AD/BAL/24 - Solid Floor Baskets (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CASR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

Hot Air Balloons

AD/BAL/24 Solid Floor Baskets 1/2005 DM

Applicability: All solid floor balloon baskets manufactured by Cameron Balloons Limited, Thunder Balloons Ltd, Colt Balloons Ltd, Thunder and Colt Ltd, and Sky Balloons Ltd.

Requirement: 1. Revise the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) for any balloon fitted with a Cameron solid floor basket, by incorporating the following into the Normal Procedures section of the AFM (this may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this Directive into the AFM):

ADDITIONAL FLIGHT MANUAL INFORMATION (Section 4 - Normal Procedures):

Pre-Flight Check of Basket Suspension Wires

Solid floor baskets must have no damage to the rawhide wire protectors sufficient to expose the suspension wires. Check also for wire damage where the wires are visible between the protectors and the skids. Any such damage must be inspected by a qualified inspector and repaired if necessary before further flight in accordance with Cameron Balloons Maintenance Manual Section 6.16.4.

Note 1: Balloons for which Issue 9 amendment 1 of Cameron Balloons CAA Approved Flight Manual is applicable, may use the manual as an acceptable means of compliance with the above requirement.