[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 [www.gpo.gov]
[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:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     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.
     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: 
[email protected]; website: https://www.cameronballoons.co.uk. 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 https://www.regulations.gov 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: [email protected].

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 
https://www.regulations.gov, 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 https://www.regulations.gov 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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: [email protected].
    (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: [email protected].
    (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 https://www.regulations.gov 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: 
[email protected]; website: https://www.cameronballoons.co.uk. 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