[Code of Federal Regulations]

[Title 14, Volume 1]

[Revised as of January 1, 2006]

From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access

[CITE: 14CFR31.27]



[Page 762]

 

                     TITLE 14--AERONAUTICS AND SPACE

 

CHAPTER I--FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

 

PART 31_AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: MANNED FREE BALLOONS--Table of Contents

 

                     Subpart C_Strength Requirements

 

Sec. 31.27  Strength.



    (a) The structure must be able to support limit loads without 

detrimental effect.

    (b) The structure must be substantiated by test to be able to 

withstand the ultimate loads for at least three seconds without failure. 

For the envelope, a test of a representative part is acceptable, if the 

part tested is large enough to include critical seams, joints, and load 

attachment points and members.

    (c) An ultimate free-fall drop test must be made of the basket, 

trapeze, or other place provided for occupants. The test must be made at 

design maximum weight on a horizontal surface, with the basket, trapeze, 

or other means provided for carrying occupants, striking the surface at 

angles of 0, 15, and 30 degrees. The weight may be distributed to 

simulate actual conditions. There must be no distortion or failure that 

is likely to cause serious injury to the occupants. A drop test height 

of 36 inches, or a drop test height that produces, upon impact, a 

velocity equal to the maximum vertical velocity determined in accordance 

with Sec. 31.19, whichever is higher, must be used.



[Doc. No. 1437, 29 FR 8258, July 1, 1964, as amended by Amdt. 31-4, 45 

FR 60179, Sept. 11, 1980]