Document ID: FAA-2021-1171-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Cameron Balloons Ltd. Fuel Cylinders
Posted Date: 2022-01-03T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 1 (Monday, January 3, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29-32]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-28348]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-1171; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01361-Q; 
Amendment 39-21894; AD 2022-01-06]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Cameron Balloons Ltd. Fuel Cylinders

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Cameron Balloons Ltd. (Cameron) fuel cylinders installed on hot 
air balloons. This AD results from 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 quick shut-off 
(QSO) flanged adaptors manufactured with non-conforming (undersized) 
threads. This AD immediately requires either replacing the QSO flange 
adapter or inspecting the fuel cylinder for leakage and taking 
corrective action, and replacing the QSO flange adapter within 4 
months. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective January 18, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 18, 
2022.

[[Page 30]]

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by February 17, 2022.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     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.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this final rule, contact 
Cameron Balloons Ltd., St Johns Street, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 4NH, 
United Kingdom; phone: +44 0 117 9637216; email: 
[email protected]. You may view this service information 
at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 
901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability 
of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It is also available 
at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2021-1171.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1171; or in person at 
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the 
MCAI, any comments received, and other information. The street address 
for the Docket Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Kiesov, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation 
Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106; phone: (816) 329-
4144; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the airworthiness 
authority for the United Kingdom, has issued CAA AD G-2021-0014R1-E, 
dated December 10, 2021 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to 
address an unsafe condition for certain Cameron fuel cylinders. The 
MCAI states:

    Certain Cameron Hot Air Balloon fuel cylinders are supplied with 
liquid offtakes that consist of a quarter turn ball valve mounted on 
a flanged adaptor ([part number] P/N CB437, see [CAA AD] figure 1). 
Two recent batches of these adaptors have been manufactured with 
non-conforming (undersize) threads.
    In certain cases, when the minimum sized adaptors are combined 
with cylinder bosses at maximum tolerance dimension and assembled to 
fuel cylinders, the thread can impinge (``bottom out'') on the 
cylinder boss. Although the required tightening torque value can be 
achieved at installation, the torque required to unscrew the flange 
could be below the minimum value. In extreme cases the adaptor may 
be unscrewed by hand.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in 
an uncontrolled release of liquid propane which in turn could result 
in a fire hazard that could damage the balloon and its envelope, 
ultimately leading to a forced emergency landing, during which 
balloon occupants and persons on the ground could be injured.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Cameron Balloons 
Ltd. issued the Service Bulletin to provide instructions for the 
removal from service of the affected parts.
    For the reasons described above, this [CAA] AD retains the 
requirements of CAA Emergency AD G-2021-0010-E dated 01 October 
2021, which required a one-time inspection of each affected fuel 
cylinder for leakage around the threaded joint between the QSO valve 
adaptor flange and the cylinder boss and, depending on findings, 
removal from service of the affected fuel cylinder. The AD also 
required modification of each fuel cylinder by replacement of the 
affected part with a serviceable part.
    Since AD G-2021-0010-E was issued, additional applicability 
information has been released by the manufacturer, Cameron Balloons 
Ltd. Additional serial number applicability for CB2902 Cylinders has 
been identified and added to the list of affected parts. (See [CAA 
AD] appendix 1).
    For the reason described above AD 2021-0010-E, was superseded by 
AD G-2021-0014-E which expands the list of affected parts.
    Since the issue of AD G-2021-0014-E additional information 
pertaining to the means of visual identification of the affected 
parts has been released by the manufacturer, Cameron Balloons Ltd. 
It was also found that that the replacement part specified in the 
previous [emergency airworthiness directives] EADs, Part No. CB437 
`Issue G' did not go into production and instead `Issue H' was 
produced.
    For the reasons described above this [CAA] AD has been revised 
to include additional information in the applicability, the 
inclusion of photos ([CAA AD] figures 2, 3 and 4) and to reference 
the correct replacement part number (updated drawing issue).
    This revised [CAA] AD also introduces editorial changes not 
affecting the requirements.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
1171.
    Cameron identified fuel cylinder P/Ns CB2901, CB2902, and CB2903 
that had the non-conforming QSO flange adapter P/N CB437 Issue F 
installed at manufacture. However, the following additional fuel 
cylinders that were not fitted with flange adapter P/N CB437 Issue F at 
manufacture may have been later retrofitted with P/N CB437 Issue F: 
Fuel cylinder P/Ns CB2901, CB2902, and CB2903; stainless steel fuel 
cylinder P/Ns CB426, CB497, CB599, CB959, CB2088, V20, V30, and V40; 
titanium fuel cylinder P/Ns CB2380, CB2383, CB2385, CB2387, and T30 
(CY-050-A-001); and ``Worthington'' aluminum fuel cylinder P/N CB250.
    The unsafe flange adapter has ``CB437'' machine-engraved on the 
part. Flange adapters with ``CB437'' hand-stamped on the part or 
machine-engraved with Issue H (``CB437/H'') or later issue are not 
subject to the unsafe condition.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Cameron Balloons CBL/TN/DCB/3287, Issue C, dated 
October 14, 2021, which specifies procedures for torque testing fuel 
cylinders and for replacing the handwheel valve or flange adapter. This 
service information is reasonably available because the interested 
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by 
the means identified in ADDRESSES.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed Cameron Balloons Service Bulletin No. 32, Revision 
4, dated November 3, 2021. This service information specifies 
procedures for identifying affected parts (including figures 
illustrating both the unsafe and safe flange adapters). This service 
information also specifies inspecting fuel cylinders for leakage.

FAA's Determination

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it 
has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and 
service information referenced above. The FAA is issuing this AD after 
determining the unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop in other 
products of the same type design.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service 
information described previously.

[[Page 31]]

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

    The MCAI identifies affected fuel cylinders by serial number or 
invoice number, while this AD identifies affected fuel cylinders by the 
type of engraving of P/N CB437 on the flange adapter.
    The MCAI applies to hot air balloons and certain airships. This AD 
only applies to hot air balloons because the airships identified in the 
MCAI do not have an FAA type certificate.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and 
comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds 
that those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to 
the public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good 
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking 
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA 
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, 
upon a finding of good cause.
    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to 
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public 
justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule 
because a liquid propane leak could result in an inflight fire, 
damaging the balloon and leading to a forced emergency landing, which 
could injure balloon occupants and persons on the ground. In addition, 
some of the corrective actions must be accomplished before further 
flight. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment 
are impracticable and contrary to the public interest pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B).
    In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days, 
for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forego notice and 
comment.

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments 
about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under 
ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-1171 and Project Identifier 
MCAI-2021-01361-Q'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this final rule because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact received about this final rule.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this AD, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Mike 
Kiesov, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft 
Section, International Validation Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas 
City, MO 64106. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not 
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for 
this rulemaking.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not 
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt 
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because FAA has determined 
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and 
comment, RFA analysis is not required.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 396 fuel cylinders installed 
on hot air balloons worldwide. The FAA has no way of knowing the number 
of the hot air balloons of U.S. Registry that may have an affected fuel 
cylinder installed. The estimated cost on U.S. operators reflects the 
maximum possible cost based on fuel cylinders worldwide. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
    The FAA estimates that replacing the QSO flange adapter will take 1 
work-hour and require parts costing $80, for a cost of $165 per adapter 
and up to $65,340 for the U.S. fleet.
    The FAA also estimates that it will take about 1 work-hour per hot 
air balloon to inspect the fuel cylinder for leakage for a cost of $85 
per hot air balloon and up to $33,660 for the U.S. fleet. In addition, 
the FAA estimates that the torque test will take 1 work-hour for a cost 
of $85 per hot air balloon. The FAA has no way of determining the 
number of hot air balloons that may need the torque test.

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.
    The FAA is 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

    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, and
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

[[Page 32]]

The Amendment

    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 airworthiness 
directive:

2022-01-06 Cameron Balloons Ltd.: Amendment 39-21894; Docket No. 
FAA-2021-1171; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01361-Q.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 18, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    (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) Bal[oacute]ny Kub[iacute][ccaron]ek 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).

 (d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2800, Aircraft Fuel 
System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    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.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Actions

    (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.

(h) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits are prohibited.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, 
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the manager of the certification office, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD 
and email to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Mike Kiesov, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft 
Section, International Validation Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, 
Kansas City, MO 64106; phone: (816) 329-4144; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Refer to United Kingdom (UK) Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) 
AD G-2021-0014R1-E, dated December 10, 2021, for more information. 
You may examine the UK CAA AD in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2021-1171.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this 
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Cameron Balloons CBL/TN/DCB/3287, Issue C, dated October 14, 
2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Camron Balloons Ltd., St John Street, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 4NH, 
United Kingdom; phone: +44 0 117 9637216; email: 
[email protected].
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 
Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on December 23, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-28348 Filed 12-30-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P