AD 2022-01-06 Airworthiness Directives; Cameron Balloons Ltd. Fuel Cylinders

(1) This AD applies to hot air balloons, certificated in any category, with the following Cameron Balloons Ltd. fuel cylinder if fitted with a flange adapter with part number (P/N) CB437 machine-engraved on the flange adapter: (i) P/Ns CB2901, CB2902, and CB2903; (ii) Stainless steel fuel cylinder P/Ns CB426, CB497, CB599, CB959, CB2088, V20, V30, and V40; (iii) Titanium fuel cylinder P/Ns CB2380, CB2383, CB2385, CB2387, and T30 (CY-050-A-001); and (iv) “Worthington” aluminum fuel cylinder P/N CB250. Note 1 to paragraph (c)(1): Figures 1 through 3 of Cameron Balloons Service Bulletin SB No. 32, Revision 4, dated November 3, 2021, show examples of flange adapters with P/N CB437 machine-engraved and hand-stamped. (2) The affected fuel cylinders may be installed on hot air balloons models including, but not limited to, those of the following design approval holders: (i) Aerostar International, Inc.; (ii) Ballonbau Worner GmbH; (iii) Balóny Kubíček spol. s.r.o.; (iv) Cameron Balloons Ltd.; (v) Eagle Balloons Corp.; (vi) JR Aerosports, Ltd (type certificate previously held by Sundance Balloons (US)); (vii) Lindstrand Balloons Ltd.; and (viii) Michael D. McGrath (type certificate subsequently transferred to Andrew Philip Richardson, Adams Aerostats LLC).

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.

(1) Before further flight after the effective date of this AD, inspect each fuel cylinder for leakage around the threaded joint between the QSO valve adaptor flange and the cylinder boss using leak detector fluid. (i) If there is any leakage, before further flight, replace the fuel cylinder with one that has a handwheel valve or flange adapter installed by following the instructions in Section 3.2 or 3.3 of Cameron Balloons CBL/TN/DCB/3287, Issue C, dated October 14, 2021. (ii) If there is no leakage, before further flight, do a torque test of the fuel cylinder by following Section 2 of Cameron Balloons CBL/TN/DCB/3287, Issue C, dated October 14, 2021. If the fuel cylinder fails the torque test, before further flight, replace the fuel cylinder with one that has a handwheel valve or flange adapter installed by following the instructions in Section 3.2 or 3.3 of Cameron Balloons CBL/TN/DCB/3287, Issue C, dated October 14, 2021. (2) Within 4 months after the effective date of this AD, unless done before further flight in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (ii) of this AD, replace the flange adapter by following Section 3.3 of Cameron Balloons CBL/TN/DCB/3287, Issue C, dated October 14, 2021. Note 2 to paragraph (g)(2): You may replace the flange adapter in accordance with paragraph (g)(2) of this AD before further flight after the effective date of this AD instead of doing the inspection in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. (3) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install on any hot air balloon a fuel cylinder with a flange adapter with a machine-engraved P/N CB437, unless it is engraved Issue H (“CB437/H”) or later.

This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI identifies the unsafe condition as fuel cylinder leakage of liquid propane caused by impinged threading on cylinder bosses having loose quick shut-off (QSO) flanged adaptors. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and prevent fuel leakage of liquid propane. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in a fire and consequent emergency landing.

None.