Hot Air Balloons — Burner Assembly and Hanger — Inspection / Modification
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must perform detailed inspections of affected burner hangers within 30 days or 10 flight cycles after 12 February 2021 and repeat inspections every 12 months. If cracks are found, affected parts must be replaced before the next flight. For burner assemblies with doubler plates, burner hangers must be replaced within the same timeframe. Installation of non-serviceable affected parts is prohibited from the effective date onward.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0042 is an airworthiness directive addressing the inspection and modification of burner assemblies and hangers on hot air balloons, specifically those with Stratus double burner hangers Part Number CB8504 and burner assemblies Part Numbers CB8720 and CB8721. It applies to all balloon types and models listed in the referenced TCDS and Specific Airworthiness Specifications, covering multiple manufacturers including Cameron Balloons Ltd and others. The directive mandates inspections and replacements to prevent failures of burner hangers that could lead to unsafe conditions.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0042 introduces mandatory repetitive detailed inspections of affected burner hanger parts and requires replacement with serviceable parts if cracks are detected. It also mandates direct replacement of burner hangers on assemblies reinforced with doubler plates within 30 days or 10 flight cycles. Additionally, it prohibits installation of affected parts after the effective date unless they are serviceable.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk involving potential failure of burner hangers on hot air balloons, which could cause injury to occupants or persons on the ground. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and prevent accidents related to burner assembly failures. Compliance teams need to track inspection intervals and part replacements to meet regulatory requirements.
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