2025-11-10 Cameron Balloons Ltd.: Amendment 39-23056; Docket No. FAA-2025-0921; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00442-Q.

(a) Effective Date

     This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 17, 2025.

(b) Affected ADs

     None.

(c) Applicability

     (1) This AD applies to all hot air balloons, certificated in any category, with a fuel cylinder installed that is fitted with Cameron Balloons Ltd. pressure relief valve (PRV) adaptor part number CB8426.

     Note 1 to paragraph (c)(1): Cameron Balloons Alert Service Bulletin No. 36, Revision 1, dated April 2, 2025, provides information related to this AD, including fuel cylinders that may be fitted with PRV adaptor part number CB8426.

     (2) These fuel cylinders are installed on hot air balloon models including, but not limited to, those of the design approval holders identified in paragraphs (c)(2)(i) through (viii) of this AD.

     (i) Adams Aerostats LLC.

     (ii) Aerostar International Inc.

     (iii) Ballonbau Worner GmbH.

     (iv) Cameron Balloons Ltd.

     (v) Eagle Balloons Corp.

     (vi) JR Aerosports, Ltd.

     (vii) Kubicek Factory s.r.o. (formerly Balony Kubicek spol. s.r.o.).

     (viii) Lindstrand Balloons Ltd.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

     This AD was prompted by cracks on the upper hex portion of PRV adaptors installed on certain Cameron Balloons Ltd. fuel cylinders. The FAA is issuing this AD to address failure of a PRV adaptor. This condition, if not addressed, could lead to uncontrolled leakage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which could result in an in-flight fire and consequent emergency landing.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

     (1) Before further flight after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter before each flight, visually check the fuel cylinder PRV adaptor for any cracks.

     (2) The owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate may perform the visual checks required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD and must enter compliance with the applicable paragraph of this AD into the balloon maintenance records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.

     (3) If during any visual check required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, any fuel cylinder PRV adaptor is found with a crack, remove the fuel cylinder from service before further flight.

(h) Reporting

     If a crack is found during any visual check required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, within 10 days after the check or within 10 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, report the results to Cameron Balloons Ltd. at the address in paragraph (k)(2) of this AD. The report must include the check results, a description of any discrepancies found, the hot air balloon serial number, and the hours time-in-service for the PRV adaptor or the hot air balloon.

(i) Special Flight Permits

     Special flight permits are prohibited.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

     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 International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD and email to AMOC@faa.gov. 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.

(k) Additional Information

     (1) For more information about this AD, contact George Weir, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-4045; email: george.a.weir@faa.gov.

     (2) For material identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference, contact Cameron Balloons Ltd., St John Street, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 4NH, United Kingdom; phone: +44 0 117 9637216; email: technical@cameronballoons.co.uk; website: cameronballoons.co.uk.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

     None.