EASA SIB 2008-03
CAMERON BALLOONS LIMITED (CBL) - Fuel Cylinders fitted with a CB-0824-0001 liquid valve.
Summary
EASA Safety Information Notice No. 2008-03 addresses fuel cylinders supplied by Cameron Balloons Limited (CBL) fitted with a CB-0824-0001 liquid valve dated between December 2005 and August 2006. The notice references the United Kingdom CAA Emergency Airworthiness Directive G-2008-0002, which applies to all CBL gas cylinders with the specified valve. This safety information highlights a serious defect in the inlet self-seal valves that could cause burner supply blockage and potentially lead to uncontrolled descents in hopper balloons.
What Changed
This is a new safety information notice issued by EASA following the UK CAA's emergency AD G-2008-0002. It introduces mandatory inspections and replacement requirements for the affected CB-0824-0001 liquid valves on CBL fuel cylinders. The notice mandates identification of affected valves and replacement or modification actions before further flight to mitigate the risk of valve failure.
Why It Matters
This notice is critical for operators and maintenance organizations using Cameron Balloons with the affected fuel cylinders, as defective valves can cause serious safety hazards including uncontrolled descents. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and safety of balloon operations. It also guides national aviation authorities on adopting the UK CAA AD under their registry responsibilities.
What To Do
Operators must inspect all CBL gas cylinders fitted with the CB-0824-0001 liquid valve dated between 12/05 and 08/06 before further flight. Cylinders identified from the affected batch must have the self-seal valve replaced or modified according to Cameron Balloons Service Bulletins 16 and 17 prior to use, especially for single cylinder and hopper balloons. The effective compliance date is 16 January 2008.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.