[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 139 (Thursday, July 21, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43398-43400]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-15421]


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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; 
Amendment 39-22121; AD 2022-15-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Cameron Balloons Ltd. Burner Assemblies

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Cameron Balloons Ltd. (Cameron) Stratus double burner 
assemblies installed on hot air balloons. This 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 AD requires repetitively inspecting certain 
Stratus double burner hangers and replacing certain Stratus double 
burners, and prohibits installing certain parts. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 25, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 25, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
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. It is also available at 
https://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-04690469.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov under 
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 final rule, the MCAI, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department 
of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

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: 

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Cameron Stratus double 
burner assembly part number (P/N) CB8720 and P/N CB8721 installed on 
hot air balloons. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on May 5, 
2022 (87 FR 26699). The NPRM was based on MCAI from the European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the 
Member States of the European Union. EASA issued AD 2021-0042, dated 
January 29, 2021 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to address 
the 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 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 examine the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-0469.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require repetitively inspecting 
certain Stratus double burner hangers and replacing certain other 
Stratus double burners. The FAA also proposed to prohibit installing 
certain parts. 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.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the costs.

Conclusion

    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 FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI 
referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined 
that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the 
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products. This AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.

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, Stratus Double 
Burner; Mounting Hanger Inspection, CBL/TN/DCB/3191, Issue B, dated 
February 4, 2020 (CBL/TN/DCB/3191 Issue B), and replacing it if there 
are any cracks.

[[Page 43399]]

    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.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

    The MCAI requires reporting information to Cameron Balloons, and 
this AD does not.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 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 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 AD:

                                                                     Estimated Costs
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               Action                      Labor cost                Parts cost              Cost per hot air balloon         Cost on U.S. operators
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Inspect burner hangers.............  1 work-hour x $85 per  Not applicable..............  $85 per inspection cycle......  $18,700 per inspection cycle.
                                      hour = $85.
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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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 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:

2022-15-02 Cameron Balloons Ltd.: Amendment 39-22121; Docket No. 
FAA-2022-0469; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00124-Q.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 25, 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

[[Page 43400]]

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.
    (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 Service Bulletin 28, Revision 3, dated 
February 3, 2021.
    (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: 
Accomplishment Instructions, Stratus Double Burner; Mounting Hanger 
Inspection, 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)(2) 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) Additional Information

    (1) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2021-0042, dated January 29, 2021, for related information. This 
EASA AD may be found in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov 
under Docket No. FAA-2022-0469.
    (2) 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].
    (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (l)(3) and (4) of this AD.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this 
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Cameron Balloons SB28: Accomplishment Instructions, Stratus 
Double Burner; Mounting Hanger Inspection, CBL/TN/DCB/3191, Issue B, 
dated February 4, 2020.
    (ii) Cameron Balloons Service Bulletin 28, Revision 3, dated 
February 3, 2021.
    Note 1 to paragraph (l)(2)(ii): The document date is identified 
only on the first page of this document.
    (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.
    (4) You may review this referenced 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.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on July 7, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-15421 Filed 7-20-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P