90-25-09: Suspension Cables

90-25-09AEROSTAR INTERNATIONAL, INC.: Amendment 39-6848. Final copy of Priority Letter 90-25-09, Docket No. 90-CE-72-AD. Applicability: Models RX-6, RX-7, RX-8, S-49A, S-50A, S-52A, S-55A, S-57A, S- 60A, S-66A and S-77A balloons (all serial numbers) equipped with Advanced Fiber Technology (AFT) suspension cables, certificated in any category. Compliance: Required as indicated after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished. To prevent balloon cable degradation and loss of the balloon, accomplish the following: (a) On Models S-66A and S-77A balloons, prior to further flight replace all AFT suspension cables with stainless/galvanized steel suspension cables in accordance with the instructions in Aerostar International, Inc., Service Bulletin No. 129, dated November 28, 1990. (b) On all model balloons other than Models S-66A and S-77A with less than 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) on the AFT suspension cables, prior to further flight, andthereafter before each flight, inspect all AFT suspension cables for degradation in accordance with the instructions in Aerostar International, Inc., Service Bulletin No. 129, dated November 28, 1990. (1) If signs of degradation are found, prior to further flight replace the AFT suspension cables with stainless/galvanized steel suspension cables in accordance with the instructions in Aerostar International, Inc., Service Bulletin No. 129, dated November 28, 1990. (2) If no signs of degradation are found, return the balloon to service and reinspect before each flight until the accumulation of 100 hours TIS on the AFT suspension cables at which time paragraph (c) of this AD must be accomplished. (3) The AFT suspension cables may be replaced if no signs of degradation are found as terminating action for the inspection requirements of this AD. (c) On all model balloons other than Models S-66A and S-77A with 100 hours or more TIS on the AFT suspension cables, unlessalready accomplished per paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(3) of this AD, prior to further flight replace the AFT suspension cables with stainless/galvanized steel suspension cables in accordance with the instructions in Aerostar International, Inc., Service Bulletin No. 129, dated November 28, 1990. NOTE: Operators who do not have records of hours TIS on individual AFT suspension cables may substitute balloon hours TIS in lieu thereof. (d) The inspections and cable replacements required by this AD may be performed by the owner/operator holding at least a private pilot certificate as authorized by FAR 43.7, and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with FAR 43.11. (e) When the AFT suspension cables have been replaced pursuant to this AD, the inspection requirements of this AD are no longer required. (f) An alternate method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance times that provides an equivalent level of safety may beapproved by the Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Room 232, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018. The request should be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office. (g) Replacement cables or copies of the applicable service information may be obtained from Aerostar International, Inc., 1813 E. Avenue, P.O. Box 5057, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57117-5057; Telephone (605) 331-3500; or the applicable service information may be examined at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. This amendment (39-6848, AD 90-25-09) becomes effective on January 14, 1991 as to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by priority letter AD 90-25-09, issued December 4, 1990, which contained this amendment.