Hot Air Balloon 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 inspect the welds on each affected FB6 double burner hanger connector within 12 months or 100 flight hours from 21 November 2023, whichever occurs first. If cracks or insufficient weld filler are found, the affected part must be replaced before further flight. Parts found to have sufficient filler must be marked accordingly. Installation of any affected parts is prohibited from the effective date of the directive.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0193 is an airworthiness directive addressing the FB6 double burner assemblies with hydraulic height adjustment manufactured by Theo Schroeder fire balloons GmbH. It applies to all serial numbers of these burner assemblies, which can be installed on any hot air balloon type. The directive mandates inspection and potential modification of the burner assembly connectors to ensure continued airworthiness and safety.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0193 introduces a one-time inspection requirement for the welds on the connectors of FB6 double burner hangers. It prohibits the installation or reinstallation of affected parts unless they have been inspected and marked as serviceable or replaced. This is a new directive addressing a specific unsafe condition related to weld fatigue and potential burner detachment.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations because it addresses a safety risk where a burner could detach in flight, potentially causing injury to occupants or people on the ground. Compliance ensures the structural integrity of the burner assembly, preventing uncontrolled descents and hard landings. It also affects compliance teams who must track and enforce these inspection and replacement requirements.
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