[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 44 (Wednesday, March 5, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 11812-11814]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 08-786]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0195; Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-008-AD; 
Amendment 39-15387; AD 2008-04-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Cameron Balloons Ltd. Models AX5-42 
(S.1), AX5-42 BOLT, AX6-56 (S.1), AX6-56A, AX6-56Z, AX6-56 BOLT, AX7-65 
(S.1), AX7-65Z, AX7-65 BOLT, AX7-77 (S.1.), AX7-77A, AX7-77Z, AX7-77 
BOLT, AX8-90 (S.1), AX8-90 (S.2), AX8-105 (S.1), AX8-105 (S.2), AX9-120 
(S.1), AX9-120 (S.2), AX9-140 (S.2), AX10-160 (S.1), AX10-160 (S.2), 
AX10-180 (S.1), AX10-180 (S.2), AX210 (S.2), AX11-225 (S.2), and AX11-
250 (S.2) Balloons

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of 
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an 
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

    Defective inlet self-seal valves have been identified. 
Detachment of a seal inside the valve could result in partial or 
complete blockage of the burner supply.
    On a hopper balloon this failure would result in an uncontrolled 
descent. In some circumstances this could result in serious injury.

This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe 
condition described in the MCAI.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 25, 2008.
    On March 25, 2008, the Director of the Federal Register approved 
the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this 
AD.
    We must receive comments on this AD by April 4, 2008.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    <bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examing the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
the Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Taylor Martin, Aerospace Engineer, 901 
Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-
4138; fax: (816) 329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The Civil Aviation Authority, which is the aviation authority for 
the United Kingdom, has issued AD No: G-2008-0002, dated January 14, 
2008 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

    Defective inlet self-seal valves have been identified. 
Detachment of a seal inside the valve could result in partial or 
complete blockage of the burner supply.
    On a hopper balloon this failure would result in an uncontrolled 
descent. In some circumstances this could result in serious injury.

    The MCAI requires you inspect fuel gas cylinder to identify whether 
the cylinder liquid valve is from the affected batch of valves and 
replace any self-seal valve found from the affected batch.
    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Cameron Balloons Ltd. has issued Service Bulletin No. SB16, dated 
January 8, 2008; and Service Bulletin No. SB17, dated January 8, 2008. 
The actions described in this service information are intended to 
correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they 
have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and 
service information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we 
evaluated all information provided by the State of Design Authority and 
determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or 
develop on other products of the same type design.
    This design cylinder liquid valve may also be installed on balloon 
models of Cameron Balloons USA. The corrective actions in the AD are 
specified to Cameron Balloons Ltd. Models, for which the United Kingdom 
is the State of Design. We are currently evaluating other valve 
installations on Cameron Balloons USA, for which the United States is 
the State of Design. We are evaluating these other installations and, 
based on the evaluation, may consider additional rulemaking on this 
subject.

[[Page 11813]]

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might have also required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
described in a separate paragraph of the AD. These requirements take 
precedence over those copied from the MCAI.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk of the flying public justifies 
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because 
detachment of a seal inside the valve could result in partial or 
complete blockage of the burner supply. This failure could result in an 
uncontrolled descent and serious injury. Therefore, we determined that 
notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are 
impracticable and that good cause exists for making this amendment 
effective in fewer than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2008-0195; Directorate 
Identifier 2008-CE-008-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We 
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD of those 
comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this AD.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed in the AD docket.

Lists of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2008-04-15 Cameron Balloons Ltd.: Amendment 39-15387; Docket No. 
FAA-2008-0195; Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-008-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 
25, 2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all of the balloon models listed below, 
certificated in any category, that incorporate Cameron Balloons Ltd. 
fuel cylinders fitted with rego-type cylinder liquid valves part 
number (P/N) CB-0824-0001 that are date-stamped from 12/05 through 
08/06: Models AX5-42 (S.1), AX5-42 BOLT, AX6-56 (S.1), AX6-56A, AX6-
56Z, AX6-56 BOLT, AX7-65 (S.1), AX7-65Z, AX7-65 BOLT, AX7-77 (S.1), 
AX7-77A, AX7-77Z, AX7-77 BOLT, AX8-90 (S.1), AX8-90 (S.2), AX8-105 
(S.1), AX8-105 (S.2), AX9-120 (S.1), AX9-120 (S.2), AX9-140 (S.2), 
AX10-160 (S.1), AX10-160 (S.2), AX10-180 (S.1), AX10-180 (S.2), 
AX210 (S.2), AX11-225 (S.2), and AX11-250 (S.2) balloons.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 28: Fuel.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    Defective inlet self-seal valves have been identified. 
Detachment of a seal inside the valve could result in partial or 
complete blockage of the burner supply.
    On a hopper balloon this failure would result in an uncontrolled 
descent. In some circumstances this could result in serious injury.
    The MCAI requires you inspect the fuel cylinder to identify 
whether the cylinder liquid valve is from the affected batch of 
valves and replace any self-seal valve found from the affected 
batch.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) Before further flight as of March 25, 2008. (the effective 
date of this AD), inspect any gas cylinder to identify whether the 
cylinder liquid valve is from the affected batch of valves following 
Cameron Balloons Ltd. Service Bulletin No. SB16, dated January 8, 
2008; and Cameron Balloons Ltd. Service Bulletin No. SB17, dated 
January 8, 2008.
    (2) For single cylinder balloons or multi-cylinder hopper 
balloons: Before further flight, if you find any cylinder liquid 
valve from the affected batch (rego-type cylinder liquid valve P/N 
CB-0824-0001 which is date-stamped from 12/05 through 08/06) 
installed as a result of the inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) 
of this AD, replace the self-seal valve following Cameron Balloons 
Ltd. Service Bulletin No. SB16, dated January 8, 2008; and Cameron 
Balloons Ltd. Service Bulletin No. SB17, dated January 8, 2008.

[[Page 11814]]

FAA AD Differences

    Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this 
AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send 
information to ATTN: Taylor Martin, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small 
Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4138; fax: (816) 329-4090. Before using 
any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify 
your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight 
Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
approved the information collection requirements and has assigned 
OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

Special Flight Permit

    (h) We are not issuing any special flight permit for you to 
operate any single cylinder or multi-cylinder (used on a hopper 
balloon) balloon which has any rego-type cylinder liquid valve P/N 
CB-0824-0001 fitted and which is date-stamped from 12/05 through 08/
06.

Related Information

    (i) Refer to MCAI United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority AD 
No.: G-2008-0002, dated January 14, 2008; Cameron Balloons Ltd. 
Service Bulletin No. SB16, dated January 8, 2008; and Cameron 
Balloons Ltd. Service Bulletin No. SB17, dated January 8, 2008, for 
related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (j) You must use Cameron Balloons Ltd. Service Bulletin No. 
SB16, dated January 8, 2008; and Cameron Balloons Ltd. Service 
Bulletin No. SB17, dated January 8, 2008, to do the actions required 
by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Cameron Balloons Ltd., St. Johns Street, Bedminster, Bristol; BS3 
4NH; telephone: +44 (0) 117 9637216; fax: +44 (0) 177 966168; or 
Cameron Balloons, P.O. Box 3672, Ann Arbor, Michigan 46106; 
telephone: (734) 426-5525; fax: (734) 426-5026.
    (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Central Region, Office of 
the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; or at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 14, 2008.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 08-786 Filed 3-4-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-M