AD 75-09-14

75-09-14 DON PICCARD BALLOONS: Amendment 39-2185. Applies to Piccard Hot Air Balloon Model AX-6 certificated in all categories, incorporating Rego Blast Valves, P/N 7553S Series.

To prevent fuel system failure or an inflight fire, prior to further flight unless previously accomplished within one year prior to the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed the annual inspection or 100 hours time in service, whichever occurs earlier, accomplish the following:

A. Remove the valve actuating lever roll pin P/N 7553S-8 from actuating lever. (Be careful to remove any burrs in the stem area around the roll pin hole before removing the valve stem P/N 7553S-1 from the bonnet P/N 7553-5). Replace the "O" ring stem seal with a new Rego "O" ring P/N 1421-7. Lubricate the new "O" ring with a suitable lubricant before reassembly.

B. Check the torque of the valve seat retaining screw to 10 in-lbs. If it turns, the screw must be removed and reinstalledusing MIL-S 22473 high strength thread locking compound or equivalent.

CAUTION. Do not permit the thread locking compound to adhere to the valve rubber seating surface.

C. Reinstall valve actuating lever on the valve body with roll pin 7553S-8. Install a number six machine screw and stop nut or a 3/32 inch stainless steel cotter pin through the hole in the roll pin holding the actuating handle to the valve body and secure.

D. Appropriate maintenance records must be kept in accordance with FAR 91.173.

Prior to further flight, unless already accomplished, incorporate the following in the FAA Approved Balloon Flight Manual, limitations section: WARNING: Water contamination can cause serious fuel system malfunctions. Never leave tanks or hoses open to the air. Never fill from a tank which has been used for vapor withdrawal. To prevent the effects of water contamination, add one half cup methanol (methyl alcohol) per ten gallons capacity to each fuel tank at intervalsnot exceeding twelve calendar months.

This amendment is effective April 28, 1975, for all persons except those to whom it was made effective by airmail letter, dated April 4, 1975, which contained this amendment.