[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 224 (Wednesday, November 20, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 69999-70001]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-29131]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-CE-50-AD; Amendment 39-12951; AD 2002-23-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Cameron Balloons Ltd. (Sky Balloons) 
Mk1 (BR1) & Mk2 (Mistral) Burners

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
applies to all aircraft (specifically balloons) that incorporate 
certain Cameron Balloons Ltd. (Sky Balloons) Mk1 (BR1) & Mk2 (Mistral) 
burners. This AD requires you to replace the valve stems of the main 
blast, liquid fire, and pilot light valves. This AD is the result of 
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)

[[Page 70000]]

issued by the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom. The 
actions specified by this AD are intended to correct the mechanical 
failure of the valve stem/seat pinned joint, which could result in a 
propane vapor leak. Such failure could lead to a propane explosion and 
fire.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on January 7, 2003.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the regulations as of 
January 7, 2003.

ADDRESSES: You may get the service information referenced in this AD 
from Cameron Balloons Ltd. (Sky Balloons), St. Johns Street, 
Bedminster, Bristol; BS3 4NH; telephone: +44 (0)117 9637216; facsimile: 
+44 (0)177 966168; or Cameron Balloons, PO Box 3672, Ann Arbor, 
Michigan 46106; telephone: (734) 426-5525; facsimile: (734) 426-5026. 
You may view this information at the Federal Aviation Administration 
(FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 2000-CE-50-AD, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol 
Street, NW., Suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Roger Chudy, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4140; facsimile: (816) 329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

What Events Have Caused This AD?

    The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the airworthiness 
authority for the United Kingdom, recently notified the FAA that an 
unsafe condition may exist on aircraft (specifically balloons) that 
incorporate certain Cameron Balloons Ltd. (Sky Balloons) Mk1 (BR1) & 
Mk2 (Mistral) burners. The CAA reports there have been reports of 
mechanical failure of the valve stem/seat pinned joint. This could 
result in a propane vapor leak.

What Is the Potential Impact if FAA Took No Action?

    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to a propane explosion 
and fire.

Has FAA Taken Any Action to This Point?

    We issued a proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation 
Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to all 
aircraft (specifically balloons) that incorporate certain Cameron 
Balloons Ltd. (Sky Balloons) Mk1 (BR1) & Mk2 (Mistral) burners. This 
proposal was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM) on September 13, 2002 (67 FR 57992). The NPRM 
proposed to require you to replace the valve stems in the main blast, 
liquid fire, and pilot light valves.

Was the Public Invited To Comment?

    The FAA encouraged interested persons to participate in the making 
of this amendment. We did not receive any comments on the proposed rule 
or on our determination of the cost to the public.

FAA's Determination

What Is FAA's Final Determination on This Issue?

    After careful review of all available information related to the 
subject presented above, we have determined that air safety and the 
public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for 
minor editorial corrections. We have determined that these minor 
corrections:

--Provide the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for correcting the 
unsafe condition; and
--Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already 
proposed in the NPRM.

Cost Impact

How Many Aircraft Does This AD Impact?

    We estimate that this AD affects 100 aircraft (specifically 
balloons) in the U.S. registry.

What Is the Cost Impact of This AD on Owners/Operators of the Affected 
Aircraft?

    We estimate the following costs to accomplish the modification:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                         Total cost on  U.S.
            Labor cost                  Parts cost        Total cost per  aircraft            operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 workhour x $60 per hour = $60..  $35 per burner......  $60 + $35 = $95            $95 x 100 = $9,500
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Why Is a Compliance of 20 Hours Time-in-Service (TIS) Used for the 
Actions of This AD?

    Normally, FAA uses a 20-hour TIS compliance time for urgent safety 
of flight conditions. However, balloon operation varies among 
operators. It might take operators between 3 months to 12 months or 
more to accumulate 20 hours TIS. For this reason, FAA has determined 
that compliance time of this AD should be 20 hours TIS to ensure this 
condition is corrected in a timely manner but does not unduly penalize 
operators.

Regulatory Impact

Does This AD Impact Various Entities?

    The regulations adopted herein will 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.

Does This AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?

    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) will not have a 
significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial 
number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act. A copy of the final evaluation prepared for this 
action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the 
caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:


[[Page 70001]]


    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

    2. FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows:

2002-23-07 Cameron Balloons Ltd. (Sky Balloons): Amendment 39-12951; 
Docket No. 2000-CE-50-AD

    .(a) What aircraft are affected by this AD? This AD affects any 
aircraft (specifically balloons), certificated in any category, that 
incorporate at least one of the following burners:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Model                             Serial Nos.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mk1 (BR1)..............................  001 through 098, 100, and 101.
Mk2 (Mistral)..........................  001 through 098, 100, and 101.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any aircraft (specifically balloons) with the equipment identified 
in paragraph (a) of this AD must comply with this AD.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to correct the mechanical failure of the valve 
stem/seat pinned joint, which could result in a propane vapor leak. 
Such failure could lead to a propane explosion and fire.
    (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To 
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) On the main blast,        Within 20 hours time- In accordance with
 liquid fire, and pilot        in-service after      Cameron Balloons
 light valves of the Mk1       January 7, 2003       LTD (Sky Balloons)
 (BR1) and Mk2 (Mistral)       (the effective date   Service Bulletin
 burners, replace:             of this AD), unless   No. SB10, Issue A,
(i) Valve stem part number     already               dated May 12, 2000.
 (P/N) A4/BR1/2000/012 with    accomplished.
 a new improved-design
 valve, P/N CB6425;.
(ii) Valve stem P/N A4/BR2/
 2000/006 with a new
 improved-design valve, P/N
 CB6426; and.
(iii) Rubber sealing ring
 with O-ring P/N BS1806-008.
(2) Only install:             As of January 7,      Not Applicable.
(i) Valves that are P/N        2003 (the effective
 CB6425 and P/N CB6426, or     date of this AD).
 FAA-approved equivalent P/
 Ns; and.
(ii) O-ring P/N BS1806-008,
 or FAA-approved equivalent
 P/N.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an 
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if:
    (1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent 
level of safety; and
    (2) The Standards Office Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, 
approves your alternative. Submit your request through an FAA 
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send 
it to the Standards Office Manager.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each aircraft (specifically balloons) 
with a Cameron Balloons Ltd. (Sky Balloons) Mk1 or Mk2 burner 
identified in paragraph (a) of this AD, regardless of whether it has 
been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For aircraft (specifically balloons) that 
have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of 
the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must 
request approval for an alternative method of compliance in 
accordance with paragraph (e) of this AD. The request should include 
an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or 
repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if you 
have not eliminated the unsafe condition, specific actions you 
propose to address it.

    (f) Where can I get information about any already-approved 
alternative methods of compliance? Contact Roger Chudy, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, 
Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4140; facsimile: 
(816) 329-4090.
    (g) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by 
reference? Actions required by this AD must be done in accordance 
with Cameron Balloons LTD (Sky Balloons) Service Bulletin No. SB10, 
Issue A, dated May 12, 2000. The Director of the Federal Register 
approved this incorporation by reference under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 
CFR part 51. You may get copies from Cameron Balloons Ltd. (Sky 
Balloons), St. Johns Street, Bedminster, Bristol; BS3 4NH; 
telephone: +44 (0)117 9637216; facsimile: +44 (0)177 966168; or 
Cameron Balloons, PO Box 3672, Ann Arbor, Michigan 46106; telephone: 
(734) 426-5525; facsimile: (734) 426-5026. You may view copies at 
the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, 
Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., Suite 700, Washington, DC.

    Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in British AD 003-
05-2000, dated May 31, 2000.

    (h) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment 
becomes effective on January 7, 2003.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 8, 2002.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 02-29131 Filed 11-19-02; 8:45 am]
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