[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 14, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2007]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 14CFR31.27]

[Page 765]
 
                     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]