# Raven Industries S-55A - Type: Aircraft model (FAA registry) - Registry code: 7480609 - Manufacturer (registry): RAVEN INDUSTRIES INC - Model: S-55A - Aircraft type: Balloon - Category: Balloon - Engines: None - Seats: 1 - Weight class: Up to 12,499 lb - Certification: Type certificated - Data sheet: [TCDS A15CE](https://openairdocs.org/tcds/A15CE) (OpenAirDocs) - Holder: Balloonacy LLC - Registered aircraft: 1 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/model/raven-industries-s-55a Model codes come from the FAA registry's reference file. ADs are matched to them by model name and maker. ## ADs that may apply (OpenAirDocs) Matched to this model by model name and maker. Each AD's applicability may narrow it by serial number, part number or equipment. - [AD 2013-03-10](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2013-03-10): Hardware · Aeronaut Instruction Research Skysailor 105, Skysailor 90, 110C and 439 more. Effective Mar 19, 2013 - [AD 93-16-13](https://openairdocs.org/ad/93-16-13): Fuel Hose · Aerostar International 110P, 78C, 90C and 20 more. Effective Oct 15, 1993 - [AD 90-25-09](https://openairdocs.org/ad/90-25-09): Suspension Cables · Aerostar International RX-6, RX-7, RX-8 and 8 more. Effective Jan 14, 1991 - [AD 86-10-11 R1](https://openairdocs.org/ad/86-10-11-R1): Fuel Supply Hose Assemblies · Aerostar International RX-6, RX-7, S-40A and 6 more. Effective Jul 10, 1986 - [AD 81-21-02 R1](https://openairdocs.org/ad/81-21-02-R1): Hook And Pile Fastener Tape · Aerostar International RX-6, RX-7, S-40A and 5 more. Effective Mar 8, 1984 - [AD 80-01-03](https://openairdocs.org/ad/80-01-03): Parachute Top Release · Aerostar International S-50A, S-55A and S-60A. Effective Jan 7, 1980 - [AD 75-19-04](https://openairdocs.org/ad/75-19-04): Valve System · Aerostar International RX-6, S-40A, S-50A and 2 more. Effective Sep 17, 1975 ## Information bulletins (advisory) (1) - [SAIB CE-11-44](https://openairdocs.org/saib/CE-11-44): Fuel: Cylinder Strap Installation. Issued Jul 13, 2011 ## Registered aircraft (1) - [N7111G](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7111G): [Jones Christopher J](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/JONES%20CHRISTOPHER%20J), [Billings, MT](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/MT/Billings), S/N S55A-3068 ## NTSB investigations (1) From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. - [NTSB LAX93LA084](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA084), Dec 26, 1992: Raven S-55A (N2815S), Peoria, AZ, no damage. Probable cause: THE BALLOON'S ENCOUNTER WITH A GUSTY WIND SHEAR CONDITION DURING THE FINAL DESCENT FOR LANDING AT AN ALTITUDE INSUFFICIENT FOR THE PILOT TO TAKE CORRECTIVE ACTION TO PREVENT A HARD LANDING. ## FAA accident and incident reports (1) From the FAA Accident/Incident Data System. Reports are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. - [Accident 19921226053399A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19921226053399A), Dec 26, 1992: Raven S55A (N2815S), Peoria, AZ. Encountered severe wind gust during landing. Caused hard landing. A passenger broke a foot and vertebrae. ## Service difficulty reports (2) As reported by operators and repair stations, by the model named in the report. - [SDR AALA20030933](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/AALA20030933), Sep 2, 2003: LIGHT. INOPERATIVE. DFW - DURING OVERNIGHT MAINTENANCE EMERGENCY LIGHT WAS INOPERATIVE AT SEAT 16D. REPLACED EMERGENCY LIGHT ASSEMBLY AT SEAT 16D. SYSTEM GROUND CHECKED NORMAL OPER - [SDR 96ZZZX1094](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/96ZZZX1094), Feb 1, 1996: GAUGE. FAILED. FAILURE OF PRESSURE GAUGE DURING FLIGHT AS A RESULT OF EXCESSIVE USE OF THE METERING VALVE. A SERVICE BULLETIN ADDRESSES THIS ISSUE, BUT WAS NEVER INSTALLED ON ## STCs that may be installed (OpenAirDocs) (22) Approved for this model: the STC's model list names it on its data sheet, or a series that includes it. In force first, then newest. The registry doesn't record which STCs an aircraft has. - [STC SB10564SC](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB10564SC): Installation of Night Position Lights. Highland Balloon Repair, CRS NHMD682X - [STC SB01030CH](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB01030CH): Replace Aerostar Basket/BurnerFuel Tanks with a Cameron Balloons Ltd. (Thunder & Colt) Basket/Burner/Fuel Tanks. Balloonacy LLC - [STC SB146CH](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB146CH): Replace Aerostar Basket/Burner with a Cameron Basket/Burner. Balloonacy LLC - [STC SB09657RC](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB09657RC): Installation of Aircraft Position Lights. Albuquerque Balloon Center, Inc - [STC SB04407AT](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB04407AT): Installation of the DBI-III Omega. Balloonacy, Ltd. LLC - [STC SB03361CH](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB03361CH): Replace the Aerostar basket, burner & fuel tanks; with Lindstrand basket, burner & fuel tanks. Cameron Balloons US - [STC SB917GL](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB917GL): Addition of a refueling adapter to the main fuel line. LTA Aviation Inc - [STC SB00601NY](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB00601NY): Installation of Aerostat Envelopes model W-100-4 replacement envelope. DiGiovanni Ronald T - [STC SB742NE](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB742NE): Installation of an Aerostat envelope, model W-140-2 (2-point system) and W-140-4 (point system). Ronald T. DiGiovanni - [STC SA2738SW](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA2738SW): Installation of an electric operated valve. John Terry - [STC SB00407LA](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB00407LA): Installation of foam padded tank covers. John Terry - [STC SA5469NM](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA5469NM): Installation of position light. Great American Balloon Co Inc - [STC SA2737SW](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA2737SW): Removal of LPG regulator. AERCO - [STC SA2758SW](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA2758SW): Installation of revised deflation valve. AERCO - [STC SL1572SO](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SL1572SO): Replacement of envelope fabric. Head Balloons Inc - [STC SL211RM](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SL211RM): Modification of suspension system and skirt of Raven S-55A hot air balloon envelope to achieve compatibility with Barnes Balloon Works gondola Models 4.0 and 4.5 and Model T3-017 burner system. Raven Industries, Inc - [STC SL163GL](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SL163GL): Modification: Move the velcro 4 to6 inches back away from the lip of the deflation port. Enlarge deflation panel. Wiederkehr Matt H - [STC SB9WE](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB9WE): Installation of a digital readout balloon envelope temperature indicator. Advanced Aircraft Components - [STC SB5WE](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB5WE): Installation of position lights on hot air balloon Model S55A, Serial number 138 ONLY. Limited to installation on this serial number 138 ONLY. Thornton Ronald D - [STC SL962SO](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SL962SO): Installation of ball lock pins, MS 17985-545 or MS 17984-545. Balloons, Inc - [STC SB4WE](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SB4WE): Installation of digital readout balloon envelope temperature indicator. Advanced Aircraft Components - [STC SA1720SW](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA1720SW): Install four burner can assembly. Cutter Flying Service, Inc ## PMA parts (OpenAirDocs) (23) Current parts manufacturer approvals (PMA): parts the FAA has approved companies to make as replacements or modifications. Each record lists its models as free text; OpenAirDocs matched them to this model on its data sheet, so check the FAA record before relying on it. Newest first. - [P/N SAT-52544](https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/EC2AFE1A9D2822D086257D510058B216.0001): Skirt Dipper S55A/S57A/S60A. SuperiAire Technologies · PMA PQ1047SW · Replaces P/N 52544 · Sep 10, 2014 - [P/N SAT-52954](https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/E6E8F4913944AD9B86257D510058B715.0001): Deflation Panel S55A/S57A/S60A Aerochute. SuperiAire Technologies · PMA PQ1047SW · Replaces P/N 52954 · Sep 10, 2014 - [P/N SAT-52943](https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/DA8F251A4E0B01F186257D510058B64D.0001): Deflation Panel S55A/S57A/S60A Parachute. SuperiAire Technologies · PMA PQ1047SW · Replaces P/N 52943 · Sep 10, 2014 - [P/N SAT-51880-1](https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/D6F5E43A965C049186257D510058BDA5.0001): Spring Pocket Rect. 5/8 opening. SuperiAire Technologies · PMA PQ1047SW · Replaces P/N 51880-1 · Sep 10, 2014 - [P/N SAT-52931](https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/C11ABC795019AC5086257D510058B50D.0001): Deflation Panel S55A/S57A/S60A Spring Top. SuperiAire Technologies · PMA PQ1047SW · Replaces P/N 52931 · Sep 10, 2014 - [P/N SAT-17989-01](https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/94BC9539C00962EF86257D510058B05E.0001): Skirt S55/57/60A 2 point mid-gore. SuperiAire Technologies · PMA PQ1047SW · Replaces P/N 17989-01 · Sep 10, 2014 - [P/N SAT-51880-2](https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/8C7CA2F43552825386257D510058BDCC.0001): Spring Pocket Rect. 7/8 opening. SuperiAire Technologies · PMA PQ1047SW · Replaces P/N 51880-2 · Sep 10, 2014 - [P/N SAT-52264-28](https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/7931CAADDAA7B86286257D510058BFFC.0001): Red Deflation Strap 26-ft.. SuperiAire Technologies · PMA PQ1047SW · Replaces P/N 52264-28 · Sep 10, 2014 - [P/N SAT-17989-02](https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/751833FA9C1AD07D86257D510058B086.0001): Skirt S55A/ S57A/S60A 4 point mid-gore. SuperiAire Technologies · PMA PQ1047SW · Replaces P/N 17989-02 · Sep 10, 2014 - [P/N SAT-51982-3](https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/6C0D837409D49B1286257D510058B41D.0001): Deflation Panel S55A Rip Top. SuperiAire Technologies · PMA PQ1047SW · Replaces P/N 51982-3 · Sep 10, 2014 - [P/N SAT-51880-5](https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/59CB9A82C9EEA8BB86257D510058BDF4.0001): Spring Pocket Back-up Rect.. SuperiAire Technologies · PMA PQ1047SW · Replaces P/N 51880-5 · Sep 10, 2014 - [P/N SAT-17989-04](https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/2D62862A54FCFB9986257D510058B0D6.0001): Skirt S55A/ S57A/S60A 2 point Forgecraft. SuperiAire Technologies · PMA PQ1047SW · Replaces P/N 17989-04 · Sep 10, 2014 - [P/N SAT-52264-14](https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/24389E4B4B11C6BF86257D510058BEE5.0001): Red Deflation Strap 89-ft.. SuperiAire Technologies · PMA PQ1047SW · Replaces P/N 52264-14 · Sep 10, 2014 - [P/N SAT 17989-03](https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/1B40813B2E0AD06B86257D510058B0AD.0001): Skirt S55A/ S57A/S60A 4 point Forgecraft. SuperiAire Technologies · PMA PQ1047SW · Replaces P/N 17989-03 · Sep 10, 2014 - [ARP52878](https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/10BA36B11835585586257BBA00482DD3.0001): Cable Set, 3PT, S-55A/S57A/ S57H/S60A Spec. Carabiner Steel (BW). Balloonacy ltd LLC · PMA PQ4173CE · Replaces 52878 · Jul 7, 2013 - [ARP52879](https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/08C8592584666EE786257BBA00482DD4.0001): Cable Set, 3PT, S-55A/S57A /S57H/S60A Spec.Carabiner/Kevlar (BW). Balloonacy ltd LLC · PMA PQ4173CE · Replaces 52879 · Jul 7, 2013 - [ARP52824-4](https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/F11B2CAC618093CD86257B080075B586.0001): Cable Pair B, 4 point, S55A/S57A/S60A, Caribiner/Kevlar Susp. Balloonacy ltd LLC · PMA PQ4173CE · Replaces 52824-4 · Jan 24, 2013 - [ARP52824-7](https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/CB2DD4C64F67F3D686257B080075B58E.0001): Cable Pair A, 4 point, S55A/S57A/S60A, Caribiner/Kevlar Susp. Balloonacy ltd LLC · PMA PQ4173CE · Replaces 52824-7 · Jan 24, 2013 - [ARP52824-5](https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/8C42457FB312DCEA86257B080075B589.0001): Cable Pair C, 4 point, S55A/S57A/S60A, Caribiner/Kevlar. Balloonacy ltd LLC · PMA PQ4173CE · Replaces 52824-5 · Jan 24, 2013 - [All parts noted on John Terry Master Drawing List TCC 001 as listed on Approved Model List SB00408LA](https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/2F62196899E6528D8525704D004C82BC.0001): Tank Cover. Terry Associates · Modification part · Nov 6, 2000 - [All parts noted on MDL TCC 001 as listed on AML No. SB00408LA](https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/C97689D806730C3A8525704D004C84D0.0001): Tank Cover. Terry Associates - Aerostatic Engineering · Modification part · Sep 2, 1997 - [RP102](https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/F371488C97739FA08525703F004DD35F.0001): Replacement Panel. Custom Nine Designs Inc · Replaces D-11813 Gores 1-24 Station 7.75 - 75.25 · Oct 5, 1994 - [Dwg 100-01](https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/1406C80067C79ECF8525703D006949BF.0001): Refueling Adaptor. Balloons Unlimited of Wis Inc · Modification part · Dec 12, 1993 ## The same model under other registry codes Amateur-built copies and renamed makers get their own codes. - [Raven S55A](https://openairdocs.org/model/raven-s55a): 57 registered aircraft, registry code 7480402 - [Aerostar International S-55A](https://openairdocs.org/model/aerostar-international-s-55a): 13 registered aircraft, registry code 7485002 - [Aerostar International RAVEN S-55A](https://openairdocs.org/model/aerostar-international-raven-s-55a): 10 registered aircraft, registry code 7485055 - [Franc Demontgolfieres Sarl S55A](https://openairdocs.org/model/franc-demontgolfieres-sarl-s55a): 0 registered aircraft, registry code 0561440 - [Sikorsky S-55A](https://openairdocs.org/model/sikorsky-s-55a): 0 registered aircraft, registry code 8141613 --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.