Hot Air Balloons - Envelopes with Polyester Filled Aramid (Kevlar) Load Tapes — Removal from Service
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Before the next flight after 2 May 2024, operators must visually inspect the envelope data plate to confirm the manufacture date and check for the presence of Polyester Filled Aramid (Kevlar) Load Tapes. If applicable, a 100% visual inspection of the load tapes must be performed, and any damage found must be rectified before further flight. If no damage is found, the maintenance program must be updated to include a visual inspection of the load tapes before every flight.
Summary
The Civil Aviation Authority Emergency Airworthiness Directive G-2024-0001-E addresses safety concerns for all types and models of hot air balloon envelopes manufactured by Lindstrand Technologies Limited after March 2017 that are fitted with optional Polyester Filled Aramid (Kevlar) Load Tapes. This directive mandates inspections and potential removal from service due to significant degradation of the load tapes. It applies specifically to hot air balloons with these load tapes and aims to prevent unsafe conditions caused by ultraviolet damage to the Kevlar core.
What changed
This new Airworthiness Directive introduces mandatory visual inspections of hot air balloon envelopes with Polyester Filled Aramid (Kevlar) Load Tapes manufactured after March 2017. It requires immediate inspection before further flight and ongoing pre-flight inspections if no damage is found. The directive also prohibits further flight if any damage is detected until repairs are made.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because the degradation of load tapes compromises the structural integrity of hot air balloon envelopes, posing a safety risk. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to prevent potential failures during flight. The unknown rate of degradation and inability to determine residual strength after UV exposure necessitate strict inspection protocols to maintain airworthiness.
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