q.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by June 21, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
(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) Bal[oacute]ny Kub[iacute][ccaron]ek 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).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7100, Powerplant
System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by 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 describes the unsafe condition as suspected
fatigue cracking of the weld on affected burner hangers. The FAA is
issuing this AD to prevent burners from separating from the balloon.
The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in an
uncontrolled cold descent and hard landing of the balloon.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Definitions
(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 (Cameron Balloons
SB28 R3).
(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 SB28 R3.
(3) For purposes of this AD, a ``serviceable part'' is a Stratus
double burner hanger P/N CB8504, Issue D or later.
(h) Actions
(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:
[[Page 26702]]
Accomplishment Instructions 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.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
You may take credit for the initial inspection required by
paragraph (h)(1) of this AD if you performed the inspection before
the effective date of this AD using Cameron Balloons Service
Bulletin 28, Revision 2, dated March 4, 2020; or Revision 3, dated
February 3, 2021.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the manager of the certification office, send it to the
attention of the person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD
and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#231a0e6275700e626a710e1410130e626e6c60634542420d444c55"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="21180c6077720c6068730c1612110c606c6e62614740400f464e57">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Mike Kiesov,
Aviation Safety Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas
City, MO 64106; phone: (816) 329-4144; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#fc91959799d29795998f938abc9a9d9dd29b938a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9ef3f7f5fbb0f5f7fbedf1e8def8ffffb0f9f1e8">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2021-0042, dated January 29, 2021, for more information. You may
view the EASA AD at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> in Docket No. FAA-
2022-0469.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Cameron Balloons Ltd., St. Johns Street, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3
4NH, United Kingdom; phone: +44 0 117 9637216; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#275342444f494e44464b6744464a4255484945464b4b4848495409444809524c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6c18090f0402050f0d002c0f0d01091e03020e0d00000303021f420f03421907">[email protected]</span></a>; website: <a href="https://www.cameronballoons.co.uk">https://www.cameronballoons.co.uk</a>. You may view this service information at
the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch,
901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
Issued on April 22, 2022.
Derek Morgan,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-09077 Filed 5-4-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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