AD 93-16-13

93-16-13 AEROSTAR INTERNATIONAL, INC.: Amendment 39-8697. Docket No. 93-CE-44-AD.

Applicability: Models RX-6, RX-7, RX-8, RXS-8, S-40A, S-49A, S-50A, S-52A, S-55A, S-57A, S-57S, S-60S, S-60A, S-66A, S-71A, S-77A, 78C, 90C, QUBE-80, CTS, W100LB, 110P, and SPII balloons (all serial numbers), certificated in any category, that are equipped with hoses identified with one of the following:

o AEROQUIP FC321-06 UL 5/16 LP-GAS HOSE 350 MAX. OPER. PSI 1Q92; o AEROQUIP FC321-06 UL 5/16 LP-GAS HOSE 350 MAX. OPER. PSI 2Q92; o AEROQUIP FC321-06 UL 5/16 LP-GAS HOSE 350 MAX. OPER. PSI 3Q92; o AEROQUIP FC321-06 UL 5/16 LP-GAS HOSE 350 MAX. OPER. PSI 4Q92; or o If hose identification is not legible.

Compliance: Required as indicated after receipt of this AD, unless already accomplished.

To prevent an uncontained fire in the balloon basket caused by a leaking fuel hose, accomplish the following:

(a) Prior to further flight, remove each fuel hose fromthe leather sleeve, and, at system pressure, sniff test the entire length of the hose for signs of leakage. These signs could include frosting or chilling.

(1) If any sign of fuel leakage is found, prior to further flight, replace the entire fuel hose/manifold assembly with an approved assembly that includes hoses with markings different than that specified in the Applicability section of this AD.

(2) If no sign of fuel leakage is found, perform this fuel leakage test prior to each flight thereafter until the replacement required by paragraph (b) of this AD is accomplished.

(b) Within the next 10 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished in accordance with paragraph (a)(1) of this AD, replace the entire fuel hose/manifold assembly with an approved assembly that includes hoses with markings different than that specified in the Applicability section of this AD.

(c) Replacing the entire fuel hose/manifold assembly as required by either paragraph (a)(1) or (b) of this AD eliminates the repetitive test requirement of this AD.

NOTE 1: Aerostar Service Bulletin No. 132, dated August 12, 1993, references the actions required by this AD. For the sake of inclusiveness, the procedures presented in this service bulletin have been incorporated into this AD.

(d) The test and fuel hose/manifold assembly replacement required by this AD may be performed by the owner/operator holding at least a private pilot certificate as authorized by Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) 43.7, and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with FAR 43.11.

(e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance times that provides an equivalent level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Room 232, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to the Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office.

NOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Chicago Aircraft Certification Office.

(f) Replacement fuel hose/manifold assemblies and copies of the service bulletin referenced in NOTE 1 of this AD may be obtained from Aerostar International, Inc., 1812 E. Avenue, P.O. Box 5057, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57117-5057. The service information may also be examined at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

(g) This amendment becomes effective on October 15, 1993, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by priority letter AD 93-16-13, issued August 18, 1993, which contained the requirements of this amendment.