2024-13-03: Balloon Reports

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2024-13-03 Lindstrand Balloons Ltd.: Amendment 39-22777; Docket No. FAA-2024-1700; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00266-B. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 12, 2024. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Lindstrand Balloons Ltd. Model 42A, 56A, 60A, 69A, 77A, 90A, 105A, 120A, 150A, 180A, 210A, 240A, 260A, 310A, 69B, 77B, 90B, 105B, and Drinks Can hot air balloons, certificated in any category, having a date of manufacture after March 2017 and fitted with Aramid (Kevlar) load tapes. Note 1 to paragraph (c): United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA) Emergency AD G-2024-0001-E, dated April 30, 2024, includes figures that aid in the identification of Aramid (Kevlar) load tapes. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5102, Balloon Reports. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of degraded polyester filled Aramid (Kevlar) load tapes on a hot air balloon envelope where the Kevlar core was exposed to ultraviolet light. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could compromise the residual strength of the load tapes and the structural integrity of the hot air balloon envelope, with consequent loss of control of the hot air balloon. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (1) Before each flight, do a visual check of the hot air balloon envelope Aramid (Kevlar) load tapes for damage (degraded, stretched, or frayed load tapes or an exposed Kevlar core). (2) If damage is found during any check required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, before further flight, remove the hot air balloon envelope from service. (3) The visual checks required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439. (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) 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 International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD and email to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov. If mailing information, also submit information by email. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local Flight Standards District Office. (i) Additional Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Fred Guerin, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (206) 231-2346; email: fred.guerin@faa.gov. (2) For material identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference, contact UK CAA, Aviation House, Beehive Ring Road, Crawley, West Sussex, RH6 0YR; phone: (+44) 0330 022 1500; email: enquiries@caa.co.uk; website: caa.co.uk. (j) Material Incorporated by Reference None. Issued on June 21, 2024. Victor Wicklund, Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2024-14072 Filed 6-24-24; 11:15 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P