[Federal Register: November 20, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 224)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 69999-70001]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr20no02-5]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2000-CE-50-AD; Amendment 39-12951; AD 2002-23-07]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Cameron Balloons Ltd. (Sky Balloons)
Mk1 (BR1) & Mk2 (Mistral) Burners
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
applies to all aircraft (specifically balloons) that incorporate
certain Cameron Balloons Ltd. (Sky Balloons) Mk1 (BR1) & Mk2 (Mistral)
burners. This AD requires you to replace the valve stems of the main
blast, liquid fire, and pilot light valves. This AD is the result of
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
[[Page 70000]]
issued by the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom. The
actions specified by this AD are intended to correct the mechanical
failure of the valve stem/seat pinned joint, which could result in a
propane vapor leak. Such failure could lead to a propane explosion and
fire.
DATES: This AD becomes effective on January 7, 2003.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the regulations as of
January 7, 2003.
ADDRESSES: You may get the service information referenced in this AD
from Cameron Balloons Ltd. (Sky Balloons), St. Johns Street,
Bedminster, Bristol; BS3 4NH; telephone: +44 (0)117 9637216; facsimile:
+44 (0)177 966168; or Cameron Balloons, PO Box 3672, Ann Arbor,
Michigan 46106; telephone: (734) 426-5525; facsimile: (734) 426-5026.
You may view this information at the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules
Docket No. 2000-CE-50-AD, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri
64106; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol
Street, NW., Suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Roger Chudy, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4140; facsimile: (816) 329-4090.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
What Events Have Caused This AD?
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the airworthiness
authority for the United Kingdom, recently notified the FAA that an
unsafe condition may exist on aircraft (specifically balloons) that
incorporate certain Cameron Balloons Ltd. (Sky Balloons) Mk1 (BR1) &
Mk2 (Mistral) burners. The CAA reports there have been reports of
mechanical failure of the valve stem/seat pinned joint. This could
result in a propane vapor leak.
What Is the Potential Impact if FAA Took No Action?
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to a propane explosion
and fire.
Has FAA Taken Any Action to This Point?
We issued a proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation
Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to all
aircraft (specifically balloons) that incorporate certain Cameron
Balloons Ltd. (Sky Balloons) Mk1 (BR1) & Mk2 (Mistral) burners. This
proposal was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) on September 13, 2002 (67 FR 57992). The NPRM
proposed to require you to replace the valve stems in the main blast,
liquid fire, and pilot light valves.
Was the Public Invited To Comment?
The FAA encouraged interested persons to participate in the making
of this amendment. We did not receive any comments on the proposed rule
or on our determination of the cost to the public.
FAA's Determination
What Is FAA's Final Determination on This Issue?
After careful review of all available information related to the
subject presented above, we have determined that air safety and the
public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for
minor editorial corrections. We have determined that these minor
corrections:
--Provide the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for correcting the
unsafe condition; and
--Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM.
Cost Impact
How Many Aircraft Does This AD Impact?
We estimate that this AD affects 100 aircraft (specifically
balloons) in the U.S. registry.
What Is the Cost Impact of This AD on Owners/Operators of the Affected
Aircraft?
We estimate the following costs to accomplish the modification:
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Total cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost Total cost per aircraft operators
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1 workhour x $60 per hour = $60.. $35 per burner...... $60 + $35 = $95 $95 x 100 = $9,500
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Why Is a Compliance of 20 Hours Time-in-Service (TIS) Used for the
Actions of This AD?
Normally, FAA uses a 20-hour TIS compliance time for urgent safety
of flight conditions. However, balloon operation varies among
operators. It might take operators between 3 months to 12 months or
more to accumulate 20 hours TIS. For this reason, FAA has determined
that compliance time of this AD should be 20 hours TIS to ensure this
condition is corrected in a timely manner but does not unduly penalize
operators.
Regulatory Impact
Does This AD Impact Various Entities?
The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132.
Does This AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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. A copy of the final evaluation prepared for this
action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the
caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
[[Page 70001]]
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows:
2002-23-07 Cameron Balloons Ltd. (Sky Balloons): Amendment 39-12951;
Docket No. 2000-CE-50-AD
.(a) What aircraft are affected by this AD? This AD affects any
aircraft (specifically balloons), certificated in any category, that
incorporate at least one of the following burners:
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Model Serial Nos.
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Mk1 (BR1).............................. 001 through 098, 100, and 101.
Mk2 (Mistral).......................... 001 through 098, 100, and 101.
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(b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate
any aircraft (specifically balloons) with the equipment identified
in paragraph (a) of this AD must comply with this AD.
(c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by
this AD are intended to correct the mechanical failure of the valve
stem/seat pinned joint, which could result in a propane vapor leak.
Such failure could lead to a propane explosion and fire.
(d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) On the main blast, Within 20 hours time- In accordance with
liquid fire, and pilot in-service after Cameron Balloons
light valves of the Mk1 January 7, 2003 LTD (Sky Balloons)
(BR1) and Mk2 (Mistral) (the effective date Service Bulletin
burners, replace: of this AD), unless No. SB10, Issue A,
(i) Valve stem part number already dated May 12, 2000.
(P/N) A4/BR1/2000/012 with accomplished.
a new improved-design
valve, P/N CB6425;.
(ii) Valve stem P/N A4/BR2/
2000/006 with a new
improved-design valve, P/N
CB6426; and.
(iii) Rubber sealing ring
with O-ring P/N BS1806-008.
(2) Only install: As of January 7, Not Applicable.
(i) Valves that are P/N 2003 (the effective
CB6425 and P/N CB6426, or date of this AD).
FAA-approved equivalent P/
Ns; and.
(ii) O-ring P/N BS1806-008,
or FAA-approved equivalent
P/N.
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(e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if:
(1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent
level of safety; and
(2) The Standards Office Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
approves your alternative. Submit your request through an FAA
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send
it to the Standards Office Manager.
Note 1: This AD applies to each aircraft (specifically balloons)
with a Cameron Balloons Ltd. (Sky Balloons) Mk1 or Mk2 burner
identified in paragraph (a) of this AD, regardless of whether it has
been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For aircraft (specifically balloons) that
have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of
the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must
request approval for an alternative method of compliance in
accordance with paragraph (e) of this AD. The request should include
an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or
repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if you
have not eliminated the unsafe condition, specific actions you
propose to address it.
(f) Where can I get information about any already-approved
alternative methods of compliance? Contact Roger Chudy, Aerospace
Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4140; facsimile:
(816) 329-4090.
(g) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by
reference? Actions required by this AD must be done in accordance
with Cameron Balloons LTD (Sky Balloons) Service Bulletin No. SB10,
Issue A, dated May 12, 2000. The Director of the Federal Register
approved this incorporation by reference under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1
CFR part 51. You may get copies from Cameron Balloons Ltd. (Sky
Balloons), St. Johns Street, Bedminster, Bristol; BS3 4NH;
telephone: +44 (0)117 9637216; facsimile: +44 (0)177 966168; or
Cameron Balloons, PO Box 3672, Ann Arbor, Michigan 46106; telephone:
(734) 426-5525; facsimile: (734) 426-5026. You may view copies at
the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust,
Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., Suite 700, Washington, DC.
Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in British AD 003-
05-2000, dated May 31, 2000.
(h) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment
becomes effective on January 7, 2003.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 8, 2002.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 02-29131 Filed 11-19-02; 8:45 am]
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